Delta Air Lines operates their largest hub at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. According to the airline over 600 daily Delta and Delta Connection flights operate out of the airport each day. In the airport there are over 9 Sky Clubs sprawled throughout the concourses. In concourse F is the largest Sky Club on the airport. Delta Sky Clubs have issues with overcrowding across the network and have faced criticism for its changes in lounge access policies. How does the Delta Sky Club in ATL concourse F stack up against the many other airline and credit card lounges across the globe?
Who can access the lounge?
Delta Air Lines had made modifications to their policy regarding who can access Delta Sky Clubs. Day passes are no longer available for purchase. Purchasing a yearly Delta Sky Club pass is only available for SkyMiles medallion members. Access into the Sky Club is available through many ways including:
- A lounge membership (available to Delta SkyMiles Medallion members only).
- A Delta One or Premium Cabin ticket.
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card holders.
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card holders ($50 for a guest to access lounge).
- Centurion and Platinum American Express Card holders.
- LATAM Black Signature, Black or Platinum LATAM Pass members.
- A Virgin Atlantic Business Class ticket.
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members.
- A WestJet Business Class ticket.
- WestJet Rewards Gold and Platinum members.
More information can be found by visiting Delta Air Lines website.
First impressions
Concourse F is accessible post security through an underground walkway or The Plane Train (automated people mover). Terminal F is furthest away from the domestic terminal and some Delta concourses, so it is best to plan accordingly with transit time to the departure gate. After ascending the escalator from the plane train is the main mezzanine. Escalators nearby lead to the upper level where the Sky Club is located. During this visit there was no line to enter. A large Delta branded opaque glass window and sliding door greet passengers to the lobby space. Agents were staffed at the desk checking passengers in. The process took only a few minutes. In this space are some chairs and a magazine rack with an assortment of complimentary magazines. The space had a basic yet modern design. Past the lobby is the main buffet area comprising of a full buffet, bar, and seating. To the right is a large open area with various types of seating options. There is a small upper level which has extra seating. One of the unique areas of the Sky Club is the outdoor Sky Deck offering views of the ramp and runways and some fresh air too. Currently Concourse F is the only terminal in ATL with a Sky Deck. Overall, the design of the lounge was simplistic yet follows the modern design as with the lobby area.
Buffet options
The buffet had a large selection of food and beverage options to choose from. Food options ranged everywhere from small sandwiches to ribs. There were more basic selections as well including salads and assorted cheeses. Near the main seating area of the lounge was a shrimp and grits station, however this area had no food. Instead, cookies were placed nearby. There is even a full-sized popcorn machine across from the buffet area with fresh popcorn ready to go. A walk-up bar is located nearby staffed with two bartenders. Soda and Coffee machines are located near the bar and buffet area as well. Compared to other lounges, including other Delta Sky Club visits, the food options here had a large and unique selection to choose from.
Lounge seating
During this visit the lounge was busy but not at full capacity. There was a good number of seats to choose from. There were tables and booths and some lounge chairs facing each other. High top tables by the rear of the Sky Club have plenty of stools and power outlets. The Sky Deck was empty during this visit as some thunderstorms just passed through making the furniture and flooring wet. On the deck are some lounge chairs, couches, and high-top tables. This is a great spot to get some fresh air and relax before a flight. Tables are large enough to open a laptop and eat at the same time. Lounge attendants were constantly removing dirty dishware from seats and tables.
Final boarding call
The Delta Sky Club in Atlanta Terminal F may not be the newest or fanciest of Sky Clubs out there, yet it excels in many areas. The staff working the lounge were exceptional greeting each passenger, having small conversations and did a great job at promptly clearing dirty items off the tables. The food offerings were some of the bests in terms of variety and taste. Instead of bland cookie cutter items such as mini sandwiches, the Sky Club offered unique selections that were flavorful and filling. Compared to other crowded lounges the layout of the Sky Club provided ample room for people to spread out. While the Sky Deck was partially unusable due to weather, the space provided a unique enclave away from the hustle and bustle of the main lounge area. While not the newest or fanciest, the space is well thought out and is a step above most lounges offering a relaxing experience away from the chaos of traveling.