DTW is a major hub for Delta Air Lines. As such there are several Delta Skyclubs to choose from. In 2022 Delta added a new lounge here at DTW across the hallway from gate A42. This newest Delta Skyclub is a little fancier than the rest of the Skyclubs here at DTW. It’s also a little smaller than I expected but the good news is that on a Friday Evening, when we visited, it wasn’t very crowded and getting a good seat was easy. We’re here on a connection to Paris, and I really enjoy connecting in DTW.
One thing I will point out is that the A42 DTW Skyclub has very modern and different decorating in comparison with the other DTW Skyclubs. This A42 Skyclub uses the modern Delta ascetic where all of the other Skyclubs here at DTW are from when Northwest Airlines was the operator of the McNamara Terminal. Delta has 4 other Skyclubs here at DTW, one over in the B/C Concourse, and even one right across the hall here in the A Concourse.
Bottom Line: I really liked the DTW A42 Skyclub, the only downside is that I’ve been turned away from this lounge before due to crowding issues. This is a pretty small lounge for such a busy terminal. I certainly wouldn’t wait in line to enter, but if you can, this is the best Delta Skyclub at DTW.
In This Review
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 Location
This should be pretty self explanatory by the name, but the DTW A42 Skyclub is just across the walkway from the A42 gate here in the A Concourse of the McNamara terminal. Just below the escalators that lead to the elevated tram, you’ll find the entrance to the Skyclub. This is very convenient if you’re flying from the center A Gates. If you’re departing from the B or C Concourse, I’d use that Skyclub.
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 Entry and Check-in
The entry way is really unique at the Delta A42 Skyclub. There are these really great caricatures of well know Detroiters along side other famous entertainers.
I’m not sure how they decided who makes the cut. I’d love to have some of these paintings in my own house. We checked in with self service kiosks and made our way up the stairs and into the Skyclub.
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 Space
When we walked into the DTW A42 Skyclub I was very impressed with the space. It’s different than the light blue glass that has come to dominate modern Skyclubs. Here is much nicer and easier on the eyes. Ahead is the bar, to the right is the buffet, behind and to the right would be where the bathrooms are.
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 Seating
Scattered all around are different types of seating.
There are these low types of comfortable chairs with lots of outlets to charge devices.
There are these high back(nearly wing-back) chairs. Towards the buffet there are low top bistro style tables.
Near the windows, overlooking the central area of the concourse, is a bar top with stools. This is where we settled for our visit to the Skyclub. I usually gravitate to high top options.
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 Buffet
The Delta Skyclub offers a good selection of snacks, including fruits, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. There’s also a few hot options like soups, pasta, heavy hors d’oeuvre.
This isn’t a huge buffet like some of the other Skyclubs offer, but the selection is very good. One thing to note is that this Skyclub uses real plates and utensils, no plastic and paper here.
Down the wall from the buffet is a self service beverage station with soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 Bar
The bar here at the DTW Skyclub is very well stocked with complimentary beer, wine, and liquor. There are also options for purchase.
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 View
The view from the Skyclub is of the main entry corridor of the A Concourse here at DTW. It’s a pretty great place to people watch as this overlooks the Delta virtual reality experience. Unfortunately there’s not a view of any airplanes, but you can watch the Concourse A tram head back and forth.
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 Bathrooms
The bathrooms at the DTW A42 Skyclub are located just down a small corridor slightly behind the elevator and stairs.
The bathrooms are very nice here at the Skyclub. I was actually a little surprised at how nice they are with very nice fittings and fixtures. This almost makes me think this Skyclub will be converted into a Delta One Lounge in the future, but we’ll see if that happens.
Delta Skyclub DTW A42 Final Thoughts
The DTW A42 Skyclub is probably the nicest Delta Lounge here in Detroit. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite though. It’s taken me 3 tries to get into this Skyclub as most of the time it’s very busy. I would never wait in line to get into this club, I’d just walk across the hall and right into the much larger A38 Skyclub. Sure, it’s not as nice, but it’s way bigger, there’s always a seat, and the buffet is pretty much the exact same. If you’re flying out of the B or C Concourse, there’s another Skyclub there that I would recommend too.
At the A42 Skyclub I loved the bar though, it has the best selection and was envisioned as a staffed bar where the others were originally self service. I also like the modern seating at this Skyclub and like that Delta has gone away from the blue glass design that has plagued Skyclubs for years, this is best Delta Skyclub at DTW.
I really liked the A42 Skyclub and would recommend it to anyone. However, don’t wait in line. There are 4 other Skyclubs in DTW that are very good.