Bright and with fantastic views of runway and Mt. Fuji: review Delta Sky Club, ITA lounge in Tokyo
If Italy is experiencing dualism between Linate and Fiumicino, in Japan the war is all about Tokyo, partly because the [...]
ITA Airways
Delta
SkyTeam
HND
Japan
If Italy experiences dualism between Linate and Fiumicino, in Japan the war is all about Tokyo, partly because the other airports have their own international and intercontinental routes.
In this article:
There are two airports in the capital of the Rising Sun: Narita, which used to be the main airport, and Haneda, which used to be dedicated only to domestic traffic. Today, however, more and more carriers have moved their flights to Haneda, for one small reason, it is practically a city airport, while getting to Narita takes almost 2 hours.
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ITA Airways has followed Alitalia's plans, namely to move to Narita, the flight from Rome Fiumicino departs from the international terminal and business class passengers and Volare premium status holders, and above, can enjoy access to the brand new Delta Sky Club., near Gate 141 of the Japanese airport.
Open in August 2022
This lounge was to open in spring 2020, then as we know covid wiped out all the plans of airlines and billions of travelers. The ribbon cutting finally came in late July, despite the fact that Japan's doors were still closed to the vast majority of travelers.
The decision follows Delta's abandonment of Narita, where it also had a Skyclub, precisely to meet the needs of passengers who prefer to land at this airport rather than at Japan's giant other airport.
Location and access
The lounge is located at the far end of the terminal in the 140/160 gate area and is on the 5th floor of the terminal on the same level as JAL's Sakura Lounge.
Access is allowed 3 hours before the flight for departing business class passengers, but if you are in transit there is no time limit and you can use the lounge for as long as you want. Since Delta is a Skyteam carrier, these rules also apply to all premium passengers of the various airlines participating in the alliance.
If you fly economy class you can gain access if you have a status that entitles you to Skypriority privileges, again with Skyteam carriers.
The lounge
American practicality with Japanese hospitality is already apparent at the entrance. I arrived that it was 3 hours and 16 minutes before my flight departed. In America I would have been invited to review; here I was welcomed without any problem.
Japanese style can also be seen in the details Delta wanted to add to the line of its latest Sky Club, like the huge one in Los Angeles.
This room shares a runway view with the Narita Sky Club, but here, being on the corner of the building, it gives views of both terminal areas and, haze permitting, Japan's iconic Mount Fuji.
Needless to say, the morning of my visit was hazy and I had to trust the account of the lounge attendants.
The room is a huge open space with various types of seating. The choice of colors is really relaxing with the darker armchairs toward the windows and the lighter ones toward the inside of the room.
Delta has decided to open its lounge to better welcome passengers flying to this airport, a nearly 900-square-meter room where the American airline seeks to make its passengers feel at home.
There are two booths to work in isolation from the rest of the room.
Couches where you can converse with fellow travelers, seating of all kinds track view.
Then there is an immense meeting table in the corner of the room, where the two huge windows meet; having a business meeting here would be really nice and exciting.
Otherwise in terms of services, it does not offer much other than toilets and showers.
Free Wi-fi and very perfomant.
Honorable mention, but it shouldn't even need to be said, to the lounge staff. Attentive and attentive service, staff super present to help and serve guests.
Food & Beverage
The whole area related to catering occupies the part opposite the glass window.
There is a buffet area where you can help yourself to products with oriental flavors and more.
There is a noodle bar where you can order your favorite dish, and I have tried them and must say they are delicious.
An American lounge cannot lack a bar, and here Delta has spared no expense; the decor and colors are really nice.
The cocktail list is very comprehensive, and since this is not the U.S., there is nothing for a fee as there is on the other side of the ocean.
Finally, there is an island for self-serve drinks. There are two Coca Cola fountains for tapping your favorite flavor, one for hot drinks, and the ever-present automatic beer tappers.
In conclusion
Excellent that from day one ITA closed the deal with Delta for the use of the lounge for premium passengers departing on the direct flight to Italy. The lounge is beautiful, bright and comfortable. The noodle station in Tokyo matches the pizzeria in ITA's lounge at Fiumicino.
Pro
- The view on both sides of the terminal
- The light
- The furniture
- The Catering
Against
- Lack of isolated lounges or solutions with less illuminated seating