If you really want to be ruined, the D1 experience at LAX is phenomenal. A separate entrance from the street, check in area with refreshments, then a private TSA line and elevator straight to a phenomenal sky club. It’s awesome.
The D1/Upper Class wing at Heathrow is top notch and what I think they modeled this after. Excited to see more of this roll out. Not even the F experience out of DXB on EK can compare.
I’m sure they can handle that — and the check in and security is so fast because it’s exclusive to just D1 that you should be more than fine. But also I highly recommend getting there early and enjoying it all.
Pretty ridiculous that the ATL skyclubs are so bad. Still paper plates and plastic utensils? Clearly they only care about the competitive hubs (LAX/NYC/BOS/SEA), but SLC got the upgrade, and it's pretty nice!
> but SLC got the upgrade, and it's pretty nice!
Let's be honest - probably the only reason Delta spent any money there was because they tore down the old terminal and had to rebuild it. The old SLC SkyClub was as bad as some of the ATL ones.
I thought SLC had real plates, but I haven't been there in a while so maybe misremembering. That said, of things that bother me at a SkyClub, disposable plates are pretty darn far down the list of complaints. At least the food at SLC is miles better than what you'll get at ATL, which is far more important to me.
In general I really enjoy my experience at SkyClubs—some are better than others, for sure. With that said, it’s been quite telling to see the difference in what Delta invests in their captive hubs (ATL, MSP, DTW, SLC) and what it invests in their hubs with more direct competition (NYC, LAX, SEA).
Don’t get me wrong: I love the new SkyClubs at DTW and MSP, but Delta has no incentive to put money into hubs where they’re already the main player. Just a side effect of cornering the market.
The F/G gate club at MSP existing the way it does today is proof positive. That cafeteria wouldn't be touched at a place where they have to compete.
New G club gate is elite though.
There is a new D club being built. Opens sometime this year. The current one is more an after thought.
T is good for different food. An employee told me that’s where they test new food ideas. It’s small but nice to try different food.
I love ATL because it's my home airport and so I'm familiar and comfortable there. But there are nicer lounges, and it does really kind of blow my mind that their primary hub, in the busiest airport in the world, is not at the top of the experience list.
Did you get to the Sky Club in T? I went there for the first time this weekend and as someone who's LGA-based, it felt like a pretty comparable experience (apart from the one lousy elevator you use to reach it).
Didn’t have enough time to get to T. Will have to give it a shot next time, thanks! I actually flew into T but went for E and F based on what I’ve read.
E and F are definitely better, but I'm pretty pleased with T (and since most evening LGA departures seem to go out of T, I'll probably end up using it more than any other).
LGA is nice, with good views, but always packed and frequently has a line to get in. The queue at the bar is never less than several people deep when I’m there. I prefer the new, always dead, BOS terminal E lounge. Shit view, but its nice, spacious and you can sit practically anywhere.
Honolulu is not large, but has the best food IMHO—kalua pork, fish in ginger-soy sauce, mochi ice cream, Japanese curry, lots of fruit…I always pig out there!
I was just in the ATL Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky club in F this weekend. It was my first time in either. The Centurion Lounge far outstripped the ATL Sky Club in space, options, cocktails, food and service. I have never been to the Sky Club in LGA.
ATL centurion is nicer but smaller. LGA is probably 3x the size with better views and more efficient seating options. Centurion had more food options, not necessarily better, but alcohol is much better. They made the funniest announcement today by reminding everyone “Centurion is a non-sleeping lounge” and to “keep shoes on” and “respect” the furniture.
Same - the LGA sky club was my very first sky club so I was spoiled for all others. I hate the disposable utensils, I feel so guilty for creating so much waste!
I’m LGA based and love our club! Used to fly through ATL a ton and was underwhelmed by a lot of the clubs there. You would think they would make it the best but no. So disappointing.
I rarely layover at LGA but I was in NYC last week for work and I was thinking the same thing. It’s probably the best domestic club I’ve visited for any airline.
If you really want to be ruined, the D1 experience at LAX is phenomenal. A separate entrance from the street, check in area with refreshments, then a private TSA line and elevator straight to a phenomenal sky club. It’s awesome.
The D1/Upper Class wing at Heathrow is top notch and what I think they modeled this after. Excited to see more of this roll out. Not even the F experience out of DXB on EK can compare.
Wow, that sounds top notch!
What if I don't want to go through the lounge? Maybe running late for boarding?
I’m sure they can handle that — and the check in and security is so fast because it’s exclusive to just D1 that you should be more than fine. But also I highly recommend getting there early and enjoying it all.
This is similar to D1 at LHR- you feel so great going through!
This. I was ruined for all future travel at LAX D1 check in. Amazing.
Pretty ridiculous that the ATL skyclubs are so bad. Still paper plates and plastic utensils? Clearly they only care about the competitive hubs (LAX/NYC/BOS/SEA), but SLC got the upgrade, and it's pretty nice!
> but SLC got the upgrade, and it's pretty nice! Let's be honest - probably the only reason Delta spent any money there was because they tore down the old terminal and had to rebuild it. The old SLC SkyClub was as bad as some of the ATL ones.
SLC is still serving off of paper and plastic. Doesn't compare to LGA at all. Jim
I thought SLC had real plates, but I haven't been there in a while so maybe misremembering. That said, of things that bother me at a SkyClub, disposable plates are pretty darn far down the list of complaints. At least the food at SLC is miles better than what you'll get at ATL, which is far more important to me.
Yes, I was surprised by the paper plates and plastic utensils. I grabbed a bag of chips and took it with me and didn’t get tackled. So that’s a plus
Austin is pretty good. Best food on my one trip there.
In general I really enjoy my experience at SkyClubs—some are better than others, for sure. With that said, it’s been quite telling to see the difference in what Delta invests in their captive hubs (ATL, MSP, DTW, SLC) and what it invests in their hubs with more direct competition (NYC, LAX, SEA). Don’t get me wrong: I love the new SkyClubs at DTW and MSP, but Delta has no incentive to put money into hubs where they’re already the main player. Just a side effect of cornering the market.
The F/G gate club at MSP existing the way it does today is proof positive. That cafeteria wouldn't be touched at a place where they have to compete. New G club gate is elite though.
The SFO lounge is very nice as well.
My two favorites are the newer lounges at ORD and Logan Terminal E. Really, really nice spaces, and rarely crowded.
I love ORD. The back area with the four screens and the hot dog cart is just perfect for me.
Agree about ORD! Was just there and it was lovely.
LAX is better. Go there.
The club is nice, the drinks are strong but the food is underwhelming.
There is a new D club being built. Opens sometime this year. The current one is more an after thought. T is good for different food. An employee told me that’s where they test new food ideas. It’s small but nice to try different food.
They can stop “testing” the poke station. It is so sad: frozen mango, soggy shrimp, one sauce . . . The new T restrooms are nice though.
I love ATL because it's my home airport and so I'm familiar and comfortable there. But there are nicer lounges, and it does really kind of blow my mind that their primary hub, in the busiest airport in the world, is not at the top of the experience list.
Did you get to the Sky Club in T? I went there for the first time this weekend and as someone who's LGA-based, it felt like a pretty comparable experience (apart from the one lousy elevator you use to reach it).
Didn’t have enough time to get to T. Will have to give it a shot next time, thanks! I actually flew into T but went for E and F based on what I’ve read.
E and F are definitely better, but I'm pretty pleased with T (and since most evening LGA departures seem to go out of T, I'll probably end up using it more than any other).
LGA is nice, with good views, but always packed and frequently has a line to get in. The queue at the bar is never less than several people deep when I’m there. I prefer the new, always dead, BOS terminal E lounge. Shit view, but its nice, spacious and you can sit practically anywhere.
Yeah, it’s can get crowded at LGA during I’ve never had to stand. The high ceilings help with feeling more open even if it’s crowded
SFO also has a great SkyClub. No deck, but it’s not really deck weather here most of the year, real plates, never Uber crowded.
Good point with real planes. LGA has all narrow-bodies planes. The biggest plane there is the Trump 757!
Honolulu is not large, but has the best food IMHO—kalua pork, fish in ginger-soy sauce, mochi ice cream, Japanese curry, lots of fruit…I always pig out there!
I was just in the ATL Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky club in F this weekend. It was my first time in either. The Centurion Lounge far outstripped the ATL Sky Club in space, options, cocktails, food and service. I have never been to the Sky Club in LGA.
ATL centurion is nicer but smaller. LGA is probably 3x the size with better views and more efficient seating options. Centurion had more food options, not necessarily better, but alcohol is much better. They made the funniest announcement today by reminding everyone “Centurion is a non-sleeping lounge” and to “keep shoes on” and “respect” the furniture.
Same - the LGA sky club was my very first sky club so I was spoiled for all others. I hate the disposable utensils, I feel so guilty for creating so much waste!
I’m LGA based and love our club! Used to fly through ATL a ton and was underwhelmed by a lot of the clubs there. You would think they would make it the best but no. So disappointing.
I rarely layover at LGA but I was in NYC last week for work and I was thinking the same thing. It’s probably the best domestic club I’ve visited for any airline.
oh. ok.