British Airways close JFK lounges, share with AA

1^st Dec 2022

British Airways has closed it's dedicated lounges at lounges at New York's JFK airport and will now share facilities with American Airlines at Terminal 8. The American Airlines Flagship lounge has undergone a name change, and is now called the Greenwich Lounge. Two new lounges, called the Chelsea and Soho lounges, are for Gold card holders, and First Class passengers.

The new British Airways lounges at New York's JFK Airport are now open, although the main lounge for Business Class passengers is little more than a rebrand of the existing American Airlines' lounge.

It comes at BA moves side by side with it's sister airline at JFK, American Airlines, in Terminal 8, where there are five new gates to accommodate the change.

However, with Iberia and Japan Airlines also moving to Terminal 8 shortly, they are expected to be very busy. This marks the completion of the first phase of the redevelopment of the airport, and British Airways' move from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8.

Once through security, there are now three distinctive custom lounges for eligible customers based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. These replace the well loved JFK BA Club World, JFK BA First Class and JFK Concorde Room lounges.

Now, BA Business Class customers are directed to the revamped New York JFK American Airlines Flagship Lounge, which has changed little now it is co-branded with BA. Now called the Greenwich Lounge it is for business class passengers, and Silver Executive Club card holders in economy. There is pleasant buffet catering, and a great walk up cocktail bar. There are good airside views too, but other than a new badge, it is identical to when it was opened by AA six years ago.

The Soho lounge is however new, and it is for BA Executive Club Gold and AAdvantage Executive Platinum and AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Conciergekey, in both Business and Economy. There is a 30 foot long communal wine pouring table opposite a wine dispenser with eight wines, a secluded library, and floor to ceiling windows with a great view. As soon as you enter you see the bar, and then to the right is the main dining area with lots of curved dining sofas opposite 1+1 tables, and the refectory area. Above the whole area is a lighting display from a Czech Republic glass specialist. At the back of the lounge is a much quieter area, and 30 shower suites.

Finally the top tier lounge is the Chelsea Lounge, which is for those flying First and Gold Guest List, who would previously have had access to the Concorde Room. There is a great hanging fireplace. Alas there is no natural light in this lounge, however there is a great bar. Above the bar is a glass chandelier with 150 suspended glass leaves sourced from the Czech Republic. On the back wall there are video screens giving a 'living wallpaper'.

British Airways close JFK lounges, share with AA

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