Lately, I have been flying more on Delta from Reagan International Airport (DCA). It’s the closest to my house and work, making it easy for a weekend escape. I was rejoiced to find out that the renovation at Delta Sky Club at DCA was recently completed, revealing a fabulous oasis in that madness that is DCA. I was able to take a peek at the opening day and these are my impressions…
Club Access
I think of airport lounge access as an investment. Sometimes you need that escape to get work done, have a glass of wine, and unwind before a big trip. Delta Sky Club has a variety of ways to gain club access. You can obtain status via Delta Credit Cards, mileage credit or even purchase a single visit pass for $59. See a full list of ways to access Delta Sky Club here.
Insider Look at the Delta Sky Club at DCA
The lounge received a stunning makeover which included an expansion, updated furniture with outlets galore (yes, please), and minimal yet creative decor. What stuck out to me the most was a stunning glass light fixture with tiny glass cherry blossoms as a homage to Washington, DC. The Delta Sky Club at DCA also gets tons of natural light from the wall-to-wall windows.
The Food
Some lounges skimp on the food, focusing on the bar area. Not the case with the Delta Sky Club at DCA. There’s a buffet with items such as a delicious tomato, arugula and feta salad that I already tried to replicate at home, savory focaccia sandwiches, and spicy Thai soup. Renowned DC chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley, the mastermind behind Smoked and Stacked has been enlisted to revamp the menu.
Chef Marjorie said that one of her goals is to incorporate a local touch to the menu. She has done that by adding some classics of the region such as crab cakes, refined with a delicate dill aioli sauce and roasted corn salad.
The Drinks
An airport lounge would not be an airport lounge without booze. Let’s keep it real. Perhaps you may want to unwind with a glass of wine from the wine list curated by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. If you are more of a whiskey person, you can have your pick from the classic Jack Daniels to the smoky flavors of Woodford Reserve.
The Verdict
The Delta Sky Club at DCA is the perfect escape from a hectic airport with very little seating space (one of my main gripes of DCA). The creative menu selection, excellent service, and ample bar make it the perfect place to unwind before heading on your next big trip.
