Delta to open new level of premium airport lounges this year

Delta AirlinesPopular airport lounges are taking on a more exclusive level, in the airline's latest effort to cater to big-spending travelers.

The first “premium” lounge is scheduled to open in June at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and, at 38,000 square feet, will be the largest of the airline's lounges, Delta said Thursday. Additional high-end Delta lounges will open later this year in Boston and Los Angeles.

Delta has been building its Sky Clubs network in recent years to serve a multitude of travelers as more people gain access through memberships, airline status, credit card benefits or flying in a premium cabin. Last year, Delta said it would limit entry to its lounges in the coming years, but eased some changes after customer uproar.

The new strategy shows Delta moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to its airport travelers. The airline joins united airlineswhich operates Polaris lounges, and american airlines' which features flagship lounges, along with standard airport clubs.

Delta did not disclose entry requirements for the new lounges. He said the JFK location will have a full-service restaurant and “wellness” areas.

Delta also said it plans to open standard Sky Clubs in Charlotte, North Carolina and a new location in Seattle later this year. The airline plans to expand clubs in Miami and New York The guard.

The new clubs come as Delta focuses on the growing importance of getting travelers to the front of the plane. The airline said “premium” revenue from premium business or economy class tickets grew 26% last year to generate $19.1 billion in sales, while main cabin ticket sales rose 20% to $24.5 billion. of dollars.