Compared with competitor airline lounges, particularly airline-specific lounges like the United Club and American Airlines Admiral’s lounges, Delta Skyclubs usually set a higher standard. Skyclubs are generally clean, with good food and beverage choices and an attentive and friendly staff. When frequent flyers complain about their Skyclub experiences, their grievances are hardly ever concerned with quality or service but with overcrowding. In some of Delta’s largest hub cities, particularly in Atlanta, Skyclubs are often packed with travelers and even turn away Skyclub members due to capacity.
There are a lot of travelers with Delta Skyclub access due to Delta’s partnership with American Express. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card and its business version provide unlimited access to Delta Skyclubs for cardholders and authorized users, as does the American Express Platinum card. Both options require a same-day ticket on Delta or a partner airline. Delta Skyclubs are prominent in the United States, with locations in 34 US airports and multiple clubs in Delta hub airports. At first glance, it seems surprising that Memphis International Airport (MEM) has a Skyclub, the only airline lounge in the airport. Memphis was formerly a Delta hub airport after Delta absorbed Northwest Airlines, and the lounge is a holdover from the past.
I recently accessed the lounge twice with my Delta Reserve card on recent trips out of Memphis and was impressed. While most Skyclubs are superior to their competition (United and American lounges), I expected Memphis, which has less Delta traffic than many other airports, to have a substandard lounge. I was so wrong.
The Memphis Skyclub is NICE. The décor is elegant, and the staff is pleasant. There was a great variety of food, and it was delicious. I have visited dozens of Priority Pass and United Clubs in the United States. The Memphis Skyclub was superior to all of them in every way (although it wasn’t on par with Centurion or Capital One lounges).
Access – A-
Delta partners with American Express to provide access to Amex Platinum and Delta Reserve cardholders. Entry to the lounge was seamless. I presented my Delta Reserve card and boarding pass and was immediately welcomed. The overcrowding issues plaguing Skyclub locations in significant hub airports are nonexistent in Memphis. On both of my recent visits, one right after the club opened in the morning and the other in the late afternoon, less than a dozen other travelers were present. The only thing that reduced the access grade I gave the lounge is the same negative factor that I apply to every Delta Skyclub due to the lack of free access for guests. Delta Reserve cardholders receive two guest passes, after which guests must pay a $39 fee to enter.
Service – A+
The staff was friendly and professional. I received immediate service when I ordered a soda at the bar. Attendants cleaned and removed plates and glasses several times during my visit. In all, the service rivaled the best lounges I’ve ever visited.
Décor/Aesthetics – A+
The lounge was beautiful, looked new, and featured varied furnishings throughout the lounge. The décor was modern and elegant. Charging stations were everywhere, and the lounge was well-illuminated with soft lighting.
Food/Beverage Quality – A
On both occasions, I found the food outstanding. The hot food buffet included four choices: eggs, waffles, and sausages for breakfast and meatballs, macaroni & cheese for dinner. There is a salad station with multiple options. One nice touch was a serving cart with champagne and elegant desserts for guests.
Overall, the Delta Skyclub in Memphis is an unexpected respite for travelers flying through a less-traveled location. It is a great lounge.
Final Grade – A
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