Major reason why travellers will want their next flight to be delayed: 'A new standard'

If I were to ask you to think of a typical airport experience, what would come to mind? Frustrating delays, long queues, overpriced (and poor quality) food and coffee, lost bags and just general discomfort, I’m guessing - unless you have been exceptionally lucky.

Yep, the pandemic had us missing the freedom to fly to new or familiar places, but we certainly did not miss the inconveniences that come with modern travel. Sadly, all of them are now back with a vengeance including every traveller’s nightmare - being squished into one of those supremely uncomfortable seats in an airport waiting area, fighting boredom as your flight is pushed back again and again.

Perhaps, however, the times are changing as airlines remember the value of a great customer experience. With this in mind, US airline Delta has opened the luxury Delta One lounge at JFK Airport in New York, making the journey just as good as the destination - and that is saying something because the Big Apple is one hell of a destination!

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Claude Roussel, Vice President of Delta Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience, told Yahoo Lifestyle: "Delta flies the highest number of international Delta One seats out of JFK, so it made sense for JFK to house our first and largest Delta One Lounge. We wanted the Delta One Lounge to be a destination unto itself, where guests can curate their own lounge journey and enjoy a new standard of elevated service from the moment they walk through the door.”

Is Delta One business class?

Technically, yes although I would argue that it's better than business! From the sumptuous food options available to the world-class art on display, spa services, and amenities such as shoe polishing and suit steam-cleaning, there is certainly no shortage of things to keep you occupied as you wait for your flight out of JFK.

There are several different lounge areas you can choose from depending on whether you want to work in peace or catch up on the news on the big screen. You can opt to grab a fresh juice from the on-tap juice bar or go for a more decadent choice of champagne or a crafted cocktail. If you don’t fancy being cooped up inside before a long flight, you can choose to while away the time on the open-air deck.

And, those pesky airport lines? Not a problem here, as Delta One members receive personalised attention from the get-go thanks to a private check-in area complete with snacks and drinks.

“We're proud to offer our customers this experience—and so far, the reception has been enthusiastic,” says Roussel.

Who can use the Delta One Lounge?

The lounge is available to Delta One ticket holders, Delta 360 members and travellers flying first or business in one of Delta's partner airlines such as KLM, Air France or Virgin Atlantic.

If you're travelling with someone who isn't a Delta 360 member, you can opt to pay for them to join you in the lounge (go on - be a pal!).

Eligible Delta 360 members traveling in Delta One or Delta First Class can also bring their immediate family (spouse/domestic partner and children under the age of 21), or up to 2 companion guests, for an entry fee of $100 (or 10,000 miles) per person.

Reasons to fly Delta One to or from New York

Of course, you’re not heading all the way to New York just to see the Delta One lounge (although we wouldn’t blame you if you did) - and I am happy to report that the city I was once lucky enough to call home is truly back and better than ever after being the devastating epicentre of the pandemic.

Gone are the barren streets that confronted us in the media back in 2020, replaced with the scenes we have come to love and know from our favourite NYC movies and TV shows. The desolate photos of Times Square that were so jarring four years ago have happily been replaced with images of packed Broadway shows and restaurants (a recent trip to Cuban eatery Victor's Cafe in the theatre district was a fabulous reminder that New York is back, baby!). Meanwhile, bustling streets, crowded subways and a thriving restaurant and museum scene are just a few of the signs that the city that never sleeps is back to its insomniac self.

In fact, according to NYC Tourism and Conventions, the city welcomed 62.2 million visitors in 2023 with that number expected to grow to 64.8 million visitors in 2024. The 2025 forecast is for 68.1 million visitors, with international visitation expected to increase by 10.7%.

“I think that NYC will always and continue to be a preferred vacation destination based on the diversity that is offered in the city in terms of activity,” Christina Batalias from Boro Hotel in Long Island City told Yahoo Lifestyle. “There is something for everyone - between the culture and culinary experiences, which is only a small fraction of what NYC has to offer, it's enough to continuously draw people to New York City.”

Do you get a suite on Delta One?

While for me, personally, the draw to New York has been lifelong, the Delta One experience does make the 20+ hour journey far more palatable.

That experience, by the way, continues once you are on board with a phenomenal menu, a lie-flat bed (complete with mattress topper for extra comfort) luxury bath products and your own suite that one social media user described as “like flying in your own private apartment."

I definitely found that I landed back in Sydney after a whirlwind trip completely refreshed and jetlag-free thanks to the glorious comforts provided during the flight. My one regret is that I couldn't spend more of the flight awake in order to enjoy them (damn me for choosing the responsible option!).

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So if you have a holiday to the greatest city in the world on your travel bucket list for 2024 or 2025 - there's never been a better time to go. And, if you're flying with Delta One, believe us when we say you'll be praying for your flight to be delayed so you can hang out in the lounge a little longer.

Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Delta Air Lines and NYC Tourism and Conventions.

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