Lounge Review: Delta Sky Club at New Orleans International Airport
A compact yet vibrant retreat, Delta’s renovated Sky Club captures the spirit of New Orleans through its flavors, art, and ambiance
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
Cozy yet full of character, the Delta Sky Club at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) offers a charming blend of Southern hospitality, bold local flavor, and curated design. This intimate lounge invites travelers into a space where Cajun aromas mingle with curated artworks, and every corner reveals a thoughtful nod to the city’s rich cultural tapestry. It’s not the largest Sky Club you’ll find—but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in soul.
Location
The entrance is located at gate C1 on the concourse level of the main terminal at MSY. In the lobby, there is a photo frame containing tiny dolls and dried flowers, resembling a voodoo book.
Photo: Courtesy of New Orleans International Airport
After checking in, visitors can either take the elevator to the second floor or climb two flights of stairs adorned with diamond-shaped chandeliers.
Access Options
The standard admission policy applies. While flying domestic first class with my parents, we used the passes that come with the Delta SkyMiles American Express Reserve Card.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
Each pass is valid for 24 hours, allowing cardholders flying on Delta to access Sky Clubs in both the departure and arrival cities, if available.
The Lounge
The lounge occupies 4,600 square feet and has a rectangular layout on the upper floor, featuring buffet counters along one side and a bar at the back. There are several tables reserved for guests with disabilities near the help desks.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
Like other remodeled Sky Clubs, the interior design showcases warm metals and wooden furnishings, along with marble and granite countertops and tiles. Chic lighting fixtures and a thoughtfully curated collection of commissioned artwork by local artists enhance the ambiance.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
A metal poster of the iconic Café du Monde is displayed above a console table, which is adorned with three elongated wooden bowls filled with fresh fruit for guests to enjoy. A painting depicting powdery beignets and chicory coffee can be found around the corner. However, no actual beignets are served at the buffet counter.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
The space accommodates up to 100 passengers with brown single sofa seats and a variety of tables, including knee-high side tables, small free-standing tables, and standard dining tables.
One side of the lounge is lined with windows overlooking the concourse, paired with a long stretch of tables and square chairs.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
Restrooms are separated by a brass curtain near the elevator, with honeycomb tiles lining the walls and three long mirrors. Teal glass lights provide an intriguing accent to the setting, although there are no shower suites available.
Food and Beverage
During my visit, the main dishes included BBQ chicken, buttered corn, mac and cheese, braised Southern pinto beans, tomato bisque, potato salad, and muffaletta sandwiches.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
Other regular menu items featured cheese and charcuterie, raw vegetables, and fruit cuts. For dessert, there were Rice Krispies and brownies.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
The self-service beverage station had a coffee machine, a soda dispenser, an assortment of tea bags, and three canisters of beverages: unsweetened tea, citrus-infused water, and lemonade.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
Additionally, the bartender was available to serve a variety of complimentary wines and beers, as well as mix the cocktail of the month, which could be purchased with SkyMiles or a credit card.
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi with a password, power outlets, a selection of magazines, a printer, and several large TV screens are typical amenities.
Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang
There are brochures available that provide details about the artwork and the artists, which guests can take if they’re interested in learning more. Personally, I started collecting these brochures at Delta Sky Clubs.
Verdict
New Orleans, often referred to as “The Big Easy,” is known for its rich culture, festive parades, and delicious cuisine. This Delta Sky Club could be dubbed “The Small Easy” — though compact in size, it beautifully captures the essence of New Orleans through its art and food. The atmosphere is elegant, and the decorations are eccentric, making it an ideal retreat in a busy airport.
