Lounge Review: Delta Sky Club® (LGA – Gate 81)

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I was on business in New York this week and stopped by the Sky Club® in Terminal D by Gate 81 on the way home. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has two Sky Club® locations. I’ve reviewed the newer, larger lounge here. I was departing from Gate 85 and had not been to this one, so I decided to check it out.

The entrance to the Sky Club® is up a ramp and down a short hall from the gates.

Access

Access is granted to passengers with memberships (purchased annually), one-time pass holders (earned from the co-branded American Express cards or purchased for $59), Delta One®, SkyTeam premium cabin passengers, SkyTeam Elite Plus when flying internationally in premium cabins, the Centurion® and the Platinum Card® from American Express holders, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders, WestJet business class passengers, and WestJet Rewards Platinum and Gold Elite. Allowed guests vary by access type. A same-day boarding pass is required to enter the Delta Sky Club®.

Anthony’s Take: This Sky Club® is nice if you’re departing from the gates numbered in the 80s. It is a pretty large space with lots of seating, a bar, and a full buffet. While the design and amenities at the Sky Way are better, this is a good place to pass time before a flight.

There are two desks upon entering where agents will scan your boarding pass for entry. There are no kiosks here and the line backed up a bit to get into the lounge.

Bar

There is a bar behind the buffet. It offers all of the standard spirits, wine, and beer that Delta provides complimentary as well as some premium options for purchase.

Iced tea and lemonade were available across from the buffet.

There are two coffee stations (one has an espresso machine). One is tucked in the corner and the other is next to the bar.

Food

Dinner was being served during my visit. The buffet was a decent size with lots of hot and cold options.

Ginger Carrot and Wicked Thai Style Chicken & Rice soups were at the end of the buffet.

Chicken Marsala

Salmon with Tomato Sauce

Pasta with Vegetables

Carrots

Shrimp Salad

Tuscan Chicken Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

Cheese and meat

Sandwiches

Bean Salad

Fruit Salad

Fresh condiments were next to the hot dishes.

Bottled condiments were found near the plates and silverware.

Brownies were near the buffet for dessert.

There was a snack station with wrapped fruit and snacks to go near the bar.

Seating & Decor

There is a lot of seating in this Sky Club®. The lounge felt pretty empty during my visit. There are tables for working, dining, chairs for watching TV, chairs and banquettes for relaxing, and other seating configurations. I love a lot of the art that Delta chose for the Sky Clubs® and this one had a cool NYC painting.

There are desks toward the back of the lounge.

Long tables are also available behind the bar and buffet area.

Individual cubes provide a bit more privacy.

NYC painting

Amenities

This Sky Club® offers free Wi-Fi, restrooms, magazines, and the food and beverages mentioned above.

Overall Impression: This Delta Sky Club® at LGA is fine for passing time near the gates in the 80s. The larger Sky Way is a nicer lounge in its newness and amenities, but this is a nice lounge with a good selection of food and lots of space.

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: I love the lounges where The Platinum Card® from American Express grants me access. It has had a prominent place in my wallet for many years now. While it does have an annual fee of $695, it provides many travel benefits and will always be my go-to for lounge access (both Delta Sky Clubs® and Centurion Lounges) and booking airfare from the airlines to earn 5x points (up to $500,000 per calendar year). Learn more. Rates & Fees. Terms apply.