Delta lounges: now with shoeshines, manicures, 'upgraded bagels'
By David Flynn, February 6 2014
Take the typical US domestic traveller into a Qantas or Virgin Australia airport lounge and they're usually knocked out by how good our lounges are when it comes to meals and drinks.
That 'lounge envy' may soon change, however, with Delta this month lauching a ten-week trial at selected Sky Club lounges in the USA to polish up its pre-flight services.
A revised menu will include pancakes and 'upgraded bagels' for breakfast, sandwiches and hot soups at lunch plus hors d’oeuvres, antipasti and desert choices in the evening.
if you're more in the mood for a nibble Delta will also be serving healthier snack options including energy bars, fresh fruit and smoothies.
But wait – there's more! Travellers can also look forward to free shoe shines, manicures and relaxing in-chair massages.
The trial will begin mid-February at 10 Sky Club lounges including Atlanta (at gate A17 and Concourse F), Detroit Central, LaGuardia's Terminal D, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Lounges at Miami, Indianapolis, Raleigh-Durham and Dallas-Fort Worth airports will see some but not all of these services through to late April.
At the end of the trial period Delta will collate feedback from comment cards, online surveys and 'in-Club interviews' with travellers to determine which of the new services will be rolled out to all Sky Club lounges.
"The items that receive the most positive customer reviews will be included as part of a product investment upgrade in Clubs this summer", the airline says.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
07 Jan 2014
Total posts 31
Can someone please explain the difference between a standard bagel and upgraded one?
04 Nov 2010
Total posts 670
That's easy, an upgraded bagel sits in business or first class.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
I cannot wait for the day that Delta customers complain of insufficient award bagels.
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
In the skyclub at LAX now. Pretty much the same as always. Except there were some bagles earlier. No toaster. There were some delta staff standing off to the side counting things and making comments on how they need to improve this or that. Everyone entering the lounge is given a pink card that asks you to rate the food and the lounge experience.
If you were expecting a large overhaul of the experience, you would be in for a disappointment.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
Could not come at a better time. Have three hours to kill in the LA skyclub on monday. Was not looking forward to the usual ranch dip and cheese.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
I wonder if this will encourage improvements with Admiral and United lounges?
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