Delta Sky Club- AUS

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the continental US, Austin has become a frequented destination for leisure and business. Originally home to the landmark campus of the University of Texas and a vibrant music-scene, the city now contains a significant corporate infrastructure. Multiple large-scale tech companies are headquartered in Austin, bringing with them an influx of new residents. As employees relocate to ATX, their presence increases demands for a service economy to cater to a growing population. Air travel is no exception to these increased demands.

Austin's substantial growth has created the need for a large-scale, modern airport to move residents and travelers to and from the city. Government officials recognized this need years ago, initiating plans to convert the decommissioned Bergstrom Air Force Base into an international airport in 1995. Austin's previous airport (Mueller Municipal) could no longer handle the increased passenger and aircraft numbers the city required. In 1999, Austin Bergstrom International Airport officially opened to the public and the AUS airport code was re-designated from Mueller. With ample land and large runways, Bergstrom International offered Austin the world-class, large-scale airport necessary to support the growing city. The namesake of the Air Force base was retained in homage to the first Austin resident killed in World War II, Captain John August Earl Bergstrom. 

Since its opening in 1999, Bergstrom International has experienced red-hot growth paralleling the city it serves. Originally routing most AUS passengers to nearby hubs (i.e. Dallas and Houston), airlines now offer Austinites a significant number of nonstop options. Over 16 million passengers transited through AUS prior to the 2020 pandemic, to nonstop destinations as far-reaching as London, Frankfurt,  Amsterdam, and Honolulu. Southwest Airlines, the largest airline by passenger volume and destinations, announced a recent expansion this year. American Airlines, the second largest airline at Austin by aforementioned metrics, quickly followed suit by announcing non-stops including Nassau and San Jose del Cabo, among multiple other continental destinations.   

With an ample supply of business and leisure travelers, AUS benefits from the presence of airline lounges. Delta Sky Club has responded to Bergstrom's impressive growth, by opening a new Sky Club in May 2019. Located at the end of the main terminal, by Gate 1, the Sky Club is accessible by flanking spiral staircases or elevators.

The lounge features a modern decor, with the characteristic blue-tinted glass doors welcoming guests. Once inside, the attentive staff appropriately check-in travelers and direct them to the lounge's various offerings. The dining area, located immediately to the left, provides high quality hot and cold options. The Sky Club staff have successfully implemented and maintained safety measures in the dining room and all areas of the Club. 


The sheer size of the lounge represents one of its most impressive features. The dining area is separate from the rotunda bar. Encased in glass and adorned with wine racks, the bar offers guests a comfortable environment free from crowding. The caliber of options available is also note-worthy, with high end wine labels available for purchase (beyond the standard complimentary options). 


The lounge also provides guests an opportunity for fresh air, with its branded SkyDeck (tm) located just outside the dining area. Outdoor furniture, TV's, and fans await travelers who seek refuge from the indoor air typical of airline terminals. For individuals searching for serenity, the lounge contains a quiet business area in the rear near the restrooms. With wireless printing capabilities, this area allows guests to remain productive while in transit. 



The Delta Sky Club AUS represents a phenomenal facility for air travelers. Large, clean, and diverse spaces offer guests ample opportunities to recharge and refuel. Staff members warmly care for guests in the lounge, and work to ensure a seamless travel experience once they depart the lounge. As Austin continues to set records for population growth, with Bergstrom airport expanding to meet this growth, travelers to the region will benefit from new lounge offerings such as this Delta Sky Club. 


Access: 4 (end of concourse)
Facilities: 5
Food: 5
Staff: 5

Overall: 4.75

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