Delta Air Lines has just started welcoming guests at an exclusive new check-in facility at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is part of the carrier’s investment in the airport.
Delta’s new premium check-in facility at LAX
Delta’s new premium check-in facility at LAX is located on the arrivals level of Terminal 3. It’s interesting that this facility is located on the arrivals level rather than the departures level, but I suppose there’s often less traffic on the lower roadway, so that could turn out to be an advantage, depending on the time of day (though I suspect the real reason it was built there was due to available space).
Often there’s not much value to premium check-in facilities unless you’re checking bags, but this is one that eligible travelers will want to check out.
For those who actually need to see an agent, the check-in facility is staffed by elite services check-in agents. There’s also a sitting area with refreshing towels, light food, and beverages available.
For those who just want to breeze through security, this facility has a private TSA screening lane, offering direct access to the Delta Sky Club®.
The check-in area also has artwork from two local artists, in partnership with ArtLifting, a social enterprise that “champions artists impacted by disability and housing insecurity.”
This is the only dedicated Delta One check-in facility that Delta has anywhere. Admittedly that’s probably at least in part because LAX is actually a competitive airport, unlike so many of Delta’s other hubs, including ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, etc., where the airline doesn’t really have to try.
This isn’t the first time that there has been a Delta One check-in facility at LAX, as I also remember using one nearly a decade ago. However, that was eliminated years ago, and also wasn’t as impressive as this new facility.
Who is eligible to use the Delta One check-in facility at LAX?
Delta One is the name of Delta’s “premium” business class, to differentiate it from domestic first class or short haul international business class. So, who is eligible to use the Delta One check-in facility at LAX?
- All Delta 360 members (which is Delta’s invitation-only status), regardless of where they’re flying, or in what cabin
- Anyone traveling on a same day Delta One ticket, whether directly from LAX, or from another airport via a connection; this would include those traveling nonstop to New York (JFK) in business class, as well as anyone on a same day long haul Delta business class ticket
- Anyone traveling on a same day SkyTeam first or business class ticket on a transoceanic route
This looks great, but…
This is probably the most impressive airline check-in facility you’ll find anywhere in the United States. I can’t think of another check-in facility that offers food and drinks, has a private TSA checkpoint, and offers direct access to the lounge. This even puts to shame American’s Flagship First Check-In at LAX, which is intended to be more exclusive (since it’s not open to standard long haul business class passengers).
The catch is that the experience quickly goes downhill once you get through security. While the new Delta Sky Club LAX looks great, it’s pretty consistently at capacity. My dad recently used it prior to a flight, and had to wait at the door for nearly an hour. And of course once you actually get into the lounge, it’s more crowded than many gate areas.
Delta is in the process of opening Delta One Lounges at JFK and LAX, and they’re expected to open in 2024. Then we’ll finally see an elevated lounge experience for those who are in business class, rather than just anyone with a premium credit card.
I’d say that for the time being, that’s a pretty significant disadvantage compared to the lounges offered by competitors, including American Flagship Lounges and United Polaris Lounges.
Bottom line
A new Delta One check-in facility has opened at LAX. It’s located on the arrivals level of Terminal 3, and offers a space to grab a snack and drink, a private TSA checkpoint, and direct access to the Delta Sky Club®.
This sounds to me like the most impressive airline check-in facility you’ll find at any airport in the United States, so well done Delta. It’s just a shame that it’ll likely be another year or more before the Delta One Lounge LAX opens.
What do you make of the new Delta One check-in facility at LAX?
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