You Don’t Need to Be Flying to London to Access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK
Over the past week or so, I’ve been considering taking a flight in business class on Delta from New York to Los Angeles. On this route, Delta offers Delta ONE which features lie-flat seats, premium amenities, premium dining, and lounge access. Though Delta ONE is not nearly as exclusive and premium as American’s Flagship First Class experience on the same route, it’s a great product that closely resembles their international business class product. To make the idea of buying a Delta ONE ticket more attractive, fares can dip below $600 one-way. $600 would not only allow me to enjoy a 6-hour flight in Delta ONE but would also allow me to earn over 3800 SkyMiles that would go towards my elite status requirements.
At the same time, is $600 really worth it for Delta ONE? If I wasn’t rigorously trying to retain my status with Delta, I’d opt for JetBlue Mint Class and American’s business class product over Delta ONE. One major component of Delta ONE that takes away from the premium feel is only offering Delta ONE passengers Sky Club access. American offers business class passengers Flagship Lounge access which is far superior to the Sky Club. However, after doing some investigating, I managed to uncover a way to get into the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK while traveling in Delta ONE.
Delta ONE (Image: Delta Air Lines)
The Stated Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK Access Policy
Delta and Virgin Atlantic’s partnership has actually benefited passengers on both airlines a great deal. One major way in which passengers are benefiting from this partnership is reciprocal lounge access. Albeit, lounge access doesn’t help out non-elite main cabin passengers it greatly benefits elite premium class passengers. Unfortunately, lounge access, especially access to Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses is very restricted. Still, select premium class passengers and high-level elites can access Virgin Atlantic’s phenomenal Clubhouses. Here’s the stated policy on Delta’s website:
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounge access is available at select locations to Delta One® passengers, Upper Class passengers, and Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion Members with a same-day nonstop transatlantic flight between North America and the U.K. that is operated by Delta or Virgin Atlantic. Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members may access Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses in London-Gatwick, New York-JFK, Newark, Washington-Dulles, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco Airports. Gold Medallion Members may only access Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses within the U.S. (New York-JFK, Newark, Washington-Dulles, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco Airports). Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion Members are allowed to bring one guest. While access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in London-Heathrow is not available to Gold Medallion Members, these Members may enjoy access to No1 Lounges, Heathrow at LHR’s Terminal 3. Please travel with and be prepared to show proof of your Medallion status to the Virgin Atlantic representative to receive these benefits.
Though Medallions can only access Clubhouses on Trans-Atlantic itineraries, Delta ONE passengers have access regardless of their itinerary. Or so I thought. That’s not actually the case but there is still a way to get into Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses, at least the New York-JFK location that is.
Transcontinental Delta ONE Passengers Can Pay $70 For Access
If you’re departing from New York-JFK on a nonstop transcontinental flight in Delta ONE, you have access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK for $70. I was informed of this unpublished policy via Twitter. Unfortunately, I’m not aware of any guest policies or restrictions though I’d imagine $70 is per person.
Delta Confirming the $70 Access Policy
Delta and Virgin Atlantic’s pay-per-visit policy is nearly identical to Virgin America’s Clubhouse access policy. Virgin American First Class passengers on select long-haul (essentially, transcontinental flights) can access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK for $75. Though $75 is a steep price, I did just that two(ish) years ago after a nasty red-eye from Las Vegas.
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- Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK Breakfast
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- Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK View of T4 Apron
Again, I acknowledge that $70 for lounge access is a little steep especially after you’ve just spent a few hundred (maybe more) dollars purchasing a ticket in transcontinental business class. Still, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK is a fantastic lounge featuring a spa, salon, free a la carte dining, premium beverages, and great views of the tarmac.
Overall
Just to reiterate and clear up any confusion, if you’re departing from New York-JFK on a nonstop flight to San Fransico or Los Angeles in Delta ONE, you can purchase Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse access for $70. The benefits of paying to visit the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK over visiting the Delta Sky Club JFK for free is that the Clubhouse features unique amenities like a spa, salon, tableside dining, and a more exclusive atmosphere. $70 just might be worth it. Keep in mind capacity restrictions apply and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK’s hours revolve around the airline’s flights.
Would you spend $70 to access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK? Were you aware of this policy?
Thanks for sharing this article. This is very nice and chic. Thanks you so much.
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good to know we went LHR -JFK-SFO but denied access as needed to go to lhr not on return i was told!!!
US$70 is definitely a horrible deal for this one. I’ve checked out that Clubhouse back in Nov 2016 as SQ has a contract to send their Suites pax there – nice and chic, but definitely not worth $70.
So far, the only lounge i’ve ever visited worth $70+ is LH FRA First Class Terminal.
ps : i’ve yet to try CX HKG Pier First, QF SYD, or QR DOH ones, so I’ll refrain from judging them. But I’d rate CX HKG Wing First at roughly $50, dinging them from being too far from most gates.