Let's Take a Day Trip

CHICAGO — I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m not the traveler who gets to the airport early.

I’m usually the guy rolling out of bed at the last possible second, taking a quick shower, and making a calculated rush to the airport—just enough time to clear security and board. It’s not the most relaxing way to travel, but it’s efficient.

This time, I did things differently.

Ahead of a 7:05 a.m. first-class flight to Seattle on Delta Air Lines, I gave myself extra time and arrived at Terminal 5 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport around 5:40 a.m. With lounge access in hand—thanks to my American Express Platinum Card—I decided it was finally time to check out the Delta Sky Club for the first time.

And honestly? I get it now.

First Impressions: A Stunning, Upscale Space

From the moment I walked in, the space felt elevated.

The design leans modern and upscale, with warm wood finishes, soft lighting, and a layout that feels more like a boutique hotel lobby than an airport lounge. The bar area, with its globe pendant lights and clean marble counter, immediately stood out—it’s the kind of place you could sit for a while even if you weren’t catching a flight.

There are multiple seating zones throughout the lounge, from quiet, tucked-away chairs to more social, open areas. One section featured a curved, deep-purple couch with individual tables and charging ports—perfect if you actually plan to get work done.

And then there’s the wall art—a large, colorful map of the United States with the phrase “All We Need Is Love.” It adds personality and gives the lounge a sense of place, rather than feeling generic.

The Food: Solid Overall, But One Miss

Since this was an early morning visit, breakfast was being served.

I kept it simple: French toast, grits, and a cup of water

The presentation was clean and solid—exactly what you’d expect in a premium lounge setting. The grits hit the spot, and the water did what it needed to do before a cross-country flight.

But the French toast was a bit of a letdown. It looked good, but it was noticeably tough—definitely not the soft, fluffy texture you hope for. Not a dealbreaker, but something you notice in a space that otherwise feels high-end.

That said, one underwhelming item didn’t take away from the overall experience.

Why This Changed My Travel Mindset

What stood out most wasn’t just the design or the food—it was the pace.

Instead of rushing to the gate, I had time to sit, relax, eat, and mentally prepare for the flight. It completely changed the tone of the morning.

For someone like me—who’s used to treating the airport like a pit stop—this felt like a reset. A much better way to start a long flight to Seattle.

Final Thoughts: Worth It Before a Long Flight

My first visit to the Delta Sky Club at O’Hare left a strong impression.

It’s a stunning space, thoughtfully designed, and offers a comfortable place to unwind before a flight. While the food may not be perfect across the board, it’s more than solid—and the overall experience makes it worthwhile.

Would I show up early for a flight just to spend time here again?

Yeah… I probably would.