The New Lounges from American Airlines and British Airways at JFK Are Now Open. Here’s What Travelers Can Anticipate.

Starting December 1, passengers of American Airlines and British Airways can enjoy a new hub at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Eligible travelers can now experience American Airlines and British Airways’ new co-located lounges—Chelsea Lounge, Soho Lounge, and Greenwich Lounge—located in Terminal 8 at JFK. These lounges, named after neighborhoods in both London and New York City, are part of a $400 million joint investment and span approximately 52,000 square feet. This transition also moves British Airways' operations from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8.

The collaboration between American Airlines and British Airways at Terminal 8 features five new wide-body gates, an upgraded check-in area with a dedicated private check-in section, and over 130,000 square feet of enhanced and renovated space to support the new gates and improve lounge and check-in facilities. These upgrades coincide with other oneworld Alliance carriers relocating to Terminal 8, including Iberia, which moved from Terminal 7 on December 1, and Japan Airlines, which is set to transition from Terminal 1 in May 2023.

Here’s everything you need to know about the newly opened co-located lounges of American Airlines and British Airways in JFK’s Terminal 8.

Chelsea Lounge

Chelsea Lounge stands out as the most luxurious of the trio, embracing an extravagant design. A highlight of the space is its circular champagne bar, featuring prestigious brands like Krug. Guests can look forward to private workstations, three shower suites equipped with rain showers, and a cozy seating area enhanced by a ceiling-suspended fireplace (though it isn’t yet operational). Spanning 9,500 square feet, the lounge also offers a dedicated section for complimentary à la carte dining, with dishes (such as lamb tagine and olive oil cake) curated by 2022 James Beard Award Finalist Ayesha Nurdjaja.

Accessing the Chelsea Lounge

The Chelsea Lounge is open to American Airlines passengers flying in Flagship First (first-class) on a qualifying flight. Additionally, travelers in Business Plus on select same-day flights and ConciergeKey members (an exclusive American Airlines status) on certain routes can gain entry. British Airways passengers eligible for the Concorde Room Lounge in London are also welcome. Operating hours are from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., featuring breakfast, afternoon tea, and an all-day menu.

Soho Lounge

Spanning 12,500 square feet, the Soho Lounge shares a check-in area with the Chelsea Lounge and might be a preferred choice for travelers eligible for Chelsea access who desire tarmac views. The expansive windows in the Soho Lounge create a striking contrast to the cozy, windowless atmosphere of the Chelsea Lounge. Amenities include private workstations, a cocktail bar, and four shower suites. Dining options here feature both buffet and à la carte service, all complimentary, with a menu curated by Nurdjaja.

Accessing the Soho Lounge

This lounge is available to travelers holding AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, AAdvantage Platinum Pro status, or Alaska Airlines’ MVP Gold 75K status, provided they are on qualifying itineraries. British Airways customers qualifying for its First lounges, oneworld Emerald members on any oneworld flight, and certain first-class passengers on oneworld flights can also access this lounge. ConciergeKey members traveling on any oneworld flights are also permitted entry. Soho Lounge operates from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., serving breakfast and an all-day menu.

Greenwich Lounge

The Greenwich Lounge is a revamped version of American's Flagship lounge. Spanning 29,975 square feet, it incorporates the former Flagship Lounge, Flagship First Dining area, and the Concourse B Admirals Club. This combination creates ample seating for over 500 guests, alongside amenities such as a large buffet station, work tables with numerous nearby outlets, and two shower suites.

Accessing the Greenwich Lounge

The Greenwich Lounge is the most easily accessible among the three; it caters to American Airlines customers traveling in Flagship Business on select itineraries and British Airways passengers eligible for its Club Lounges. AAdvantage Platinum members and Alaska Airlines MVP Gold members on specific flights can also access the Greenwich Lounge. Furthermore, oneworld business-class travelers and oneworld Sapphire members on a oneworld flight can enter this area. Like Chelsea and Soho, the Greenwich Lounge operates daily from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., but it exclusively provides buffet service featuring breakfast and an all-day menu.