Delta’s new Sky Club airport lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Leslie Josephs/CNBC
Delta Airlines“Popular airport lounges are getting a more exclusive level as part of the airline’s latest push to appeal to big-spending travelers.
The first “premium” lounge is scheduled to open in June at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and will be the airline’s largest lounge at 38,000 square feet, Delta said Thursday. Additional high-end Delta lounges will open in Boston and Los Angeles later this year.
Delta has expanded its network of Sky Clubs in recent years to serve throngs of travelers as more people gain access through memberships, flight status, credit card benefits or flying in a premium cabin. Last year, Delta announced it would restrict access to its lounges in the coming years, but toned down some changes after an uproar from customers.
The new strategy shows Delta moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to its airport travelers. The airline joins United Airlineswhich operates Polaris Lounges, and American Airlines‘, which features flagship lounges and standard airport clubs.
Delta did not disclose entry requirements for the new lounges. It said the JFK location will feature a full-service restaurant and “wellness” areas.
Delta also said it plans to open standard sky clubs in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a new location in Seattle later this year. The airline plans to expand clubs in Miami and New York LaGuardia.
The new clubs come as Delta focuses on the increasing importance of passengers flying to the front of the plane. The airline said “premium” revenue from business class, or premium economy, tickets rose 26% last year, generating $19.1 billion in revenue, while revenue from main cabin tickets fell by rose 20% to $24.5 billion.
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2024-02-09 20:20:45
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