Jerry S.
Yelp
Having recently frequented both the Delta One lounge at JFK and the one at LAX, I feel qualified to make a controversial judgement call. Despite all the hype the larger JFK lounge gets, the LAX lounge is the superior lounge. Fight me...
Firstly, the private check-in experience at LAX is incredible. It was so quick and seamless that I was forced to throw away the water I grabbed (honestly just to grab something) because we were already through check in and I had to go through security. 37 seconds later, I'm grabbing my things and heading up the elevators to the two week old delta one lounge.
The lounge itself is stunning. It is incredibly well-appointed with beautiful furniture and vibey lighting, making it the ideal place to relax before a long flight. The service is exceptional, characterized by hushed tones and rapt attention. They do a good job at making you feel like a true VIP.
The highlight was undoubtedly the restaurant. The food was delicious. 100 points to Delta for bringing decent sushi to the lounge experience. I enjoyed a handroll, a California roll, street corn pizza, and orange madeleines. Odd pairing but it made sense at the time. Everything was great. Given that I usually don't eat on planes, it was the perfect pre-departure meal.
Also, the bathrooms. It cannot be overstated how great it is to have a private, beautiful space to do your business. The bathrooms are essentially individual suites, adorned with so much marble, felt more akin to a Roman monument than an airport terminal. In this regard, LAX edges out JFK, which, while offering fully enclosed stalls, cannot compare to the privacy and elegance of a personal bathroom suite.
I spent the rest of my time before the flight enjoying a fantastic mocktail on the terrace, watching planes take off. Suffice it to say, this is my favorite U.S. lounge and arguably the best lounge in America. Such a great experience. To draw upon the sentiment of TK California, Delta forever, goodbye!