Delta Just Opened Its Only International Sky Club Lounge — Here's Where

Delta Just Opened Its Only International Sky Club Lounge — Here's Where (msn.com)

Delta Just Opened Its Only International Sky Club Lounge — Here's Where

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Delta Just Opened Its Only International Sky Club Lounge — Here's Where

Alison Fox - 1h ago

Delta Air Lines opened its only international Sky Club lounge in Tokyo on Friday, July 29, welcoming guests with sake, a made-to-order noodle bar, and more.

 

© Provided by Travel + LeisureCourtesy of Delta

The lounge, which was initially expected to open in the summer of 2020 before building was stymied by the pandemic, is located in Terminal 3 of Tokyo's Haneda Airport, the airline shared with Travel + Leisure. The new lounge is the only one at the airport operated by an American airline and marks Delta's lounge expansion beyond the United States.

"We've been looking forward to this day for years," Claude Roussel, the managing director of Delta Sky Clubs, said in a statement. "Bringing the signature Delta Sky Club experience to Haneda as we continue to grow our network of premium, one-of-a-kind lounges is a huge moment for our Asia-Pacific partners, and all future Haneda Club customers."

In addition to the noodles and sake, the more than 9,000-square-foot club will feature a premium bar, a buffet bar with both international and Asian-inspired meals, power outlets at nearly every seat, high-speed Wi-Fi, and booths for quiet work. Travelers who need to freshen up before a long flight will have access to five shower rooms.

Gallery: An airline plans to install bunk beds and couches in economy class to help to boost comfort on long-haul flights (INSIDER)

 

 

1 of 6 Photos in Gallery©Air New Zealand

An airline plans to install bunk beds and couches in economy class to help to boost comfort on long-haul flights

• Air New Zealand plans to equip eight Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets with bunk beds and couches by 2024.
• "Skynests" will be available to economy passengers flying on ultra long-haul flights, per the airline. 
• The airline will begin non-stop flights between Auckland and New York in September. 

Anyone used to flying economy class will know that comfort and the possibility of a decent night's sleep often comes at a premium. But one airline is looking to change that. 

Air New Zealand announced on Tuesday that it planned to equip eight Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets with bunk beds and couches by 2024.

The airline claims it is the first carrier to put sleep pods on a plane. It is the first to offer economy passengers — those paying the cheapest ticket prices — the option. 

Ultra long-haul flights are generally deemed to be non-stop journeys of more than 16 hours.

In September, Air New Zealand will begin non-stop flights between Auckland and New York, lasting more than 17 hours, per Bloomberg. From 2025, Qantas, its Australian challenger, plans to launch a non-stop service between Sydney, New York, and London, with journeys lasting up to 20 hours.

"New Zealand's location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra long-haul travel experience," said Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran, in a release on the company website. He added that the company had "zeroed in" on sleep and comfort, and designed the pods after hearing customer feedback. 

"It's going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience," Foran said in the press release.

The plans are yet to receive regulatory approval, per Traveller. They have been announced as part of a wider suite of changes to premium, business and regular economy classes. 

Take a look at the plans.

Read the original article on Insider

Delta said the lounge also features impressive views of the airfield and the Tokyo city skyline and — on clear days — Mount Fuji itself.

Earlier this year, Delta opened impressive Sky Clubs at Los Angeles International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. And over the next two years, the airline plans to launch its Delta One lounges specifically for passengers flying in the Delta One business-class cabin.

When it comes to visiting Japan, the country has reopened its borders to travelers on assigned package tours with strict rules on things like mask wearing. Travelers must also show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their departure, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.

Read the original article on Travel + Leisure