JFK is one of the busiest and most congested airports in the world. Here at DesignAir the airport experience at JFK was one we used to dread, fearing outdated over populated terminals with confusing signage and generic uninspiring shops. But now, that’s all changed thanks to Delta’s newly re-opened Terminal 4, which all Delta and Virgin Atlantic passengers can experience. We applaud this practical and modern update which has learned from the passenger experience to create a sympathetic and well-executed Delta branded product.
Opened yesterday, the terminal will feature these impressive changes:
· Nine new and seven renovated international gates.
· Improved and renovated check-in areas, including a dedicated Sky Priority check-in.
· A centralized security checkpoint.
· New dining and retail offerings.
· A new 24,000-square-foot flagship Delta Sky Club with the first ever Sky Deck at Delta Sky Club outdoor terrace.
· An in-line baggage system to streamline and improve the baggage handling system.
· Improved Customs and Border Protection, baggage claim and re-check facilities.
What’s more, the terminal has been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Whilst there isn’t anything as futuristic as they have been working on at TED such as the photonic showers, the overall experience seems a lot more tactile and user-friendly. Some of the biggest advancements are within the business class passenger offerings all packaged under the ‘Sky Priority & Sky Club’ banners.
The Terminal 4 Delta Sky Club, the largest in the Delta system, offers travelers superior amenities and a unique customer experience. A chef-designed menu of cuisine such as sushi, cheese, charcuterie and dessert will allow customers the option of enjoying a pre-departure meal, enabling them to sleep immediately after takeoff. Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, who also selects Delta’s Business Elite wine offerings, has developed a premium wine-by-the glass program for the Club with many vintages usually available only by the bottle, including Dom Perignon and Muga Prado Enea, Gran Reserva. Additionally customers needing privacy within the Club can reserve the Ciroc Lounge, which offers a private space with seating and entertainment.
The one element we love the most is the new sky deck, which looks more like a hotel rooftop pool bar than airport lounge, which is available to all guests using the Sky Club. The Sky Deck (Pictured first here) is a well proportioned 2,000-square-foot terrace developed in partnership with Architectural Digest. Renowned designer Thom Filicia was selected by Architectural Digest to create a distinctive space that will offer passengers runway views and the comfort, convenience and relaxation they have come to expect from the award-winning Delta Sky Club.
Excitingly, this isn’t the last we will be hearing from Delta’s Terminal 4, as the second phase of their project, penned in to complete in 2015 will add a further 11 gates, replacing their use of terminal 2, and expanding the whole terminal to feature 27 gates.
TheDesignAir 
JFK is one airport that needs to be torn down and rebuilt from the ground up. You can only renovate it so much. JFK’s layout is horrible for 21st century air travel, makes me wish they could start over. Of course, it would cost a fortune and the logistics of closing it would be an absolute nightmare.
Bland, boring, unimaginative. Sky Club rips offs some off Cathay’s HKG lounge furniture but on a West Elm budget. Wasn’t expecting much from DL and as usual they disappoint in the product and style department
Oh, and as a regular T4 user an issue for me is its lack of maintenance and basic cleanliness. Needs a thorough disinfecting and steam cleaning after the current cleaning contractor is fired. A can of paint and a roller run over the scuffed up walls wouldn’t hurt either. And how about fixing the broken drinking fountains?
As a native New Yorker, I can’t comment much on the topic of transiting through JFK, but it must be a nightmare. New York, however, will never be able to use a HKG/BKK/DXB style terminal, because each airline, no matter what, will want their own terminal in the US’s premier city.