On a recent trip through Dallas, I had the chance to stop by the Delta Sky Club at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). DFW used to be my home airport and I have visited the DFW Sky Club many times in the past so, I was curious to see how it was holding up. (Please note, some photos are from prior visits to the lounge).
Delta Sky Club Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Location
The Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal E at DFW Airport. Delta exclusively operates out of Terminal E but the terminal is connected to the rest of the airport via the Skylink train. Some eligible guests may be departing on SkyTeam flights from Terminal D.
Once through security and airside in Terminal E, follow the signage overhead for directions to the Delta Sky Club. The entrance to the lounge is located between gates E10 and E11, across from the TSA Security Checkpoint. A small sign is mounted on a pole outside of the lounge and, during my most recent visit, a roped off waiting area was present.
Delta Sky Club Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Hours of Operation
The Delta Sky Club Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) is currently open between 4:15a-7:15p Sunday through Friday and 4:15a-6:00p on Saturday.
Delta Sky Club Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) 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.
Beginning in 2025, 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 in an effort to reduce crowding. You can find the full list of entry requirements here.
I accessed the lounge via my AmEx Platinum card which is linked to my SkyMiles account. One swipe of my boarding pass and I was welcomed inside.
Layout
Delta used to operate a hub at DFW Airport but now it has been reduced to a spoke on the carrier’s route map. However, it is still a fairly large operation with service to all of its hubs, exclusively on mainline aircraft. The Sky Club is quite large given the fact this is an outstation but still gets crowded during peak times.
Immediately upon entry the reception area is straight ahead with restrooms off to the left. Between the reception area and restrooms is a short hallway which leads to the main lounge.
On the left side you’ll find a beverage station while a large seating area spreads out to your right. (Please note, while the layout and seating have not changed, masks are no longer required in the lounge.)
A group of four seats are located in front of the beverage station. This is a very high traffic area so these were the last seats to go.
Across the walkway, you’ll find the main seating area in the lounge. First are some brown armchairs with tables in-between that are arranged in groups of 4. The tables have built in power outlets to charge your devices.
Further back, you’ll find a high top workstation along with more seating. All of the tables between the chairs have power outlets.
In the rear of the seating area, along the wall closest to the concourse, are some single, high sided chairs with pull out tables. These are great if you’re looking for a private space to get some work done.
Closest to the windows you’ll find another seating area which also includes the bar and the buffet. The seating here is a mix of high top and low top cafe tables and chairs along with a few armchairs. A counter also runs the length of the rear windows with seating that provides a nice view of the ramp.
Tucked away in the back corner by the windows, you’ll find 12 leather armchairs hidden away from the rest of the lounge.
Food and Beverage
My most recent visit to the DFW Sky Club was in the early afternoon so lunch was still on offer. The buffet is located along the wall between the bar and the windows. First, there was a build your own salad station.
After that were different types of hummus along with vegetables naan bread, and a cheese board.
A charcuterie board along with a tray of sandwiches rounded out the cold dishes available during my visit. These items, along with the remainder of the buffey, were constantly being replenished.
Three hot dishes were available during my visit. These consisted of mashed potatoes, braised beef with vegetables, and a butternut squash and lentil stew.
Two soups were being offered, a red lentil and a thai style chicken.
Finally, at the end of the buffet, were the desserts. During this visit there were rice krispie treats and chocolate chip cookies. There was also a cart with some individually wrapped apples and some holiday decorations.
The bar has a variety of beer, wine and spirits that are complementary. There are also many options that are considered “premium” available for purchase.
Delta has Starbucks coffee available in its Sky Clubs and a selection of flavored syrups were also available. If you wanted more than brewed coffee, two machines were available to make cappuccinos, lattes, and other beverages.
Atmosphere
I arrived at the Sky Club just after 2:00p, three hours before my scheduled departure time. I usually don’t arrive at the airport this early but I had some calls I needed to take that went right up until boarding.
The lounge was fairly busy in the early afternoon but I ended up grabbing a seat at the bar. Fortunately, for the guests during my visit, the lounge didn’t get their liquor order so the bartenders were pouring us the premium items for free. The bartender couldn’t have been any more friendly and the guests sitting at the bar were having a great time.
Overall, the staff in the lounge are extremely friendly and, while the lounge may be somewhat dated, it is still a good lounge considering that DFW is just an outstation for Delta.
Summary
The Delta Sky Club at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the best lounge in Terminal E and one of the better lounges in the airport, especially if you’re flying with a SkyTeam carrier. While I typically wouldn’t get to the airport just to experience this lounge, it is a nice place to spend some time before the flight.