After our Delta Boeing 717-200 First Class flight from Asheville, the ATX Jetsetter crew had a couple of hours to kill at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This gave me the opportunity to check out the other Delta Sky Club Located in Concourse A (Delta also operates a Sky Club at the midpoint of Concourse A).
While this is a perfectly fine club, many of the clubs in Atlanta are currently undergoing renovations so guests can expect a refreshed experience soon. There are rumors floating around that, due to their proximity, the clubs could be connected once work is complete.
In this post:
- Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Location
- Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Hours of Operation
- Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Entry Requirements
- Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Layout
- Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Food and Beverage
- Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Atmosphere
- Summary
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Location
Atlanta is Delta’s largest hub and the airline has eight different Sky Clubs at the airport. As a frequent Delta flyer, I’ve visited many different Sky Club locations but this has to be one of the most hidden ones I’ve ever seen.
There are two clubs located in Concourse A, one in the main atrium (is that what you would call it?) and one near Gate A17. This club is the latter and is much more visible than the first lounge.
The entrance to the lounge can be found along the main concourse, directly across from Gate A18. The lounge is located next to Gate A17 and, while the entrance doesn’t have a large sign, there is one inside of the sliding glass doors.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Hours of Operation
The Delta Sky Club in Concourse A Gate A17 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is open between 6:00a and 10:00p daily.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for Delta Sky Clubs are some of the most complex ones out there. The easiest way to enter the lounge is by using a qualifying American Express credit card (including the AmEx Platinum and Delta Reserve cards) or by having a Sky Club membership and a same day Delta boarding pass.
Currently, Delta and American Express cardholders who don’t hit $75,000 in spend during a calendar year will be limited on the number of entries per year in an effort to reduce crowding. You can find the full list of entry requirements here.
The entrance to the lounge is at the concourse level but the reception area and the lounge itself can be found one level up.
We accessed the lounge using our American Express Platinum Cards. Since my card is connected to my SkyMiles account, I just needed to scan my boarding pass at the kiosk and was welcomed inside. As usual, Mrs. ATX had to check in with an agent as the name on her card doesn’t match her SkyMiles account.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Layout
The lounge is split into two parts, a lower level and an upper level. This is all one continuous space separated by a few stairs and a ramp. The lounge is rectangular in shape and one wall is filled with windows, allowing for some great views of the ramp. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a large grouping of lounge chairs.
Circling around behind the entrance you’ll find the bar, primary buffet area, and some additional seating along the windows.
If you’re looking for a spot with great views, and don’t mind the noise from the buffet and bar, there are some bar seats with power outlets that overlook the ramp. If I was traveling solo, this is where you could have found me.
Towards the rear of the lounge, up the stairs/ramp, you’ll find more seating and a secondary buffet. On my many visits to the lounge, I always find this section to be quieter than the lower area by the bar. There is quite a variety of seating on the second level, so there should be something available for everyone.
There is a large, live edge, wooden table which will allow guest to spread out and work.
For those looking to be a bit more focused, there are individual cubicles and a printer available in the business center.
By the windows, you’ll find some small tables and chairs. While these didn’t look very comfortable, it has great views of the ramp
By the secondary buffet, you’ll find a mix of cafe tables with booth seating as well as some high top tables.
The upper level of the lounge spans the width of the concourse in some places, giving passengers a view of the action from both sides.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Food and Beverage
We visited the lounge in the morning of a holiday weekend and breakfast was being served. Since it was a Sunday morning of a three day weekend, the secondary buffet area was closed, leaving us to use the main buffet by the bar.
One of the things I appreciate about Delta is the fact that they tailor their lounge menu’s to the local culture. As someone from the south, I was happy to see a hearty selection of food available.
The hot dishes included biscuits & gravy, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, pork sausage, and grits.
There are two buffet stations in the main lounge area and, while they both serve similar things, there was a difference in the eggs and sausage on offer at the second station.
In between the two hot buffets, you’ll find the salad bar. During our visit, it primarily consisted of yoghurts, granolas, jams and jellies. There was also fresh fruit and a breakfast salad being offered.
While I didn’t interact with many staff members during my visit, the bartenders were the highlight of my visit. They were jovial and not too serious, but still professional, which is exactly what I want when traveling. The full bar was open for business but, we kept it simple with a round of mimosas.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse A Gate A17 Atmosphere
Of the two Delta Sky Clubs in Concourse A, this is by far the busier lounge space. With the other lounge hidden away, and given their proximity to one another, most passengers end up here.
Because of the layout and the views, I prefer this lounge to the other Sky Club in Concourse A but, I’m not a huge fan of the crowding. I’m hopeful that once the renovations are complete, we’ll get a larger, combined, lounge in Concourse A.
Summary
While it isn’t the nicest Sky Club in Atlanta, it is nicer than it’s neighboring club in the Concourse A atrium. Since it is located directly off of the main concourse, it can get crowded at times but I still prefer it when flying out of Concourse A.
The lounge is expected to get a facelift later this year and I’m looking forward to seeing how the airline improves the space. While it is far from the nicest lounge at ATL, for reasons I can’t explain, I always enjoy stopping in for a visit.