Delta adds luxury bar to Sky Clubs

Bag fees, upgrade charges and change fees are now the norm in the airline industry. But now, Delta has added yet another additional charge. They’ve introduced the Luxury Bar to their Delta Sky Clubs, allowing customers to purchase ultra-premium spirits, wine and custom-designed cocktails, in addition to the complimentary wine and cocktails already offered in the clubs.

The Sky Clubs are fresh from a recent upgrade and Wayne Aaron, Delta’s vice president of marketing programs, says that the initial customer feedback to this offering has been quite positive.

In some respects, the program might be worth it – enhanced upgrade options include Ciroc, Ketel One and Godiva vodkas; Tanqueray Ten gin; Don Julio, Jose Cuervo tequilas; Bulleit and George Dickel American whisky; Bushmills Irish whisky; a multitude of single malt scotches including Caollla 12, Clynelsih 14, Cragganmore 12, Dalwhinnie 15, Glenkinchie 12, Lagavulin 16, Oban 14 and Talisker 18; Crown Royal, Canadian Whiskey and Johnnie Walker blended scotches; Zacapa rum and many premium liqueurs.

Wine bar selections include Stellina di Notte Pinot Grigio, Chalone Vineyard, Chardonnay, Acacia, Pinot Noir and Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Champagnes include Moet and Chandon Imperial and Dom Perignon Brut.

These names are certainly ones that spirits lovers will recognize and enjoy.
In the last year, Delta has unveiled nine renovated or new clubs across the Delta system, all featuring the new Delta Sky Club design. The new design includes a fully stocked bar with complimentary beverages and snacks throughout the day; art featuring aerial landscapes of the region; personalized flight assistance; updated restrooms; satellite television and a work zone complete with complementary Wi-Fi, cyber counters with power outlets, desktop computers, wireless printers and additional charging stations. All clubs throughout the system have been touched with specific updates in the last two years.

The Luxury Bar will roll out to all domestic Delta Sky Clubs with a full-service bar by the end of the year, and will mirror Delta’s onboard policy of accepting credit and debit cards.

While we’re excited to see these premium spirit additions, we wonder if this is just one more way to get money out of passengers.

[Flickr via Benson!!]