I’m enjoying my fruit and cream croissant and bloom tea while aircraft spotting when someone walks up to me and says that my ride (a black Porsche Cayenne) is waiting downstairs.
All of this would add up to “my fanciest hotel breakfast experiences” list — only I’m not in a hotel. I’m at the newly opened Delta One Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
And that black beauty is waiting to whisk me across the tarmac. Yes, directly to the plane where I’d be permitted to board early via a staircase up to the jet bridge before anyone else does!
A seamless way to fly
On a recent trip to the US, I got to experience what it feels like to be a Delta One ticketholder — pre-departure. Oh boy! Delta sure pulls out all the stops when it comes to providing luxury services for its most loyal customers,
My Delta One experience begins just outside the lower-level baggage claim area at LAX Terminal 3.
“This special entrance is reserved for travelers confirmed on tickets marketed as Delta One,” says Austin Otagburuagu, operations service manager, Premium Service, Sky Club & Elite Service.
The honking horns on Terminal 3 arrivals’ curb fade as soon as we walk through the sliding doors where the check-in counter is located.
A charming lady named Promise greets guests at the lobby with a tray of drinks — still and sparkling water, and cold-pressed juices, and vitality shots— as our boarding passes are sorted. One can also enjoy coffee, tea, or wine at the fully-stocked snack bar. On the menu are Mixed Berry Tart and Truffle Deviled Eggs.
Delta One’s check-in counter and the lobby look more like that of a luxury hotel. Fresh flowers and a colorful artwork, titled “Butterfly of the Mountains” by Alicia Sterling Beach, add up to the space’s luxurious feel.
From there, Austin leads me to Delta’s own private Transportation Security Agency (TSA) checkpoint. Here, I’m not required to take out my laptop and electronic gadgets. Everything stays inside the bag. The best part? I got through the entire check-in process in less than five minutes! There’s also a flight board for those who want to check the status of their flights.
“The Delta One check-in was established in June 1, 2023,” notes Austin as we take the lift to the fourth floor — the Delta One Lounge — where the magic happens.
Lounge act
Opened in October 2024, The Delta One Lounge has tight entry restrictions. Unlike most airline lounges, you can’t purchase a Delta One Lounge membership, or gain access through any of the airline’s co-branded credit cards.
Access is granted to ticket holders of Delta One, the airline’s highest seating class on international flights.
“This includes a wide range of long-haul international routes, plus select premium transcontinental tickets,” says Austin.
It’s also available to invitation-only Delta 360 members when flying on a domestic-style Delta First Class ticket. While access is exclusive, everything’s free once you’re inside the Delta One Lounge.
Ready, set, enjoy!
From the check-in counter all the way to the lounge, you’ll find thoughtfully curated pieces of modern art done by local and foreign artists. There’s “Field of Mirrors” by Constant Dullaart, a large PVA installation with SIM cards mounted on a mirror.
“The SIM cards represent those who lost their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic,” shares Austin.
The lounge is divided into seven segments — the Wellness Area, Living Room, Library, Bar, Dining Room, Terrace, and the Atrium.
The Zen-like Wellness Area is where one can unwind and recharge.The space features curtained pods with either traditional massage chairs or zero-gravity recliners. The soothing scent of SVA’s organic eucalyptus oil contributes to a restful spell. You can also sample Grown Alchemist skincare products, like the hand cream and skin renewal day cream, available on a tray within the space. There’s also a counter that offers infused water.
Here, it’s easy to forget you’re right in the heart of one of the country’s busiest international airports.
“Customers would spend an hour here before their flight,” says Austin.
The Living Room is the perfect spot for travelers who need to get some work done. Espresso Displays, the world’s thinnest touchscreen portable monitor, are available to help you expand your workspace and work. There are also a bevy of outlets and type C charging ports to help you stay connected.
“The Library is more secluded, a little bit intimate,” discloses Austin. “It features artworks and memorabilia from all over the globe.”
Vibrant Missoni design elements are found at the Library and the Skydeck, a reflection of Delta’s partnership with the iconic Italian fashion house.
The Bar area is huge! It overlooks additional tables where you can sit down to enjoy “Destination Libations,” a variety of cocktails alluding to some of Delta’s top destinations from the Southern California hub.
Located just beyond the bar is the Dining Room. Here, as with the other segments, it’s exclusively table service.
The a la carte menu offers Hamachi Crudo (sushi), Wild Mushroom Pizza, Dungenese Crab Conchingle and Truffle Parsnip Soup, among others. The food is delicious, a cut above the usual airport fare.
The Atrium is where you can have breakfast or lunch with a view (of the tarmac). It’s a bit closer to the sushi bar and the dessert station.
“The entire lounge is a full-service restaurant. You can sit anywhere you like. Once you’re seated, the waitstaff will come up to you and take care of your needs,” enthuses Austin.
Why it’s ‘the one’
Apart from all the top-notch amenities and service, what makes the Delta One Lounge special for me is that it’s got accessibility features, like it’s PWD-friendly. The aisles are wide enough not only for wheelchair-bound customers but also senior travelers to go around. It also has a nursing room, a PWD room with an electric bed for those who need to change, and take a shower safely. Even the sink is lowered for wheelchair-bound customers.
Delta One Lounge addresses just about every imaginable whim and need a traveler might have. Now, I know why it’s the (Delta) one!
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Delta’s LAX Extended Range Porsche Pickup and Drop-off service can be booked for US$850 for up to three people.
For inquiries, email VIPSelectXRLAX@delta.com.
For Delta One flight bookings, call 8841-0101.