Welcome back! In this post, we’re diving into an airport lounge showdown at the busiest airport in the US—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). We’re taking you inside the newest Delta Sky Club in Concourse D, the American Express Centurion Lounge, and The Club ATL to see how they stack up.
Atlanta is Delta’s main hub and headquarters, and as the busiest airport in the world by passenger volume, it saw over 108 million passengers in 2024. The airport’s floating concourses are accessible by Air Train or walking. Most international flights leave from the E and F gates, while domestic flights leave from T, A, B, C, and D gates.
Delta Sky Club: Concourse D
The newest Delta Sky Club in Atlanta, located in Concourse D, opened in the spring of 2025. It is the largest Sky Club at ATL, spanning over 24,000 square feet with more than 500 seats. The entrance is near the center of Concourse D and is accessed via a large, open staircase or elevators. It features the elevated and modern style of Delta’s newer clubs.
This club is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
Access Requirements To access the Delta Sky Club, you must be flying on Delta or a SkyTeam partner. You can get in with the Business and Personal versions of the Amex Centurion and Platinum cards, or with the Delta Reserve Amex card. There are entry limits for these cards unless you spend $75,000 a year. Delta Elite Medallion members can also purchase a membership. It’s important to note that domestic first-class tickets do not grant access.
Amenities
This club features a Southern-inspired design, dedicated soundproof workspaces, and large windows.
- 🍹Bar: Features a full-service bar with a good mix of included beer, wine, and spirits, and premium alcohol for a fee (payable with money or SkyMiles).
- 🍲Food: Two large self-serve buffets offer cold salads, sandwiches, and hot items, such as pulled chicken, rice, and cornbread.
- ☕️ Coffee: Stations feature machines for espressos, cappuccinos, and other custom drinks, along with drip Starbucks coffee, hot and iced tea, and soft drinks.
- 💺 Seating: Offers diverse options, including banquettes, bistro tables, comfy chairs, loungers in front of an LED TV wall, and private phone-booth style rooms.
- 🚻 Restrooms: Clean and spacious.
- 🚿 Showers: This location does not feature showers; you must go to the Sky Club in Concourse E or F for shower access.
- 🛫Views: Situated on top of the terminal, it offers great views of the ramps.
- 🛜 Wi-Fi: Code provided through out the club.
- 🤦♂️ Crowd: Delta updates the crowd status in the Delta app, which is worth checking. During peak times, you may experience a wait to enter.
The Verdict
The D Sky Club is a great addition to Atlanta with a good selection of food, drinks, and seating. It is the best club in Atlanta.
American Express Centurion Lounge
The American Express Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse E near Gate E11 To get in, you need an eligible Amex credit card, such as the Business or Personal versions of the Centurion or Platinum cards, along with a same-day airline ticket. The Delta Reserve American Express card also grants access. If you spend at least $75,000 on your Platinum or Reserve card in the previous calendar year, you can bring two guests for free; otherwise, guests are $50 each. This lounge is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Amenities and Vibe
The lounge is modern and well laid out with both indoor and outdoor spaces.
- 🍹Bar: There are two bars: a main bar in the atrium and a smaller ‘speakeasy’ style bar called “The Reserve” off to the side, which also has outdoor seating. All drinks are free, including a good selection of complimentary beer, wine, spirits, and craft cocktails.
- 🍲Food: A large buffet offers a good mix of hot and cold items, crafted by local chefs, which is enough to grab a complete meal (e.g., salmon and roasted carrots).
- ☕️Coffee: Self-serve coffee machines make espresso-based drinks, and drip and cold brew coffee are available, along with a selection of teas.
- 💺Seating: A variety of comfortable chairs, couches, and banquettes with tables are available. The atrium feels spacious and features a high ceiling and a live olive tree.
- Outdoor Space: A terrace faces the E-Gates, offering great views for plane spotting, and a garden area provides more outdoor seating for fresh air.
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available, though they seemed a bit small for the lounge’s size.
- 🚿Showers: Three showers are available, limited to 15 minutes per visitor, with L’Occitane toiletries. Reservations can be made at the reception area tablet.
- 🛜 Wi-Fi: Code provided on cards around club, very fast.
- 🤦♂️ Crowd: This lounge can get very crowded, especially in the afternoon when international flights depart, and a line often extends into the concourse. You can check if the lounge is busy and join a waitlist directly in the American Express app.
The Verdict
This is a nice lounge, especially with the outdoor spaces and free drinks. However, it’s best to avoid it during peak afternoon hours due to the crowds.
The Club ATL
Considered an “honorable mention,” The Club ATL is located in the International Terminal on the Mezzanine Level of Concourse F.
Access and Hours
- Access: This club accepts Priority Pass. You can also pay for a day pass or pre-book online for a fee. Access is allowed within three hours before departure.
- Hours: Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
Amenities and Vibe
The lounge was completely packed when it was filmed, so the overview is quick.
- 🍹Bar: Offers a variety of complimentary beer, wine, and spirits.
- 🍲Food: A small buffet primarily with cold items like salad and sandwiches; do not expect the level of food found at the Amex or Delta lounges.
- 💺Seating: A variety of lounging chairs and tables spread across one main area and a smaller second seating area with a small second buffet.
- 🚿Showers: The lounge has restrooms and one shower that can be reserved at the front desk, but it may be hard to get a slot due to how busy the lounge is.
The Verdict
The Club ATL is essentially a waiting room with some free food and drinks. It’s an option if you can’t access the others, but if you’re paying to enter, you might consider the great restaurant options in ATL instead.
Final Thoughts
All three lounges offer a space to relax, grab food, and enjoy a drink. They share similarities like buffet-style food, bars with complimentary drinks, and comfortable seating.
In our experience, we typically head to the Delta Sky Club closest to our gate, but if we have time, the D Concourse Sky Club is where we head—it’s the best club in Atlanta.
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