American Airlines Flagship New York JFK Lounge
NEWS: American Airlines has opened its completely renovated Flagship Lounge at New York JFK Airport. The new lounge shows off the new Flagship First Dining concept. Access for frequent flyers has also got easier. However, it has taken over space from the old Concourse B admirals Club....full story
American Airlines newly-renovated Flagship Lounge and brand new Flagship First Dining at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport is a delight, and one of the best lounge on the AA network.
You find the the lounge in the first part of Terminal 8, on the corner by gate D30 and up the stairs, rather than in the satellite terminal which involves a trip down into the subway and back: even if you think your flight leaves from the remote terminal, pop in here first as it can be a long way back. There is a lower class Admirals Club in the satellite terminal, but food is much better in the Flagship lounge. The lounge seats 310 in comfort, with vast floor to ceiling windows giving a good view of the airport and the active runway. It is smaller than LAX, and much smaller than Miami, but never seems too crowded.
As you enter, the lounge begins with a small seating area around a coffee machine - this is a small 'touch down' area if you are only going to be in the lounge for a few minutes.
The main part of the lounge is to the left, and further left are the bathrooms and showers.
Don't miss the "hidden" lounge if you turn right. This is the famous Flagship Bridge lounge, with more basic food but a much quieter atmosphere. You can also order from a menu in here.
On the left however, you then enter into a large dining area, at the back of which is a luggage storage area.
Keep on turning left, and you enter a large wine and champagne bar, which has a lot of seating around it.
Opposite is an area with lots of seats looking out at the windows, giving an impressive view.
Past the bar is the main seating area, which is rather dull by comparison, having conventional armchairs, as well as the American Airlines unique "personal" seats. These are like the Cathay Pacific Solus seats, and hav ea large oversized armrest and table, designed for working on - or as most people do, use them for eating.
Every seat has plenty of mains power sockets, especially the single seats. Each seat has two plug sockets (120v, US plugs only) and a USB port each.
For more privacy, you can head to the seats in little alcoves along the wall. These fully enclosed cubicles have a quiet space to work or take phone calls.
Flagship Bridge Lounge JFK
If you turn right immediately after entering, you find the Flagship Bridge lounge, a terrace filled with plants and natural light that feels like it is outdoors. There are lots of seats in what seems like a conservatory, with a separate bar, and a hot dog stand.There is dining here too, and if you don't have access to the First dining room, you can get access to the a la carte menu here, including the famous burger. It is only open from 2pm to 10pm, and used to be the Admirals Club "terrace" area, before it was closed. Indeed, further around is the old Admirals Club Concourse B space. It still has the old TV room and bar, and looks decidedly different to the rest of the lounge.
Flagship First Dining
There is now restaurant service dining, in a sit-down restaurant with complimentary, full-service meals using locally-inspired menus. The JFK menu will feature ingredients from local retailers, including artisan cheese supplied by Sprout Creek Farms in Poughkeepsie, and salmon filet from Scotland.
It is the Flagship Burger which shows the close ties to British Airways most. It is virtually identical to the BA Burger served at London Heathrow in the First lounge there. A sirloin patty with a spoonful of red onion and bacon marmalade, arugula, and a slice of beefsteak tomato.
The restaurant in the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at JFK however is reserved for Concierge Key members, along with passengers travelling in international or transcontinental First Class. Here, you get a voucher at check in which gives you access to the lounge's special dining room, Flagship First Dining. The dining room seats 30 people, with lots of round tables with two seats. It's rare to see many people in here.
Food
Business Class, and other passenger using Frequent Flyer access have to make do with a large buffet, rather than at table dining unless you head to the Bridge lounge.
This has a 'chef's table' concept with seasonal menu of made-to-order starters available to all passengers.
However, even the buffet seems better than most of AA lounges, with lots of dishes to try, and salads too.
Bar
The complimentary bar is equally a delight, with a do-it-yourself full self-service cocktail bar, as well as a wine and champagne bar.The DIY version has instruction on how to make-your-own speciality cocktail, with Bloody Marys in the morning, and an Old Fashioned bar in the afternoon.
Champagne is available, with a basic Taittinger.
Spirits are good, with everything from Hendricks to Contreau, Campari and Baileys, Bombay Saphire gin, Kahlua and Martini. Spirit bottles are in the far corner, and free pour.
Business Facilities
The New York JFK American Airlines Flagship lounge also has small work booths, and new solo seats with access to power sockets (US style only) or large communal benches.
Bathrooms
The American Airlines Flagship Lounge at New York JFK Airport has eight large shower rooms to help international travellers freshen up before a long haul flight.The shower suites are quite spacious, but with a dull minimalist design. The rooms are always set up with towels, a dental and shaving kit.
Access
The American Airlines Flagship experience begins at Flagship First Check-In in a dedicated area followed by an American Airlines escort through security via TSA Pre-Check.
Along with the new design, it is now much easier to access as a frequent flyer.
There is of course access with a first or business class ticket on American Airlines or a oneworld airline, either internationally or on non-stop transcontinental flights between JFK and Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Frequent Flyer get a boost, with access to Silver members on British Airways, or Qantas Gold cardholders, including Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members. This is a real change - previously you needed to be a Sapphire member. However, Admirals Club members are left out in the cold, to go to the smaller club next door.
Video: American Airlines Flagship Lounge
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American Airlines Flagship New York JFK Lounge
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| Location: | JFK Terminal 8 Concourse B, after security, by gate D30 | |
| Open hours: | 0430-2230 | |
| Lounge for: | American Airlines | |
| Access: | First or business class ticket on American Airlines or a oneworld airline, and Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire frequent flyers. | |