After breaking up with American Airlines a significant factor in deciding between United and Delta was lounge access. As a Chicago based traveler, I was happy to see both airlines featured lounges at Chicago O’Hare. If I wanted United lounge access I would have had to shell out $450 for the United MileagePlug Club card or try to earn Star Alliance Gold Status with a partner airline. Luckily, the American Express Platinum Card grants access to Delta Airlines Sky Clubs when traveling on Delta and I have already been making good use of the club.
Location & Views
The entrance to the Delta Sky Club at Chicago O’Hare International is located in the E Concourse just across from gate E6. The Sky Club occupies the space between the E and F Concourse and offers views of the even F gates (United) and odd E gates (Delta). The entire east wall of the Sky Club is lined with windows and any aviation geek will enjoy the views of runways 10/28. The SkyClub is not elevated so plane watching is often obstructed by the Concourse or other aircraft.
Food Options
Dining options in the Delta Sky Club are not as good as those offered by the new lounge in Concourse B at ATL airport, but I have noticed the offerings at the Sky Club are far superior to the American Airlines Admirals Club also found at Chicago O’Hare. Food options include various cold foods such as chicken salad and pasta salad as well as hot foods which include various soups and mac & cheese. The lounge also features fresh bananas, apples, and oranges which are great to take on the way out to your flight. Anyone who has visited a Delta Sky Club location should be fairly familiar with the offerings as they tend to be similar across all locations.
Beverage Options
The Sky Club does not feature a full service bar, but Miller Lite and Chicago’s own 312 Beer are both on tap. The lounge also features a self service bar with various spirits, juices, and fountain sodas. I personally love the Self-Service alcoholic options, but I suppose some would prefer a full service bar. The lounge also has cans of V8 juice, spite, and ginger ale.
Seating
For such a small lounge there is a surprising amount of seating, but if you plan on visiting the club on a Friday afternoon seating is definitely at a premium. The club has several “cubicles” with direct access to power outlets for the business traveler as well.
Restrooms
The restrooms at the Sky Club are clean and quiet, but similar to the new Sky Club at ATL airport they lack shower options. This should not be a concern to most considering Delta does not have any long haul flights that leave directly from Chicago O’Hare, but it is still something I appreciate at airline lounges.
Final Thoughts
Any loyal Delta Airlines travelers based in Chicago should be more than happy with the Delta Sky Club located at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The lounge is not nearly as glamorous as some of the newer spaces in the Delta network, but when compared to some of the smaller lounges at Delta hubs the Chicago club does not disappoint. Also, consistent with all aspects of Delta Airlines, the customer service agents are some of the friendliest in the industry.
