L0unge crowding continues to be a major issue at Delta Air Lines. Even the 39,000-square-foot Delta One Lounge at New York JFK is not large enough to handle summer crowds during the peak afternoon departure bank, with entry lines stretching down the concourse. But is the solution worse than the problem?

Delta One Lounge Crowding At JFK

JonNYC shares a concerning picture of a line stretching outside the Delta One Lounge at JFK, with users reporting waits of up to 20 minutes for lounge access.

Rather than let everyone in and fend for themselves in terms of finding seats, Delta appears to be finding seating for people as they enter the lounge, which creates a bottleneck to entry.

The Delta One Lounge at JFK seats 500 passengers.

> Read More: Delta One Lounge New York JFK Review

Is Delta To Be Blamed Or Lauded?

I’m of two minds when it comes to this. On one hand, I think Delta is clearly a victim of its own success. It has created a compelling lounge product that people show up early to use (I certainly did!) and should be commended for offering such a value-add to the flying experience. I’d rate the Delta Lounge JFK as the best lounge in the USA right now. I also note that this crowding really only occurs during the late afternoon / early evening rush. I was there in the morning and it was very quiet.

On the other hand, this line to enter a premium cabin lounge is the opposite of premium. Even if it only occurs for a few hours each day, it is unacceptable…and as Delta thoughtfully expands in JFK with larger aircraft or more international flights, this problem will only get worse. Already, we see the same problem in the Delta Sky Clubs at JFK and this despite new lounges from Capital One, American Express, and Chase in JFK Terminal 4.

Travelers in premium markets like New York City want to be pampered and these lounges are immensely popular. As the popularity of these lounges grows, I see only three solutions from Delta if it wants to eliminate the waiting:

• Expand lounge space (very hard to do at an airport like JFK)
• Limit entry (Delta might consider cutting off Delta One Lounge access for premium transcontinental travelers)
• “Basic Business” fares (a new tier of entry-level business class tickets that do not include lounge access)

Certainly, I don’t want to see lounge access limited or the introduction of basic business class fares. Indeed, I’d much rather wait 20 minutes for lounge access than have no lounge access at all. But it is a shame that despite Delta’s deliberate planning and commendable investment in its JFK lounges, the crowding continues.

Tip: Use the lower entrance to the lounge, which may reduce your wait time.

CONCLUSION

If you’re flying in Delta One this summer from JFK, beware of potential waits to enter the Delta One Lounge. While I’d unequivocally say the lounge is worth the wait, it’s a shame that despite a massive new lounge, Delta continues to experience inefficient queues to gain entry.

While I don’t like lines, I’d say a 10-30 minute wait to get into the lounge is better than cutting off access…so I guess I’m for the status quo?