Before you even reach the Delta One Lounge, you’re treated to a taste of the luxury that is to come. A separate check-in area is located on the right-hand side of the main arrivals level on Terminal 4. Automatic glass doors open and reveal a tranquil light-filled hallway, lined with potted fiddle leaf figs, a stark contrast from the chaos at the regular check-in desk. Here Elite Service agents check your bag in while you rehydrate on ice-cold cucumber-infused water and light refreshments like bite-size servings of Hamachi crudo and a Roquefort mousse tart. Once your bags are cleared and your passport is checked you’ll head to security. In the latter half of 2024 the check-in area will feature a private TSA screening lane for added exclusivity.

Located between Concourses A and B in Terminal 4 the Delta One Lounge is 3,600 square metres of pure luxury. From the moment you enter you very quickly forget you’re in transit. The lounge feels more like a lush hotel lobby with a stunning bar as a centrepiece. From Art Deco-inspired lighting fixtures, to gold leaf ceilings, chandeliers, rich fabrics and marble finishes, this is a no-expense-spared kind of space that calls on classic New York motifs from yesteryear. Depending on what guests feel they need they can curate their lounge experience accordingly. If you’re on the clock and need to get work done there are eight individual soundproof booths that are spacious and are equipped with all the necessary charging ports. Plus, you can borrow a second monitor if you fancy. Or if you’re happy to dine and work pull up a seat at any of the tables that are equipped with charging ports. Those looking to unwind before a long haul flight should head to the onsite spa (more on this later). And if you’re looking to catch some vitamin D head to the Terrace. An outdoor oasis overlooking the airfield that has a fully retractable roof is the perfect spot to decompress from the chaos that is an airport. With Delta always placing the convenience of the passenger first, each lounge space has its own mini bar cart that is serviced by a bartender so a refreshment is never out of arm’s reach no matter where you’re seated.

Passengers looking to refuel have come to the right place. Short on time? Make a beeline for the Market and Bakery for walk-up service. Here you can fill your plate with wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, salads, soup, desserts and small plates of cheese and cold cuts. If you’ve got a couple of hours before your flight or in transit, then be sure to make a reservation at the 140-seat Brasserie. Operating as an elevated sit-down restaurant within the lounge, here hungry passengers can indulge in a three-course meal that they can curate themselves. It’s not just a facade. The Brasserie doesn’t just look like a restaurant, the dishes are restaurant-worthy. Options include dishes such as Hamachi crudo, steak frites and NY cheesecake. The sprawling open kitchen, fitted with a grand marble pass, is situated at the far end and will trick you into thinking you’re dining on the Upper East Side rather than in an airport lounge.

Does travelling take a toll on your body? Book yourself into the Delta One Lounge spa. The Grown Alchemist Recovery Remedy treatment is the ultimate jet lag reviver that includes a shoulder, scalp and temple massage. In the wellness area there are also nine reservable relaxation pods with full-body massage chairs and nap chairs. Keep the zen vibes going in the Serenity Lounge where lamp lighting mimics light colours that affect the body’s circadian rhythms and helps get your body acclimated to the time zone that you’ll be landing in. If you’re in transit and keen to freshen up, hit the wellness showers. Each of the eight shower suites is equipped with a towel, bathrobe and slippers. Packed your beauty products in your checked-in luggage? Don’t fret it. Each suite includes a dental kit and floss, shaving kit, deodorant, comb/brush, feminine products and Grown Alchemist facial cleanser. The best bit? Leave your items inside the suite closet and a valet attendant will steam them and return them while you shower. Rehydrate after your treatment and shower at the Rejuvenation Bar where fruit and herb infused waters and juices can be found on tap.

Passengers who are Delta One ticket holders, Delta 360 members and travellers flying first or business with one of Delta’s partner airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Air France and KLM are able to access the new lounge at JFK.

Where some airlines choose to prioritise business travellers or leisure travellers, the Delta One Lounge caters to all types of travellers and exceeds in each category. Whether you’re looking to work, rejuvenate between flights, devour a freshly made meal, catch some shut eye or see some sun, this lounge manages to appease all needs while maintaining a high quality service in each, which has us wanting to check in again. For more information, or to book your next flight with Delta, visit delta.com