Delta Sky Club

Delta’s current relentless focus on Seattle and competition against “partner” Alaska Airlines have been making the headlines – a minor player a few years ago, the SkyTeam member now offers non-stop flights to an ever growing list of destinations. It only makes sense that they would invest in their Seattle lounge – and so they did mid-2011, with a major refurbishment.

Delta Sky Club SEA design

The Delta Sky Club at Seattle-Tacoma airport is one of the airport’s only two rooftop lounges (along with the adjacent British Airways Terraces Lounge.) As such it benefits from a large window wall and plenty of natural light. Unfortunately the views are a tad disappointing since the club faces the Alaska Airlines maintenance hangar. Neighbor British Airways, who built their own rooftop lounge many years before, got the better views of the tarmac. On clear days though, the view of Mt. Rainier is a treat; unfortunately the lounge also tends to get warm and the staff has to lower the electric blinds.

The large rectangular space boasts Delta’s latest design, with simple and clean lines. It’s bright and modern, but perhaps a bit cold, though the geometric pictures of the Earth viewed from the sky are always intriguing.

The variety of seating arrangements is sure to satisfy every traveler’s needs, with café style seating, countertop seating by the windows, partitioned work spaces, a living-room like area with coffee tables, and cube chairs with a built-in side table which provide ample privacy.

The furniture is comfortable and looks fresh. Power outlets are widely available, though their location is a bit random – check on the floor, next to you or even above your seat.

Delta Sky Club SEA amenities

Two showers are available (one in the ladies’ room and one in the gentlemen’s.) The shower rooms are spacious and clean, though in an unfortunate oversight they don’t include a toilet. Towels as well as various amenities (deodorant, comb, toothbrush, etc.) are offered, though to our disbelief there are no soap dispensers, so be sure to request soap.

A dark slumber room features comfortable seats including loungers with ottomans. TV screens display tranquil scenery, cell phones are prohibited, and thick curtains help make the room cozy and quiet.

The food and beverage selection is in line with Delta’s domestic standards. Breakfast is a highlight with cereal, muesli, fruit salad, pastries, bagels, eggs, a fancy touch-screen Starbucks espresso machine, as well as various syrups for your latte. After 11am, the selection switches over to snacks, soups and salads — enough for a substantial snack, and one of the best spreads you’ll find at a Sea-Tac lounge. The club also features a staffed bar which offers a selection of complimentary basic alcoholic drinks, as well as a wide array of premium drinks and cocktails for purchase.

Other amenities include printers, a selection of newspapers and magazines, as well as self-service check-in kiosks.

Delta Sky Club SEA bottom line

Overall, we rank the Delta Sky Club as the best lounge at Seattle-Tacoma airport. The design is somewhat sterile, but the breadth of amenities — complimentary food, showers, slumber room, business facilities — is unparalleled for domestic travel, and very strong for international travel compared to other lounges at Sea-Tac.

Note: Delta also operates out of Concourse A. While a train links Satellite S and Concourse A airside, the location of the Sky Club is inconvenient for flights departing from Concourse A. Delta provides access to The Club at SEA to eligible passengers.