ATL also has SkyTeam partners with flights that will use those lounges exclusively (vs. JFK, where they're in a different terminal and thus less likely to use the D1 lounge unless connecting). Plus, many more people connect from international flights vs. JFK, which has more O/D. This means that none of us know the number of eligible passengers and the time distribution of those passengers.

After experiencing the IAH Polaris lounge last week, and the JFK Flagship FIrst lounge a couple years ago, I don't really get the hype... it certainly wouldn't affect which airline I choose to fly. It's nice and all... but... meh. Price, inflight experience (seat comfort being #1), and total travel time/connections are the most important things for me.

Back to the "captive hub" statements above... yes, ATL is a captive hub, but has relatively low O&D % vs other hubs. Which means DL is competing not for ex-ATL traffic for the nonstop to LHR, but for someone choosing MSY-ATL-LHR vs MSY-ORD/JFK-LHR. MSP is similar in this regard. I'd expect all of DL'd international gateways to get D1 clubs as they're able to secure space from the airport.