THE INSIDE TRACK • November 2023

Access all areas: your guide to JFK’s premium lounges

Luxury has truly landed at New York’s JFK with the unveiling of three premium lounges, co-hosted by British Airways and our partner across the pond, American Airlines. If you’re gearing up for a magical Christmas or New Year’s trip to the Big Apple – hear from JFK’s Director Myriam Rizk and Global Lounge Executive Lukasz Wryzykowski about what to expect when you check in...

“Named after iconic neighbourhoods in London and New York – Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich – our three refurbished lounges are the result of a $400m joint investment from both sides and mark our recent relocation from Terminal 7 (where we’d previously operated for 52 years) to a swish new home at Terminal 8 as of December last year,” says Myriam. Since both airlines – British Airways and American Airlines – are now housed together in Terminal 8, two-pronged journeys using both are easier than ever before. 

“From the moment you step into Terminal 8, you’re greeted by a luminous and expansive new premium check-in area, thoughtfully designed with dedicated lanes for different Tiers to ensure a seamless and swift check-in process,” she adds. It’s also the proud home to 52,000 square feet of lounge space, designed for British Airways, American Airlines and oneworld® customers. Let’s head into each.

Chelsea
1

The Chelsea Lounge

With its glamorous circular Champagne bar, featuring 150 hand-moulded frosted glass droplets suspended from the ceiling and fizz on tap, the Chelsea Lounge is the most exclusive of them all – the new Concorde Room, so to speak. “Located above Gate 14, it’s made up of Italian marble floors, private workstations (each with dedicated plug sockets), three spa-like shower suites (complete with rainfall showers) and a seated area warmed by a ceiling-suspended fireplace,” reveals Lukasz. “There’s also a separate dining area where you can indulge in a complimentary à la carte menu by the 2022 James Beard Award Finalist Ayesha Nurdjaja,” he adds. Relish a pre-flight feast of British or American classics, such as afternoon tea, shepherd’s pie, and, of course, the NYC staple, reuben sandwiches. The lounge is open from 4:30am to 12:30am, offering breakfast, afternoon tea and an all-day menu.

Who can access the lounge?
Our Gold Members travelling in First with us or American Airlines. 

Soho
2

Soho Lounge

The Soho Lounge (also located above Gate 14) is no stranger to style and bibulous bliss, as it shows off sought-after floor-to-ceiling views of the runway and a cocktail menu by Brooklyn-raised mixologist Richard Boccato, the owner of the legendary bar Dutch Kills in Queens. There’s also a dedicated wine tasting table made from petrified wood. “For those looking to relax, there are five private workstations as well as a quiet, carpet-lined reading nook – perfect for cosying up with your favourite book,” Lukasz adds. Dining options here are both buffet and à la carte service, featuring a menu also designed by Nurdjaja. “The highlight dish has to be the pumpkin ravioli with sage and toasted pecans,” he reveals. Soho is open from 4:30am to 12:30am and serves breakfast and an all-day menu.

Who can access the lounge?
Our Gold Members, travellers in First and oneworld Emerald frequent fliers.

Greenwich
3

Greenwich Lounge

The recently renovated Greenwich Lounge (formerly known as American Airlines’ Flagship Lounge) has embraced the tipples, too, continuing to impress with its latest Bridge Bar. The cocktail menu here features a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, including Aviation American Gin by actor Ryan Reynolds, and Betty Buzz, a range of non-alcoholic sparkling mixers founded by actress Blake Lively. “Also new is the lounge’s high-end Tap Room, where you can enjoy a beer flight by Brooklyn Brewery and even a bratwurst ahead of your flight,” says Lukasz. Greenwich is open from 4:30am to 12:30am and serves breakfast and an all-day menu.

Who can access the lounge?
Our Silver Members, Club World customers, oneworld Sapphire frequent fliers and business travellers on selected airlines.

 

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips