I have been a passionate traveler since my teens. I have traveled all around the world. I have flown economy my whole life in order to be able to afford my travels. I am about to share with you a once in a lifetime experience that absolutely took my breath away. I'm talking about Delta One, both the flight and their lounge at JFK.
As I've gotten older, I've noticed sitting in a cramped economy seat for 8 or 10 or 24 hours became longer and longer and more and more uncomfortable. I also have come to the realization that I am 72 and if I want to continue traveling, I need to dig a little deeper into my pocket and find ways that can make that work. Take a taxi instead of a bus! Stay in a nicer hotel that is convenient and comfortable rather than some crappy cheap place! I had heard and read about the Delta One experience, and so one morning a few months back I started playing around on the Delta app to see how much one of those tickets cost. As much as I wanted to break out of my box, I could not bring myself to spend $6,000 or $9,000 I kept searching...Suddenly, I checked out a round trip from JFK to Athens, Greece in December and it was $3,200 for Delta One. Economy was close to $2,000. Surely for another $1,200 I should treat myself and see what this is all about. I kept clicking thinking it was a mistake, but I'll be damned. I actually did get a round trip Delta One ticket for that price. And let me tell you what an out of this world experience it was!
When you arrive at JFK, there is actually a separate entrance for Delta One travelers only. As soon as I walked in and showed them my boarding pass, I was in another world that I never knew existed. I walked down a gorgeous hallway adorned with the most beautiful artwork and flowers and music and at the end of the hallway was coffee and tea and drinks and snacks and most importantly, black and white cookies. I took that as omen that I was at the right place. Did they put out those black and whites just for me? LOL After my snack I noticed a Delta rep literally waiting to check my bags. No line. No waiting. No nothing. Just her waiting to assist me. After I checked in I went through security which is only for the Delta One passengers. I think there were two people ahead of me LOL Following check in and security which took two minutes, you are escorted to the Delta One lounge. I walked in and my eyes popped out of my head. The place was huge and gorgeous. When I told the front desk that I had never experienced Delta One before, a lovely young lady gave me a grand tour. OMG is all I have to say. So let me tell you about my afternoon prior to my flight
After my private tour I sat down in a five-star restaurant for a full 3-course meal. Everything was absolutely delicious and I felt like a king. Mind you, all of this is included by flying Delta One! After my amazing meal I headed to the Wellness Center. There I was treated to a neck and head massage followed by different treatments and different chairs for my legs and back and state of mind. Each chair was different and wonderful and quite therapeutic and relaxing. If that wasn't enough, I was asked if I would like to clean up. with a gorgeous private bathroom, luxurious shower, plush bathrobe. comfy slippers, an abundance of toiletries and the works. They asked me if I would like my shoes shined and my clothes steamed while I cleaned up, and of course I said "Yes, thank you!!
I had the best time cleaning up and relaxing in the shower before my journey. Afterwards, I visited a beautiful buffet. I ordered a couple of mini sandwiches and some cannolis and a cup of coffee and sat grinning from ear to ear in one of the lounges that faced the runway. I was an absolute heaven! It's a shame I do not drink because there were bars everywhere! Eventually it was time to head to my plane. 4 hours had flown by. I just couldn't believe it. I hated to leave!
Then I boarded the Delta plane and was escorted to my Delta One seat. . It's more like your own little world. Everything you can think of was in that cubicle including a large comfy pillow and warm fluffy blanket. as soon as I settled in I was served warm nuts and my diet Coke. Whole can of course with ice! The meals were fantastic and they were constantly checking in to see if there was anything else I wanted. When I didn't want to be disturbed, I simply illuminated my do not disturb sign. You even have a little door that closes for privacy. Can you believe it? I watched a movie, ate my head off and then took a nice snooze. The flight was 10 hours but it felt more like two or three. Before I knew it, I was in Athens. Greece rested, pampered and ready for my vacation. I felt so rich so special so pampered.
Take it from a world traveler and someone who has always watched his pennies. YOU MUST TRY DELTA ONE! See you in the lounge or on the plane! read more