Discover the Best Lounges at JFK Airport

Location: Terminal 4

One of the most well-known and exclusive lounges at JFK is the Centurion Lounge by American Express. Located in Terminal 4, the Centurion Lounge is a haven for travelers with Amex Platinum or Centurion cards. With a sleek design and sophisticated atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind before your flight.

But it’s not just about looks. The Centurion Lounge offers a robust food and drink selection, featuring local flavors and craft cocktails designed by top mixologists. If you’re a fan of artisanal sandwiches and a well-made Old Fashioned, this is the place to be.

Additionally, the Centurion Lounge offers quiet workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and even spa services (yes, you read that right). It’s a great option if you’re looking to recharge physically and mentally before your journey.

Access

To access the Centurion Lounge at JFK, you must be a The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or Centurion cardholder. You can bring up to two guests for free, but they must be traveling with you on the same day.

Often referred to as a highlight of JFK’s Terminal 4, the Amex Lounge—officially called the Centurion Lounge (yes, the same one we mentioned earlier)—sets the bar high for airport lounges.

With an emphasis on comfort, curated dining, and excellent service, it’s the place to be for American Express cardholders.

What makes this Amex lounge stand out? It’s the attention to detail, from comfortable leather seating to impeccable service. The only problem you might face here is feeling too relaxed and nearly missing your flight.

Access

As mentioned before, you’ll need an The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or Centurion card to access this lounge. Pro tip: Get there early, as it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

Location: Terminal 8

If you’re flying with American Airlines out of JFK, you might want to check out their Flagship Lounge in Terminal 8. This lounge is designed for passengers flying in first or business class on international flights, as well as those with Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status.

The Flagship Lounge offers premium dining, which includes a buffet, made-to-order dishes, and top-shelf drinks. They also offer shower suites, which are a godsend after a long international flight. This lounge is the epitome of comfort and elegance, with plenty of seating and quiet areas to rest.

Access

Access to the Flagship Lounge is available to first- and business-class passengers on long-haul international flights. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members flying internationally also receive entry.

Location: Terminal 7

Terminal 7 at JFK is home to several lounges, including the British Airways Lounge, the Alaska Lounge, and the United Club. This terminal primarily services international flights, so these lounges are geared towards long-haul travelers.

The British Airways Lounge offers a range of amenities, including showers, a business center, and an extensive food and beverage selection.

It also has excellent views of the runway, so if you’re an aviation enthusiast, this is a good place to watch planes come and go.

The Alaska Lounge is smaller, but it offers a cozy environment with comfortable seating, complimentary beverages, and light snacks. The United Club offers similar amenities, though it’s more functional than luxurious.

Access

Access to the lounges in Terminal 7 varies. British Airways Lounge access is typically reserved for first- and business-class passengers, along with certain elite status members.

Alaska Lounge is open to Alaska Airlines passengers with first-class tickets or members of the Alaska Lounge program. The United Club requires a United Club membership or premium-class tickets on United Airlines.

One of the newest additions to JFK’s lounge lineup is the Chase Sapphire Lounge, which is expected to open in the near future. Though details are still emerging, this lounge is expected to rival the likes of the Amex Centurion Lounge in terms of luxury and amenities.

Chase has been making big strides with its Sapphire brand, and their lounge at JFK is set to reflect this, offering high-end dining, premium drinks, and exclusive amenities for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders.

Access

As with the Amex lounge, you’ll likely need to be a Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholder to gain access, with the possibility of additional guest privileges.

Location: Terminal 4

If you’re flying Delta, you’ll be happy to know that Delta Sky Club in Terminal 4 is a fantastic lounge option. It’s spacious and offers a wide variety of seating options, from bar stools to cozy armchairs.

One of the highlights of the Sky Club is the food. Delta has partnered with renowned chefs to offer top-notch meals that go beyond the typical lounge fare. There are also a variety of drink options, including cocktails, wines, and craft beers.

Need to freshen up? The Delta Sky Club at JFK also features private showers, which are a great perk if you’re coming off a long flight or have a layover.

Access

To access the Delta Sky Club, you’ll need to be flying on Delta in business or first class, hold a Delta Sky Club membership, or be an The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholder.