I received an email from Delta Air Lines today announcing that they are adding premium wines and spirits to the normal complimentary Sky Club bar fare. Premium offerings are something that Continental has offered for a while, and American along with United have continued to offer after finally seeing the light with complimentary adult beverages in their clubs last year. Admittedly, these premium offerings are something you could expect for free in the lounges of most major international airlines. But let’s face it, that model simply doesn’t match the lounge model of the domestic US airlines, so I will take what I can get.

I’ll admit that I’m one who typically goes for the “premium” offerings in lounges that make that an option. I think this is good news, and something that I look forward to trying during my next Sky Club visit. Kudos to Delta for expanding its Sky Club menu. They are not forcing you to purchase, and complimentary bar options will remain available.

It should be noted that these options are not currently available at all Sky Clubs, but more locations are coming. Right now, you can partake from the Luxury Bar at Newark, New York (JFK and LGA), West Palm, Seattle, and Washington, DC (DCA). You can review the menus for the new options here:

Wine Menu

Cocktail Menu

Spirits Menu

I noticed earlier this month that the DCA Admirals Club had signs around the lounge advertising free wi-fi from AT&T. I didn’t think much of it, but then I arrived at the Chicago H/K Admirals Club on Sunday and saw the same signs. A little judicious looking around the internet and I found that Admirals Clubs are rolling out complimentary wi-fi for all members and hope to have the rollout complete by December according to a Tweet I saw. All I can say is sweet! This brings the Admirals Club in line with other legacy carrier clubs in offering free wi-fi for all guests.

Full disclosure: I’m a big Admirals Club fan, and have been a full-fledged member in the past when I was flying American almost exclusively. Now I access the clubs via my American Express Platinum Card. I still love the Admirals Club (frankly, prefer the Admirals Club to all other domestic airline offerings), but my many Delta flights make the Platinum Card (and it’s access to Sky Club lounges) far too compelling to pass up. American was alone in not providing complimentary wi-fi access for all club guests. Now they’re in line with others, or will be once the rollout is complete. Me like!

Delta announced the grand opening of their newest Atlanta Sky Club on the D Concourse Monday via their great blog. This new club follows some real improvements in their Atlanta Club offerings (A-17, B-10 (Did I ever mention how much I disliked the old B-10 club?)) as well as other new and renovated clubs across the system. I love the open feel and modern decor of their latest Clubs, and I think other customers will too.

Aside from a modern feel, I’ve noted a focus on the little things business travelers value, slightly improved snack offerings, some reasonably comfortable furniture, and most importantly for me….lots of power outlets. Delta’s new cyber bar concept is a big winner for me. I tend to fly Delta on business trips, and I appreciate having a place to camp out that’s clean with room for my laptop, iPhone, BlackBerry, and access to a power outlet that I don’t need a crowbar and a jar of vaseline to access. The DCA Sky Club’s cyber bar is depicted below.

DCA Sky Club Cyber Bar

From my perspective, Delta’s new Sky Clubs are a cut above the rest in the domestic US market. I’ve been doing a little complaining here lately about Sky Miles, but Sky Clubs are one of several things Delta is doing right. I’ll check out those new Sky Club digs in Atlanta this weekend as long as Irene doesn’t cancel my flight, and share my experience with you.

I may be the only person on earth who likes Friday evenings at the airport. When I was working for an airline, I’d say things were more challenging on Friday evening, but I kind of miss the hussle-bustle from time to time. Then there’s now…when I’m a regular customer and flying home on Friday evening. As weird as it sounds, I like it. The crowds, the buzz, the energy…..I love it. I probably love it more because I can spend my Friday at the airport in the Delta Sky Club doing what people do when they’re in the Sky Club. Relax, have a snack, a refreshing adult beverage, and take care of some work too! It’s all good, and I love it.  And look at what a great selection of beers on tap they have (and Heineken bottles too):

Beers on tap at the Delta A-17 Sky Club

Word to the wise, the A-17 Sky Club is undergoing some pretty heavy renovations, so it isn’t pretty, but I’m sure the construction look will be worth it in the end. In the meantime, plan accordingly. For what it’s worth, the bartenders here are fabulous (Marcus is awesome!), and I love being able to belly up, sit down, and enjoy the conversation…..and the blogging opportunity. Yes, I’m a little out there, but I love Friday night at the airport!

I’m embarking on a pretty basic and routine trip to Atlanta on Delta Air Lines this afternoon. In fact, I’m typing this from Delta’s Sky Club at National Airport (DCA). Nothing against our former President, but this place will always be simply “National Airport” to me. With such a basic trip, you might be wondering how on earth I can be trying something new today? I fully recognize how silly what I’m about to say may sound to some, but for those readers who work for or have worked for an airline, you’ll know what I mean. Unless I’m not remembering something, I, Marshall Jackson, age 41, am wearing shorts and flip flops on a commercial airliner for the first time ever today.

You heard it here first. It’s time for the world to know that some 7 years and 5 months after I departed the employment of an AAirline, I am finally wearing shorts on a flight. To say that today, I’ve finally arrived would be an understatement. I know…goofy. But when I first went to work for an airline, employees did not wear shorts on travel. You didn’t wear jeans on travel. You wore a coat and tie if you wanted to be in competition for any possible space available seats in first class, and you wore decent pants and a nice shirt if you only wanted coach. That said, most wore a coat and tie just in case the only seat left was in first class, something that actually happened from time to time not all that many years ago.

Why today you might ask? If you lived in DC, or really anywhere in a pretty broad swath of the USA right now, you’d know. It is …let’s see…how do I put this? It is damn hot here!!! Frankly, I’m going to Atlanta to cool off! So there you have it. For the first time ever, I’m wearing shorts on a plane, and in first class no less since my Medallion upgrade cleared.

That’s not the only first. I’ve been experimenting with my camera. Learned how to tame the flash and the volume. Yes, I’m taking a few pictures in the DCA Sky Club! The lighting is just right, and truth be told, this is the first time I remember being here when it wasn’t before dawn in months, if not years! Not too long ago, Delta greatly expanded the space by knocking out a few walls and removing the conference rooms. The result was a lot more comfortable seating, including a great “techie bar” type area along the window looking down on the grand hall in the main terminal. Power outlets galore! PTL!

Why Lunch at Tidewater Landing When You Can Do This?

The Computer Bar Facing the Grand Hall at DCA – Great Spot to Work

View From my Perch at the End of the Computer Bar at the DCA Sky Club

Just Some of the Expanded Seating at the DCA Sky Club and a Glimpse of the Ramp Too

So there you have it. A few travel firsts for me. Exciting stuff, huh? I know, not really, but there’s more to come!

Good news for AA travelers to/from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska that belong to the Admirals Club.  Club members can now access the Alaska Airlines Board Room in Seattle, Portland, and Anchorage when traveling on an AA operated or marketed flight.  Go to aa.com/acexpandaccess for more details.

This is especially good news for Seattle AA’ers who’ve been without an Admirals Club for a few years, itself, a disappointing turn of events after the new Club in Seattle had not been open for that long.  According to AA’s website, it’s working on other club access options for members.  I wonder if they’ve begun to notice a dent in memberships now that they admit Amex Platinum and Centurion Card members?

This piece in the USA Today raises interesting possibilities.  Soon, private lounge operator Airspace Lounge, will open a non-airline affiliated lounge at BWI Airport in May.  BWI has been without an airline lounge since US Airways and United closed their clubs in 2008.  The new Airspace Lounge will open in the space formerly occupied by the United Red Carpet Club on Concourse D.

With its dearth of airline lounges, BWI seems like a good place to test a business idea like this one.  BWI is closely associated with Southwest Airlines and its leisure traveler oriented stereotype, but I think many would be surprised to know the number of business travelers that also use the airport as a lower-fare gateway to the national capital region.  I remember well the last time I flew United from BWI, and at least two customers specifically mentioned to the gate agent how much they miss having the Red Carpet Club in BWI.  Granted, those 2 customers won’t make this new lounge option profitable, but I expect many, many more customers feel the same way.  There is demand for a semi-private spot away from the riff-raff that offers basic business services, a comfortable chair, a drink, and some snacks.  I can promise that if I’m ever stuck at BWI waiting for a flight, I’d gladly pay a reasonable fee for access to a lounge like this.

I’m anxious to see how this new concept performs, and wonder if they might consider affiliating with Priority Pass or some other access program to increase business?  You can count on me to drop by the lounge on my first flight out of BWI after it opens in May.  I’ll be sure to share the scoop here, and snap a few pictures with my new Canon!  :)

You read it here folks, Delta has managed to turn the awful space that was the Atlanta B-10 Sky Club into something nice.  It’s still not huge, but they’ve really opened up the space and improved it beyond what I thought possible.  If I were traveling with something besides my iPhone, I’d snap a few pictures.  I may anyway if I can catch the right light or a break in the crowd.

The check in desk and the flight assistance desk are now one, and staffed with 3 agents when I arrived.  Don’t know how that will work during peak periods, but seems fine this Sunday morning.  The whole lounge has been opened up, and there are really are no walls from the door all the way to the bar which is to your left when you enter.  The bar has seats and there’s a side “bar” along the window looking out on the ramp that is equipped with power outlets, which is where I’m sitting now.  The bathrooms have been transformed from closet like to multiple unisex water closets, which are clean, well lit, and frankly..nicely done as far as bathrooms go.

Next time you’re passing by the B-10 Sky Club, there won’t be as much of a need to frown.  I think it could stand to be a bit larger, but I’m guessing Delta did the best they could with what they had.  And they really did do a good job.  Delta’s B-10 Sky Club at ATL gets the MJonTravel seal of approval.

Edited to Add:  They have several bottles of champagne (well, Chandon) in the B-10 club, left over from the grand opening.  When it’s gone, that’s it.  Get your mimosa while you still can!  Delta, can you add a little sparkling wine to the available beverage menu?  Mimosas are kind of nice in the morning.

This Flyertalk.com thread details some of the changes going on at the Atlanta Sky Clubs.  This past week I had my first opportunity to personally inspect some of them at the Atlanta A Center Club (not mentioned in the thread, but something has definitely changed there), which happens to be my usual Sky Club hangout when I’m transiting the ATL.  Just my opinion, but the A Center club always seems a little less busy than the others in Atlanta, and I hope it stays that way.

The first change, is the first thing you see, the front door.  It’s now glass and self opening, which is actually helpful considering most people coming through it are dragging their carry ons.  The front desk also has a snazzy new backdrop.  I’m not sure if the desk has been relocated or whether the new door and backdrop are playing tricks on my eyes, but the lobby at least feels larger.

The next change was upstairs. Historically the snacks were on the bar and the cubby just to the right of the bar.  Not anymore.  Delta knocked down a divider wall and constructed a new food bar which was stocked with typical Sky Club fare, crudites, cookies, snack mixes of various sorts, and the staple of road warriors everywhere, cheese and crackers.  :)

My apologies that I didn’t take pictures.  But given that I’m not a press representative, I think the risk of getting tagged a security threat instead of an ambitious blogger was too high.  That said, if someone at Delta wants to shoot me a couple of pics of the improvements, I’ll take them!

These are just a few of the improvements Delta is making in their lounge offering.  I still don’t think they’re quite where the NWA World Clubs were, but things seem to be headed in a positive direction.  I’ll try to check out the other Atlanta changes next time I pass through.

Good morning from the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at London Heathrow.  We spent last night at the Hilton Airport by Terminal 4.  American departs from Terminal 3, so we walked to Terminal 4 and took the Heathrow Connect train to 3.  Easy transfer.

Checked in for our AA first class flight using American’s Flagship Check In counter at Heathrow.  Walked right up, and the whole thing was done in 2 minutes.  We’re traveling with hand luggage only, so no luggage checking drama.  Our first class boarding passes bought us access to Fast Track security at Heathrow.  I’d estimate we were through security in 5 minutes, if that.  And no stupid shoe carnival!  Joyous!

Lots of time to enjoy the Flagship Lounge, which by US airline standards, isn’t half bad.  American recently completed a remodel of the lounge along with the adjacent Admirals Club.  The facility itself is quite nice.  The furniture must’ve been replaced during the remodel because it doesn’t show the usual wear and tear you typically find at a US airline lounge.  Food offerings are not suprisingly weak compared to American’s partner British Airways.  I can’t help but think that AA is going to have to take some steps to improve its international lounges to match BA as their alliance finally solidifies following anti trust immunity approval by the various regulatory bodies.  All that said, the lounge is a very comfortable spot to wait for your flight.

The bottom line, London Heathrow hasn’t been nearly as nightmarish as I’d feared.  And I thought BA’s Terminal 5 was marvelous.  More on that later.

I’m enjoying a fabulous European vacation including a cruise aboard Celebrity Equinox right now.  While I’m away I hope you’ll enjoy reading some of your favorite content based on visits to the blog.  Today, in honor of the joy of travel, I write about the benefits of having an airline lounge membership.

I’m often asked how I feel about the various airport clubs operated by the airlines. I’m a very strong believer in joining the club of the airline you fly most. Dependent upon your elite status, membership ranges from $300 to $500 dollars per year, and many airlines offer the option of using frequent flyer miles to pay for your membership.

In my experience, the club fee usually pays for itself on the one day that you find yourself delayed, canceled, re-routed and generally messed up by whatever weather and mechanical issues can be thrown at you. Rather than join the mile long queue for the harried 2 agents assigned to somehow service 250 inconvenienced customers, you are in the relatively quiet surroundings of the airline’s lounge, and likely being assisted by some of the airline’s more talented agents.

I’ll give you an example. Recently, Lady Astrojets and I were traveling to Nashville from our home airport at Reagan National (DCA) just outside Washington, DC. I had signed up to receive flight notification text messages from the airline, in this case American. I received a text message just prior to leaving the office for the airport that our flight was over 1 hour late. By the time we arrived at security, that delay had grown to 2 hours. As I had checked us both in online, and we only had carry-on luggage, we skipped the ticket counter mess, cleared security and headed straight for the Admirals Club. I inquired about the status of our flight, and the very helpful agent went to work with his computer. I then learned that our aircraft was sitting in Boston, where the ramp was closed due to thunderstorms. Rather than say too bad, our agent asked for both our boarding passes. Within 1 minute, we were both rebooked to a non delayed flight on another airline. The agent asked us to have a seat in the lounge, he’d be right back. While we were enjoying a glass of wine in the lounge, the agent reappeared with our new boarding passes on the other airline. You better believe I wrote American to share this good story!

Do you think I would’ve gotten that kind of service at the ticket counter? No way! They don’t have the time since they have to deal with the 249 other customers! The $300 dollar annual fee works out to $25 per month. Worth every penny if you fly once per month or more if you ask me!

So…I wholeheartedly recommend that you join the lounge of the airline you fly most. And back that up with a membership in Priority Pass. Priority Pass offers memberships as low as approximately $100 dollars per year with a $24 27 dollar per visit fee. That’s an excellent deal when you’re in an airport that doesn’t have a lounge that you belong to. They offer unlimited visit packages for a higher annual fee as well. An airline lounge membership is one investment in yourself that I think you won’t regret.