Delta set to open two new lounges at JFK's T4: one will be dedicated to business passengers
American airlines are increasingly grappling with a problem of lounge overcrowding. Too many elite passengers (partly because of [...]
Delta
SkyTeam
JFK
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American companies are increasingly grappling with a problem of lounge overcrowding. Too many elite passengers (also because of the pandemic) and too many customers who thanks to lucrative deals with credit cards line up, with friends and relatives, to enter airport lounges.
In recent months Delta has announced many changes. The first, the one that made the most noise, was The announcement that effectively excluded "poor" passengers on domestic flights from lounges Without a business class ticket or an airline credit card. Elite status in the Skymiles program was, on balance, devalued eliminating this benefit from passengers flying short/medium haul in economy.
Recently, then, the world's largest company Has banned employees from using Skyclubs, which to date is allowed compared to what happens in Europe where you hardly see uniformed personnel in airline lounges.
All of this has not solved the queuing problem, so the carrier continues in the expansion of lounges at the busiest airports. The new Skyclub in Los Angeles is beautiful and soon JFK Terminal 4, by far the busiest terminal on the East Coast, will also be upgraded.
Farewell to Terminal 2
In recent days the U.S. carrier moved the last flights from T2 to T4: now all flights will be operated from the terminal that has always been Delta's home in New York. Demolition work on the structure will begin any day now, and in its place will rise the new Terminal 1, a billion-dollar makeover to be completed around 2030.
Improvements to T4
I have often passed by T4, the last time when I tried KLM's new premium economy. Of all the terminals at JFK, it is the one that has the best lounges overall, and Delta's is not on the podium of the best, far from it. Delta's $1.5 billion expansion project at New York-JFK began only 13 months ago. The shift of flights from T2 coincided with the opening of 10 new gates now open in Concourse A.
Also renovated is the check-in and baggage drop-off area. The expansion of Concourse B, expected to be completed by early fall 2023, will include 28 gates capable of accommodating various types of aircraft, an expanded security checkpoint, and a baggage claim area and new restrooms.
The new lounges
There are two Delta Sky Clubs that will be opened inside the terminal and will be in addition to the one currently present. The first lounge will open in Pier A of T4 by summer, with a seating capacity of more than 200. In anticipation of the new opening, the company has opened a Delta Sky Club Express, which offers limited seating and beverage service along with quick take-out options.
The biggest change, however, will come in early 2024, Delta will open the first Sky Club dedicated exclusively to business class passengers. the Delta One club will be the first of a likely expansion of lounges on the American carrier. Just as American with Flagship lounges and United with Polaris Clubs, Delta will also have a product for the exclusive use of premium passengers.
Singular, however, that the choice is opposite to what, for example, Lufthansa and British do, which reward status holders over "mere" business passengers by offering them better lounges and better service.
In conclusion
Terminal 4 at JFK will become even more beautiful. However, I have no idea if this will coincide with a better experience in the company's lounges. We will see.
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