The Delta One lounge at JFK is the nicest airport lounge in the United States. Period.

This isn't just another airline lounge with free snacks and WiFi. It's a legitimate dining and wellness destination that happens to be located airside at Terminal 4.

Most travelers don't even know this place exists. Delta keeps it relatively quiet, and access is limited to their premium passengers. But if you can get in, you're in for something special.

I've visited twice now and spent hours exploring every corner of this 11-space facility. Here's what you need to know about access, timing, and what makes this lounge worth seeking out.

Hours

The lounge is open daily from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM at JFK.

Peak times hit in the late afternoon and early evening. Most Delta One flights to Europe depart around then, so expect crowds.

Your best bet for a quieter experience is mornings or after 8:00 PM. Once those European flights take off around 9:00 PM, things calm down significantly.

Access Policy

You need a same-day Delta One ticket to access this lounge. That includes departing, connecting, or arriving flights marketed as "Delta One" or partner business class. No guests allowed with this type of access.

Delta 360 members get in when flying same-day Delta First Class. They can bring immediate family or buy guest passes for non-family members at $100 each (maximum two people).

Some partner business class tickets work too. Air France La Premiere and long-haul Business, LATAM Premium Business, KLM Business, Korean Air First and Prestige, and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class all qualify.

Here's the catch with Air France and Korean Air though. They operate from Terminal 1 at JFK. If you want to use the Delta One Lounge, you'll need to take the landside train between terminals and go through security again. There's no airside connection between terminals at JFK.

Delta One passengers on premium transcontinental routes get access too. Think LAX and SFO routes specifically.

Service

The service at the Delta One lounge at JFK is top-notch. While it might not match some international first class lounges, it's still impressive.

Delta doesn't actually run this lounge themselves. Their partners handle operations but maintain Delta's high standards throughout.

The staff really pays attention to details. During dining, servers regularly check in to see how everything tastes and if you need anything else.

One nice touch is the luggage storage service. You can check your carry-on bags before entering the lounge. This means you can roam around freely without dragging your stuff everywhere.

The Spaces

The Delta One lounge features 11 unique spaces and amenities spread throughout.

Concierge

Having flight issues? The concierge desk has some of the best Delta agents in the airport. They can help rebook you if your flight gets delayed or cancelled.

Fireplace Lounge

The fireplace lounge is exactly what it sounds like. Cozy couches with Missoni pillows create a perfect spot to sip bourbon before your flight. Those pillows aren't souvenirs though.

Icon Bar

Connected to the Fireplace Lounge is the Icon Bar. It's inspired by Radio City Music Hall and serves elevated cocktails plus complimentary wines like Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc. Premium spirits and wines cost extra but you can pay with cash or miles.

Throughout the lounge, you'll spot beverage carts too. These upscale versions of airplane carts serve prosecco over ice, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options like sparkling water.

Brasserie

This is the main event. The 140-seat restaurant serves a three-course menu inspired by New York City, created by Danny Meyer from Union Square Hospitality Group. His restaurant group owns two Michelin-starred restaurants: Gramercy Tavern and The Modern.

The Brasserie is a nut-free facility, which is great for travelers with allergies. You can sit at regular tables or try the chef's counter to skip any wait.

The menu changes seasonally. During my visit, they switched from spring to summer offerings and asked for feedback on the new dishes. I ate here twice during my stay and tried the Black Angus Petite Prime Steak and Vanilla White Chocolate Soufflé. Portions are smaller, so ordering multiple dishes is encouraged.

Market & Bakery

This is the grab-and-go section where you can take whatever you want whenever you want it. They share a kitchen with the Brasserie, so the quality stays high.

There's a soup and salad station, dessert station, and wood-fired station. All serve solid food options.

Business Lounge

This quiet alcove next to the Market has a large communal table, individual tables, and private phone booths for calls or meetings.

They loan out portable espresso displays for the day. If you see one available, it's yours to use.

Additional phone booths are scattered on the other side of the lounge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Terrace

The Terrace is an elevated version of the SkyDecks you'll find at neighboring Delta SkyClubs. This one is significantly larger with tinted windows that have circular dots in them. Those dots make photographing the apron pretty difficult.

Every time I've visited, the retractable roof stays closed regardless of weather. The runway-facing windows have a blue tint that creates strange ambiance, but it's still a nice spot to spend time.

Servers come around to take orders. There's tons of greenery throughout the space.

Rejuvenation Bar

This spot serves wellness drinks from taps, including special rejuvenating teas. There's a large seating area right next to the Wellness rooms.

Serenity Lounge

Located on the other side of the rejuvenation bar, this quiet space features mood lighting. It's designed for relaxing and unwinding before your flight.

Wellness Rooms

There's one wellness room with multiple curtained areas inside. Some have nap pods, others have massage chairs, and some offer spaces for complimentary massage treatments.

Shower Suites

These are some of the nicest and most spacious shower suites in any lounge worldwide. Each features a rainfall shower with Delta-colored tile, a toilet, and a slide-out wardrobe.

Here's the cool part: put clothes in the wardrobe before showering and they'll come back steamed and pressed by the time you're done. Just tell the shower attendant first, then put your clothes in the compartment. You'll hear two knocks before they retrieve them through a back door.

You can request amenities before using the shower: dental kit, floss, shaving kit, deodorant, feminine products, comb, and Grown Alchemist facial cleanser. Inside, you'll find the same Grown Alchemist products used throughout Delta's global SkyClubs.

The Bottom Line

The Delta One lounge at JFK sets a new standard for what airport lounges can be. It's not just a place to wait for your flight anymore.

Sure, you need a premium ticket to get in. And yes, it can get crowded during European departure times. But the combination of exceptional dining, wellness amenities, and thoughtful service makes it worth planning around.

If you're flying Delta One or have status that gets you access, build extra time into your JFK experience. This isn't a lounge you rush through. It's one you actually want to spend time in.

The bar has been set pretty high for other US lounges. Delta and their operating partners have created something that finally competes with the best international first class lounges. About time.