It was 4:30am when my alarm went off. And if the early start wasn’t enough, the next 24 hours of 90-degree seats, lines and inevitable delays should have halted the impending vacation glow. However, this trip was different.
From the moment I set foot in Sydney International Airport, I was in holiday mode. Why is this? Let me get into it…
With the rising cost of living expenses, most people are saving their leave and coin for bucket list destinations and special overseas trips. And splurging for business class is definitely on many people’s bucket lists, especially for long-haul flights.
While most airlines offer a range of premium experiences, Delta Air Lines is a leader in ensuring you’re not wasting valuable time sitting in queues and waiting out delays on the floor of your gate. How? It’s all about flying Delta One.
Delta One is Delta Air Lines’ most premium experience. Not only does it provide access across their state-of-the-art lounges and clubs it prioritises you at every stage on and off the ground.
Read on to discover how I made my journey as memorable as my destination: New York city…
Avoid the queues
Nothing screams “we’re going on holiday” like showing up at the airport for a two-hour bag check and customs line.
As a Delta One passenger, I was eligible for Sky Priority. This allowed me to skip the queue at each airport, avoiding the line full of already exhausted co-travellers.
Even more impressive was the private check-in counter reserved exclusively for Delta One passengers during my layover in L.A.. This separate area not only saw me skip the queue but also gave me the chance to take a breath and enjoy a few light refreshments before joining the fast-tracked security line.
Once through, instead of waiting for my section to be called, Delta One passengers enjoy priority boarding. So I had plenty of time to settle in for the long flight ahead.

Lounge in luxury
While a warm $20 beer at the overcrowded bar at 8am might be someone’s idea of the perfect start to a holiday, it certainly isn’t mine.
There’s no better way to get into holiday mode fast than by heading to a luxe lounge. Whether you’re kicking off your holiday or mourning the end of a trip, Delta Air Lines has a range of lounges and clubs that you can access before boarding.
As a Delta One ticket holder, I was able to check out two of the 50 Delta Sky Clubs on my journey to New York: Sydney and Los Angeles. Both the Sydney International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport locations had complimentary food and beverages, fast WiFi, and areas to suit every passenger’s needs. I loved watching the planes take off through the floor-to-ceiling windows right on the tarmac and at one point from an outdoor balcony.
A late evening layover in LA meant I indulged in the well-stocked shower amenities that can be booked upon arrival. So, once it was time to board my next flight I was extra fresh.

My return trip was even sweeter. The newest perk you can get by flying as a Delta One passenger is the elevated lounge experience currently at JFK International Airport.
The Delta One Lounge is now available at the JFK, Los Angeles International Airport, and Boston International Airport.
As soon as I walked through the doors I was immediately hit with a feeling of luxury. I was hyper-aware of the thought that had gone into every detail of this space.
Each corner of this spacious lounge is perfectly curated to suit the needs of every traveller. From the family dining area and outdoor balcony to the work pods, personally tailored laundry service, and shoe shine.

No matter your culinary desires, you will be blown away by the food and beverages available. I opted for a buffet-style meal from the boutique Bakery and Market counters. However, there is a full-service dining option available for those with longer layovers. All ingredients are locally sourced with celebrity chefs and professional mixologists crafting each element.

Snooze in the sky
The perks don’t end when you’re in the sky. If you’re anything like me, sleep is one of the most important indicators of a successful flight. When I fly, I get as cosy as possible in my economy aisle seat, mouth taped, eyes covered, headphones on, and my carry-on bag stored firmly in the overhead locker. But, as a Delta One passenger, I was in for an even more comfortable experience.
From the moment I sat down I received an elevated level of in-flight service. As everyone else boarded, an exclusive Delta One air host came around with light refreshments. I of course began with a glass of Champagne while the host confirmed my pre-selected meal which I had ordered through the Fly Delta app.
Once we were in the air, the chef-curated meal service began. Everything was extremely fresh, and eating on a larger fold-down tray table while in the privacy of my own pod made it a much more enjoyable dining experience.
As the desert plates were collected, our air host came around with warm towels and I pampered myself using the complimentary Missoni amenity kit featuring Grown Alchemist products to freshen up before bed.
When it was time to get some rest, I reclined my seat the full 180 degrees and actually managed to get a good night’s sleep. The flatbed was equipped with a soft pillow, mattress and blanket. I woke up to the smell of breakfast, no neck cramps, and my phone was on 100 per cent power thanks to my personal USB outlet.
I can appreciate that upgrading to a premium ticket isn’t possible for everyone. However, I have learnt that for those big hard-earned trips, where possible, flying premium is the only way to go.
When you land, I guarantee you’ll be feeling fresh-faced and ready to take on the incredible sights of a new city.
The Weekly travelled as an invited guest of Delta Air Lines.