Last month United announced a $500 million terminal renovation at LAX. Most of that’s getting picked up by the airport authority (United pays rent to the airport as landlord) and my sense at the time is that it’s amazing how little you get for half a billion dollars in a California public construction project. I expect the cost figure will rise.

Today Delta announced its the completion of its LAX terminal renovation and the cost figure is $229 million. Unlike United’s though, Delta doesn’t get a lounge with an outdoor patio (though they have one at New York JFK).

[Delta announced] the completion of a three-year terminal-wide refurbishment, including the airline’s first private check-in lounge, Delta ONE at LAX.

I think it’s kind of funny that one of their ‘renderings’ is of packaged snacks.

If you don’t count US Airways in American’s total traffic numbers, Delta was the largest carrier at LAX during the first four months of 2015. What that really means is that they’ve surpassed United.

Customers flying in Delta One enter the terminal through a dedicated curbside entrance, leading to a private, modern check-in lounge with personalized luggage check, high-design atmosphere, and a refreshment bar. Customers also access a dedicated security checkpoint directly from the Delta ONE at LAX lounge.

Refreshment bar aside this sounds like American’s Flagship check-in. This swanky new check-in area is available to Delta non-stop long haul international (6.5 hour flight time) business class passengers and passengers flying LAX-New York JFK non-stop in business, as well as passengers flying Delta to connect to a Skyteam (including Delta) international premium cabin flight.

They’ve also revamped the club, there are new restaurants in the terminal, and have added “new jet bridges; a renovated Sky Priority lobby; an expanded ticketing lobby and four additional security screening checkpoints; and new baggage carousels and international baggage recheck facilities.”

The additional checkpoints sounds much better than United’s planned single mega-checkpoint.

Additionally, a renovated Sky Club offers more space and an improved customer experience, including 100 additional seats; new shower suites and renovated bathrooms; an updated food area with café seating; and new furnishings and fixtures. New restaurants and shops in Terminal 5 feature celebrity chefs and retail brand names that reflect the cuisine, culture and lifestyle of Los Angeles.

This will make things better, for sure. I’m not sure whether they make things a quarter billion dollars better, but the premium check-in experience will be improved, new showers and more seating in the Skyclub is nice, and more security checkpoints are always appreciated.