Sky Clubs are one more beautiful than the other: here's the one in Chicago

I admit, In the last 24 months, I've missed a lot from U.S. airports, especially from those far from the NYC area. In contrast, my flight plan of this early 2026 has led me to travel a lot on this side of the Atlantic and it was absolutely random, not influenced by the chaos in the Middle East.

At first it was the our vacations in Polynesia, then the around the world in 48 hours and finally the many other trips to review, not forgetting our own group trip to New York.

Moral of the story: as of the end of May 2026, I have entered the United States already 7 times this year and that led me to really visit so many lounges, which then slowly get reviewed and published, every Wednesday. Of course, I visit many more of them than I eventually review.

Delta Sky Club Chicago, location

We are near gate M10 in Terminal 5. After passing through security and going through the inevitable duty free, you have to turn right.

Let's say they serve less than 5 minutes of walking Before arriving at the entrance.

Delta Sky Club Access

Delta was the first airline to overturn its Sky Club access rules: status is worth less than the credit card, so here are the rules.

If you are traveling in business, either domestic or Delta One, you can get in. If you're in economy, you don't need SkyPriority, but you do need a American Express Platinum. But remember: no guests.

Alternatively, I remind you that the Air France lounge is also open to Priority Pass holders at certain times.

Sky Club Delta Chicago

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Let's say I could stop here. If you frequent TFC often you know what I look for in a lounge, and here is everything I want, and more. In some ways it is even better than the one in Boston, which I already thought was the benchmark for me.

Don't be fooled by the reception area: as you turn the corner and admire the first of many works of art, you will realize that is not small at all. In fact.

There are so many that there is even a catalog.

It extends along the terminal, facing the ramp. Translated: lots of light and a beautiful view of the planes, which seem almost within reach.

There is also something more unique than rare: A gate connected directly to the lounge, as in the halls of Emirates. Something very rare on American soil and the first time I have seen it in person.

The lounge is huge, the decor is really warm and modern. Couches, high seats, armchairs: there's really everything.

At the entrance is immediately the main lounge bar, exactly opposite the buffet area.

The offerings are concentrated, but in keeping with Delta's tradition in late morning changes from breakfast to all-day dining.

Then, for peak times, there is a second bar, which is smaller but can lighten the workload of the main one and, above all, save the guest from driving miles for a beer.

Along the wall opposite the windows are beverage islands: classic Starbucks coffee, but also cappuccino machines, which are legal here even at 6 p.m. while you're eating fettuccine Alfredo.

At the opposite end from the entrance is the smart working area. I am writing this review inside one of the booths, waiting for TFC's monthly live broadcast.

There is also the sports corner, with Las Vegas-style mega-screens where games can be followed. After all, we are in NBA playoff season.

Immaculate bathrooms and even a wellness room, which I have no idea what it's for, but it looks interesting.

Food & Beverage

Nothing is lacking. We start with the full service bar. As a reminder, standard drinks are included, while premium drinks are charged, in cash or miles.

And make sure: tipping the bartender.

Food side, as mentioned, once breakfast is over, the lunch offerings are immediately triggered. From pesto chicken to pasta Alfredo, there is everything: sweet, savory, healthy and even the slightly less healthy.

There is also a second beverage island right next to the smart working area. In short: really top notch.

And, last but not least, also the cart with hod dogs.

In conclusion

I would say that on the ground service side Delta is number one. I have visited American Airlines lounges quite a bit in the past, but I have to say there is really no match.

Now I have to start catching up with Polaris Lounges and United's Clubs to figure out who is really number one in the stars and stripes.

The verdict

When I first visited LAX's Sky Club I thought it would be hard to top, but every time I enter a different one the bar is raised. Here the tidbit of connecting to the plane, as is the case in Emirates lounges is worth an extra half a point in the final rating. Different from all the others, but really one of my favorites

8.5

Rated Location

8

F&B

8

Services

8

Pro

• Location
• Gastronomic offerings
• The direct link to the plane

Against

• The rules too strict to enter