If you’ve followed my recent posts, you’ll know that Gabe and I flew to Lisbon for a few days last month. Our decision was prompted by a flash sale at Delta Airlines: one that offered great deals on first-class seats (aka Delta One) if you paid with miles. Lucky for us, Gabe has amassed literally millions of them, making it an easy choice. All we had to do was choose a destination. As neither of us had been to Lisbon, we set our sights there.

Our mid-February trip coincided with the grand opening of the Delta One Lounge at JFK. It’s a significant upgrade from the typical Sky Club, which offers complimentary refreshments and WIFI, at airports nationwide. In fact, the very moment you step inside Terminal 4, you’re whisked away to a private area for check-in. We didn’t set foot in the terminal until we went to the gate for boarding!

That was my favorite part of the pampering: distance from the crowds and chaos. Even the TSA checkpoint is private, catering to Delta One passengers only. Once we had cleared security, we took the elevator to the second floor where a host greeted us and explained the layout of the lounge.

It had a spa, shower suites, business services, a bar and restaurant – even valet service to press your clothes! – everything and anything the discerning traveler might need. The overall décor reminded me of a ski chalet, albeit one with a super-hip, modern brasserie. FYI, Union Square Hospitality (Danny Meyer) and Restaurant Associates are the talent behind the food.

Speaking of which . . .

We’d been seated for just a minute when Mina approached our table, offering us a beverage. I gladly accepted a glass of Champagne from Charles de Cazanove, their Tête de Cuvée which is a blend of 45% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims, 38% Pinot Meunier from the Marne Valley, and 17% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Reserve wines comprise 35% of the blend. Kevin, a Burgundian who manages the restaurant’s wine program, graciously took a few minutes to explain his vision: high-quality wines from both celebrated and lesser-known regions that all wine lovers will enjoy. (He did mention that he hopes to add more wines from his birthplace!)

I was quite happy with my Champagne. A lively blend of citrus and apple flavors, with more red fruit on the nose, this sparkler was the perfect sip with my salad of Little Gem lettuce and seared branzino. Gabe opted for tuna crudo (which I looked at enviously) followed by a plate of day scallops in a mushroom cream sauce. All of it was delicious. And complimentary. (Reserve wines and spirits are available at additional cost.)

Note: If you’re hungry but don’t want the sit-down experience, head to the market/slash bakery, where you can pick up a sandwich, salad, or breakfast on the go.

Access to the Delta One Lounge (from the website)

Customers will be able to access the lounge if they are:

• Traveling with a same-day departing or arriving Delta One ticket (i.e., a ticket containing one or more flights operated by Delta including a seat assignment in the Delta One class of service in the direction of travel);
• Delta 360^o™ Members traveling to any destination with a same-day departing or arriving Delta First Class ticket; or
• Traveling on a same-day departing or connecting flight operated by the following Delta partners in their respective first and business class cabins specified below:
  • Air France La Premiere and Business Class (Long-Haul);
  • LATAM Premium Business Class;
  • KLM Business Class;
  • Korean Air First Class and Prestige Class; and
  • Virgin Atlantic Upper Class.

An Other-Worldly Airport Experience

Our trip to the Delta One Lounge made us forget we were in an airport (especially JFK!) From check-in to boarding time, every minute was stress-free and enjoyable. This was an extraordinary experience for Gabe and me, one that we truly appreciated. If we’re fortunate, perhaps one day we’ll have a chance to repeat it.

Well done, Delta!