Get a first look at Delta's newest Sky Club at New York's JFK airport

Delta Air Lines has been investing heavily in modernizing and expanding its network of Sky Club airport lounges. The airline has been opening new lounges and renovating existing lounges across the nation.

On Tuesday, July 25, Delta opened its doors to a brand-new lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). The opening comes a few months after the Atlanta-based carrier consolidated its operations to Terminal 4 and is its second full-fledged lounge in the terminal.

With seating for more than 250 guests across nearly 14,000 square feet, the new Concourse A outpost should help alleviate the overcrowding issues that frequent travelers experienced at the Concourse B Sky Club. Additionally, the airline is still planning to open a business-class-only Delta One lounge at JFK in 2024.

Below, CNBC Select shares a first look at the new space and explains how you can get access to Delta lounges.

The new Delta Sky Club® is located in Concourse A of JFK's Terminal 4, near gate A7. It is open from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. In addition to Delta, the terminal is home to a number of SkyTeam partner airlines, such as AeroMexico, LATAM and Virgin Atlantic.

After checking in at either one of the self-serve kiosks or with an agent, you'll be directed up the escalator or stairs to the lounge itself. Guests are then greeted by a light-filled space that feels modern and sophisticated.

The ambiance is warm and inviting. The rich color scheme — shiny golds, deep blues and calming grays — and variety of upscale textures and materials help make the lounge feel more like a high-end hotel lobby than an airport holding room.

The lounge offers a range of comfortable seating options, including armchairs and sofas to relax, tables and chairs to work and high-top seating ideal for enjoying a pre-flight refreshment. Together with the Concourse B Sky Club, Delta's two lounges can now accommodate over 800 guests simultaneously at JFK.

The centerpiece of the lounge is a grand 360-degree bar — a first for the Sky Club network. Guests can order a range of complimentary beers, wines and spirits or splurge on a menu of premium drinks, including some notable Champagnes like Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame for $249 or 16,600 Delta SkyMiles per bottle and Moët & Chandon Impérial for $99 or 6,600 SkyMiles per bottle.

Another notable feature of the lounge is the Sky Deck. The covered outdoor terrace offers sweeping views of the tarmac and is heated, allowing for year-round access.

Other amenities include four soundproof Framery phone booths, including one that is wheelchair accessible, which are perfect for video conferencing. But even if you choose to work from elsewhere in the lounge, you'll still have access to fast Wi-Fi and most seats have built-in power outlets, as well as USB-A and USB-C power ports.

There is also a dedicated customer service desk to assist guests during irregular operations. Unfortunately, there are no showers, but Claude Roussel, Managing Director of Delta Sky Clubs, tells CNBC Select that's because this concourse primarily serves domestic flights.

Guests will also notice nods to New York City and its history throughout the lounge. For instance, the artwork was curated by local artists and there's a tucked-away seating area to evoke the feeling of a classic speakeasy.

As a part of its Local Flavor program, Delta partnered with Elyssa Heller, founder and CEO of Edith's Eatery & Grocery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to showcase some signature dishes like brisket hash sandwiches, labneh parfait and its vegan Iced Café Slushie. Other hot and cold buffet items include roasted chicken, garden orzo pasta, various salads and sandwiches, as well as lighter bites like veggies, cheese and charcuterie. Needless to say, guests won't go hungry.

The easiest way to access any Delta Sky Club® is by carrying the right credit card. There are a number of American Express cards that provide cardholders with Delta Sky Club access when traveling on a same-day flight that is operated or marketed by Delta, including:

The above cards also unlock access to other airport lounges. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, both come with a Priority Pass membership and grant you access to Amex Centurion lounges, among other partner lounges. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Cardholders can also access Amex Centurion lounges when traveling on an eligible same-day Delta flight that was purchased with a U.S.-issued American Express card. Terms apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Cardholders members also receive Delta Sky Club® at no cost. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

Unfortunately, you can only purchase or renew a Delta Sky Club® membership if you have Delta Silver Medallion elite status or higher.

The new Concourse A Sky Club is a much-welcomed addition for Delta flyers traveling through JFK. Whether you're looking to grab a bite, need a place to get work done or want some fresh air before your flight, the new Sky Club has it all. Best of all, with the right credit card, it's relatively easy to access this lounge — and others within Delta's network.

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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.