The JFK Flagship Lounge was the first lounge American Airlines remodeled and became a Flagship Lounge to offer more and greater services to their top customers. It was not my first Flagship Lounge I visited but it was interesting to now that this one was the first one.
On my recent trip to Zurich, Switzerland I had the chance to stop by in this lounge as I had a stopover at New York’s JFK airport. This was my first time at the airport in general. American Airlines and their Oneworld partners occupy the whole Terminal 8.
On the mezzanine level after the Concourse B security checkpoint.
- First and Business Class passengers traveling to Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City (MEX), New Zealand, South America (First Class Passengers are allowed one guest) marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld® airline.
- AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum elites traveling to Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City (MEX), New Zealand, South America (one guest permitted) marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin).
- ConciergeKey members departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin). Immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18) or up to 2 guests.
- oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire elites departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin). One guest permitted.
- Chef-inspired meals
- Personalized service
- Specialty cocktail bar
- Premium wine table
- Expansive seating
- Shower Suites
- Newspapers
- Departure Monitors
- Workstations and work tables to setup your laptop
daily from 4:15 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
- Location
-
On the mezzanine level after the Concourse B security checkpoint.
- Access
-
- First and Business Class passengers traveling to Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City (MEX), New Zealand, South America (First Class Passengers are allowed one guest) marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld® airline.
- AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum elites traveling to Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City (MEX), New Zealand, South America (one guest permitted) marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin).
- ConciergeKey members departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin). Immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18) or up to 2 guests.
- oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire elites departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin). One guest permitted.
- Amenities
-
- Chef-inspired meals
- Personalized service
- Specialty cocktail bar
- Premium wine table
- Expansive seating
- Shower Suites
- Newspapers
- Departure Monitors
- Workstations and work tables to setup your laptop
- Hours of Operation
-
daily from 4:15 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
The lounge is located on the mezzanine level of the B Concourse of Terminal 8. If you arrive on an American Airlines flight, you could be arriving at Concourse C as well. Just follow the signs to Concourse B / Baggage Claim. If you are entering the airport here, the elevator is located shortly behind the security checkpoint.
You can take the elevator or stairs up to the mezzanine level. There you check in with the staff and the either direct you to the Admirals Club or the Flagship Lounge. As I was flying in international Business Class and was an Executive Platinum member, I was granted to access the Flagship Lounge. I arrived around 5 p.m. on a Friday afternoon and the lounge was packed. It was hard to get a spot to sit down. After wandering throughout the lounge I set down at the shared table right next to the buffet. This was the only spot available during this visit. On my way back from Zurich, I arrived early afternoon on a Tuesday and the lounge was almost deserted. Just a few people were there. It really depends when you visit the lounge.
The lounge is huge and has a great food buffet, perfect for a small snack just before your flight or in between flights. During my Friday visit, the staff had a bit hard time to keep up with servicing the tables and replenishing the buffet. But it was only a short wait, so nothing too tragic. The Flagship Dining Room is reserved for First Class passengers only but as mentioned the main buffet is really a huge difference to the regular snacks you find at other lounges, even American Airlines own Admirals Club.
In the middle of the lounge is a wine and spirit table, where you can mix your own drinks or enjoy one of the great wines available. Everything in the lounge is complimentary and you can mix your own drinks here.
Even tho there is plenty of seating available, the lounge can get crowded at times. There is a quiet room behind a glass wall/windows where you can enjoy a little bit more than at the main and busy lounge area.
As in every other Flagship Lounge, they have shower suites available here and a business area with a printer and workstation. There are some smaller workplaces available along the wall which give you a little more privacy.
Other amenities include a rack with magazines and newspapers, flight monitors and a service desk. The big floor to ceiling windows bring in a lot of light and offer a great view of the planes parked on both concourses in Terminal B. Basically, all you can ask for. The staff was very helpful and friendly and tried to keep up at the buffet as good as they could.
Overall it was a very pleasant visit here, even with the lounge being that crowded.
Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com
Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.
