This really cracks me up. The crowding is apparently so bad at the Terminal 4 Delta SkyClub in New York (JFK) that passengers are being fed while waiting in line to get in.
Delta Feeding Passengers As They Brave Long Lines To Enter Delta SkyClub Lounge (Hilarious Crowding…)
As usual, the lines to get into the Terminal 4 Delta SkyClub at JFK are horrible:
Wowza – just leaving but this is the current line to get into the @delta #SkyClub at JFK. pic.twitter.com/33eNx56zi4
— Jonathan Jacobs (@JonEJacobs) September 2, 2022
But this caught my eye…apparently Delta is bringing snacks outside the club while people are waiting.
I had a similar experience on Sunday. It moved pretty quickly though, and they brought some snacks from the club while we were waiting. I was surprised how easy it was to find a seat once I got inside tbh
— Zach Wichter (@zlwichter) September 2, 2022
I’m not so sure that’s a great idea since it might encourage even more people to get in line, including some who will indulge in the snacks knowing they will be turned away when they reach the front of the line. It seems like almost every time I use an airport lounge I see people being turned away. Airlines like Delta should do a better job of having a “line monitor” letting people know that domestic first class tickets or American Express Gold cards do not include lounge access.
There is no ultimate end in sight to this lounge crowding, as both Delta and American Express continue to market co-branded cards that come with lounge access and of course, the American Express Platinum card also comes with SkyClub access when flying on Delta.
The good news for crowding is that after Labor Day we should see a drop in travel, which will result in fewer travelers at airports across the nation. Flights might not feel any different because carriers will offer reduced schedules during the winter season, but I do not expect airports and lounges to be quite as crowded.
That said, the bottlenecks will continue at certain lounges, like the JFK SkyClub in Terminal 4. This daily occurrence of long lines is a clear sign that Delta must find more to expand its lounge operations.
CONCLUSION
Poor Delta, poor us…the lounge crowding is so bad that apparently, the airline is feeding passengers while they are waiting to get in! As we enter the shoulder season, let’s hope this problem becomes less prevalent. But if you’re looking for a “free” snack at JFK, well…
(image: @JonEJacobs / Twitter // H/T: View From The Wing)
How stupid do American Express Delta Reserve cardholders feel paying $550 a year for this? Reports of the line being 10 deep on the Delta 360 member side. Imagine being Concierge Key and having to stand in line to get in an Admirals Club. AA might have serious issues but that would NEVER happen.
Delta makes the most off of their relationship with amex when compared to AA/citi other UA/chase and here is one way we can see how they do that. Essentially selling lounge access to amex for their platinum card knowing they don’t have the capacity to handle it.
Very tongue in cheek take. I love it!
Yup saw the line turn around and went to Virgin Clubhouse instead – was beautifully quiet and great food.
My lounge of choice as well.
Do they also allow SkyTeam E+?
Virgin Clubhouse is also a Premium Plaza, which means Venture X holders can also get in.
And then a couple of Priority Pass lounges.
Plenty of choices
No access for E+, would’ve been a disaster if those flying AFKL from Heathrow were allowed to use the Clubhouse.
Depends where you fly. Wasn’t 10 of us in the AA lounge in Austin this week at any one time over 3 hours. Great service and very clean with almost as many employees as guests.
AUS ain’t JFK dude.
Of course tier 2 cities clubs are going to be less crowded than hubs!
My point exactly, why fly through those places unless you have to because you are some “important” person that needs to get to shithole countries around the world? Plenty of great American airports to travel through to visit American cities.
Anyone who stands in a line like that needs their head examined. To get some shitty snacks and a “free” well liquor. Easier to spend money at a bar or restaurant in the airport and shit in a public toilet.
People overthink their importance way too much.
Funny that the delta is the symbol for change in science. I’d change my airline.
Nobody goes to the skyclub anymore, it’s too crowded
Long line TERM D Atl last week on a Monday -we were turned away.Ten minutes later no line but not time to spend!!!!
I don’t get it, why bother to line up when it’s so busy? Just not worth it.
Laughing at people’s misery Matthew?
I’m disappointed in you…..
I got my New United credit card and I appreciate the free bag on each flight. But going to the Lounge club (pass), and eating junk food and snacks, sorry but I don’t want to miss my flight.
Regarding the free snacks for people just getting in line… I actually don’t mind this in that even if this cost is coming out of Delta lounge’s pocket, it’s a goodwill gesture that will make people happier and better to travel with.
Imagine how many of these air rage incidents could have been avoided if everyone was given a free/cheap snack and drink and opportunity to be at peace.