Just weeks ago Delta opened the newest (not for long) Sky Club in the Delta lounge network. The Sky Club in Concourse B is located just ouside of the crentalized food court and just steps away from the escalator to the “Plane Train.” This prime location makes the club easy to get to even if you are not flying out of the B Concourse. Delta currently has extremely generous lounge access policies making visiting Sky Clubs very easy for many who may not realize they have access.
The Space
At just over 24,900 square feet, the Delta Sky Club in Concourse B at ATL airport is one of the largest lounges I have ever visited. Not only is it massive, but the high ceilings make the space seem even larger than other domestic airlines’ flagship lounges. Delta advertises the space has seating for 500 people and on the day of my visit there were plenty of seats to go around. No only that, but almost every seat has direct acess to some type of power supply to charge devices while waiting for your flight. The club also has free wifi throughout which was easy to connect to and fast enough for video streaming.
The Bar
Similar to other ATL Sky Club locations the space features a full service bar with complimentary and paid alcoholic beverages. To the left of the bar is a self service sofa fountain and coffee bar. To the right is a self service wine dispensing machine where guests can sample fine wines for a fee. The bar and area immediate space surrounding the bar feels like you’re stepping into an entirely different room. Large flatscreen TVs were located on the back wall of the bar and can be changed to any desired channel upon request.
Food Options
Overall, food options offered at Delta Sky Clubs are better than other domestic airline lounges, but the Sky Club in Concourse B at ATL takes lounge food to a level only rivialed by American Express Centurion Lounges. Food options are created by Delta’s house chef, Linton Hopkins and are marketed as “southern inspired.” On the day I visited hot food options included chicken noodle and tomato basil soups and an alfredo pasta. Cold food options included raw vegetables, pesto chicken salad, and potato salad. Cold food options were almost identical to those offered at the Sky Club located in Concourse C on the day I visited. The lounge also has an assortment of cookies, bananas, apples, and oranges up for grabs.
The Views
Located well above Councourse B the Sky Club features views of the taxiways (ally) between the A and C terminals. If you value views when deciding on which lounge to visit the new Sky Club will not disappoint. Unfortunately the lounge does not feature an outoor Sky Deck like the Councourse F location. On a clear day it is also possible to see downtown Atlanta. I was lucky enough to spot Delta’s Pink Plane used to raise awareness to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation!
Enterence and Check-In
After entering the lower lobby guests may take either an elevator or a rather daunting flight of stairs to get up to the Sky Club. If you opt to take the stairs you will pass various artwork exhibits from AAA which continue throughout the club. There are pleny of receptionists to check in guests or adjust reservations which will come in handy as Delta expects the Sky Club in Councourse B to be the busiest in the Atlanta airport. I used my American Express Platinum Card and same-day boarding pass to gain access to the lounge.
Restrooms
One of the often overlooked perks of airline lounges are the restrooms which are much quieter and cleaner than restrooms found in the main terminal. Upon entering the restroom, a greater welcomed me to the Sky Club, which I thought was extremely odd. The men’s restroom seemed much to small to handle the number of anticipated guests during peak travel periods. Also, the beautiful red sinks offered virtually no clearance between the faucet and the basin. While washing my hands (which I witnessed way to many people not do…. shame on you) I ended up struggling to not touch either the faucet or the sink itself. I realize this is a first world problem of epic proportions, but it stuck out in my mind. I was also disappointed to not find any shower options at the Concourse B location. Showers are available at the Concourse F Sky Club if needed.
Final Thoughts
Delta’s new Sky Club in Concourse B at ATL airport is among the nicest domestic lounges I have ever visited. The space is huge and well decorated throughout. Food options were much better than those offered at other smaller lounges in the Atlanta Airport. Overall, the Sky Club reminded me more of an American Express Centurion Lounge than a typical domestic airline lounge. Also, the proximity of the lounge to Atlanta Airports “Plane Train” makes visiting the lounge possible even on shorter layovers (~1 hr) without worrying about missing your connecting flight. If you are flying out of the A, B, or C Councourse I would recommend visiting the new lounge before your flight.
