Pick #2 – Amex Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4) – Speakeasy Chic for Cardholders

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The American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK T4 is a fan favorite and arguably the best lounge that many travelers can actually access (with the right credit card). Opened in 2020, this 15,000 sq ft lounge combines stylish design with top-notch food and drink, all complimentary for Amex Platinum/Centurion members.

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Why It’s Great:

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• Two Specialty Bars: This lounge famously has a secret “1850 Speakeasy” bar – a hidden whiskey bar behind a faux phonebooth door, paying homage to NYC’s cocktail history. It’s a fun Easter egg and serves Prohibition-era inspired cocktails. The main bar in the lounge offers premium spirits and creative cocktails as well. The quality rivals nice city bars – we’re talking mixologist-level drinks.

• Buffet & Dining: The buffet here is gourmet. American Express partners with notable chefs for their lounge menus. Expect things like braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, fresh salads, and decadent desserts – all very high quality for lounge food. There are also small bites like cheese, crudités, and a self-serve espresso machine.

• Amenities: Multiple shower suites (clean, with L’Occitane products), a family room for those with kids, high-speed Wi-Fi, and plenty of power outlets everywhere. There are phone rooms if you need a private call, and lots of seating zones – from work benches to recliners.

• Style & Vibe: Centurion Lounges have a modern, inviting decor – think cool blues and grays, contemporary art, and floor-to-ceiling windows. At JFK, you also get views of the tarmac. Despite being accessible to many, Amex usually enforces a 3-hour pre-flight time limit to control crowding, so it’s busy but generally not insane like some airline clubs.

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Overall, this lounge feels upscale but not stuffy. You’ll see a mix of travelers – from business folks to families – all enjoying a bit of luxury courtesy of their Amex card.

Pick #3 – Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (Terminal 4) – Boutique Airline Elegance

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The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has long been considered one of JFK’s coolest lounges. It brings a bit of London swank to New York, with a playful yet luxe atmosphere. Frequent fliers often rave that the Clubhouse alone is worth choosing Virgin Atlantic for transatlantic flights.

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Highlights:

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• À la Carte Dining: Unlike most lounges, the Clubhouse is essentially a full-service restaurant. You sit down and order off a menu – everything from Eggs Benedict or avocado toast in the morning to afternoon tea or a gourmet burger later on. The food is freshly prepared by chefs and delivered to your table. It feels like being in a nice airport brasserie, except you’re not paying a cent.

• Signature Cocktails: The long, stylish bar is the centerpiece of the lounge. Virgin is known for its cocktails – try the Redhead (Vodka, cranberry, and raspberry) or a bespoke gin concoction. There’s also barista-made coffee if you prefer a latte.

• Unique Amenities: This lounge has fun perks – a games area (sometimes a pool table), a hair salon corner where pre-pandemic you could get a trim or treatment (check if it’s back in service), and a shoe shine service. There’s even a rooftop patio within the lounge (not open-air like Delta’s Sky Deck, but a sunroom vibe).

• Design: It’s ultra-mod. Funky couches, retro chairs, mood lighting. It feels more like a Virgin Upper Class onboard bar extended on ground. During peak evening hours (when VS flights depart), it has a buzzy vibe – people actually enjoy spending time here and sometimes mingle.

• Shower and Relaxation: Yes, it has showers (one or two suites, usually readily available). Also a quiet corner with recliners if you want to chill away from the bar.

Pick #4 – American Airlines / British Airways Chelsea Lounge (Terminal 8) – First Class Indulgence

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Among the new lounges unveiled after AA and BA joined forces at Terminal 8, the Chelsea Lounge is the crown jewel. It’s essentially a first-class lounge for the most premium customers, and it brings a level of luxury JFK’s AA flyers hadn’t seen before.

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Why It’s Notable:

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• Exclusivity & Tranquility: Chelsea is small and exclusive – which means it’s quiet. There might be as few as a dozen guests at a time, compared to dozens or hundreds in other lounges. It’s an oasis of calm. The decor is high-end – plenty of marble, plush seating, and even a feature fireplace (modern electric style) in a cozy seating area‍.

• Champagne Bar: There’s a dedicated Champagne bar serving Champagne and premium wines. In fact, BA brought over some Concorde Room vibes – think Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle or other fine bubbly on pour.

• À La Carte Dining: Like other true first class lounges, you have a full-service dining room. Multi-course gourmet meals – e.g., filet mignon, lobster bisque, artisanal cheeses for dessert. This is Flagship First Dining reborn and combined with BA’s First dining – so you get top-tier catering (often catered by the same company that does on-board first class meals).

• Top-Shelf Liquor and Cocktails: The bar isn’t just champagne. You can get top-shelf spirits and made-to-order cocktails. Want a glass of Blue Label Scotch or a rare Japanese whiskey? They often have those. There’s also a self-serve area with high-end snacks and drinks if you don’t want to wait on service.

• Luxurious Showers & Amenities: Private shower suites that feel like a spa, with high-end toiletries. Possibly even daybeds (the lounge is evolving, but at opening it did not have sleeping rooms, just very comfy seating and semi-private nooks).

• Artwork and Ambiance: The lounge is decorated with curated artwork and has a premium feel throughout. It’s meant to impress those who normally might use something like the Concorde Room in London or first class lounges in Asia.

Pick #5 – Turkish Airlines Lounge (Terminal 1) – Best Priority Pass Lounge (Fantastic Food)

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For our fifth pick, we spotlight a lounge that any traveler can feasibly access (with the right membership or even a reasonable paid pass) – the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Terminal 1. This lounge often wins praise for its delicious food and broad access policies, making it a top choice for those flying economy but holding Priority Pass or similar.

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Standout Features:

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• Delicious Turkish Cuisine: Turkish Airlines is famous for its catering, and the lounge lives up to that reputation. Expect a generous buffet including things like lentil soup, Turkish mezze (hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves), salads, breads, and warm dishes (grilled chicken, sautéed veggies, etc.). In the mornings, Turkish breakfast items like simit (bagels) and olives/cheeses might appear. Don’t miss the baklava or Turkish delight for dessert. Many travelers say this lounge’s food beats some business-class lounges.

• Coffee Bar: A station for Turkish coffee and tea. Sipping a strong Turkish coffee or apple tea while nibbling on baklava – not a bad way to spend a layover!

• Spacious and Sunlit: The lounge overlooks the tarmac and has a two-story design. Plenty of seating areas, including a quieter upstairs. Big windows let in natural light. It’s not ultra-posh in decor (standard modern airport lounge style), but it’s comfortable.

• Shower Available: There’s at least one shower suite. It’s basic but functional – helpful for long-haul travelers looking to freshen up.

• Business Facilities: A small business center area with computers/printers if needed, and a kids’ play corner as well.

• Friendly Service: The staff tend to be welcoming. They’ll often greet you in Turkish and English. Clearing of plates is frequent despite crowds.

Other Excellent Lounges at JFK (Honorable Mentions)

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JFK has more lounges than just these five, and many are quite good. A few that narrowly missed our list but deserve a shout:

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• Chase Sapphire Lounge (T4): A new competitor, great design and good food – certainly a top 10 lounge at JFK, and fantastic if you have Priority Pass via Chase.

• Delta Sky Clubs (T4): Both clubs are high-quality for a domestic lounge – especially the large one with the Sky Deck. They just tend to be crowded. But if you have Amex Plat or Delta Reserve and are in T4, you’ll get solid food, drinks, and that outdoor deck.

• Greenwich Lounge (T8): The business class/elite lounge for AA/BA – essentially the former Flagship Lounge. Great buffet (including a wine table and hot entrees) and plenty of space since renovation. An excellent lounge – it’s just overshadowed by the even fancier ones above.

• Alaska Lounge (T7): Known pre-pandemic for its pancake machine and decent craft beer, it was one of the best Priority Pass spots (when T7 was busier). Its status now is a bit uncertain with T7’s future, but if it’s open and you can get in, it’s cozy and friendly.

• Air India Maharaja Lounge (T4): A hidden gem for Priority Pass in the evenings – not as upscale, but has surprisingly decent Indian food and is typically less crowded than other PP options.

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Each traveler’s “best” lounge can differ based on what you value (quiet vs. food vs. drinks vs. showers etc.). But the five we’ve detailed are universally regarded as cream of the crop in their categories.

Put Your Cards to Work with Kudos – Earn More While You Travel

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While you’re enjoying those lounges, don’t forget that Kudos can make your travels even more rewarding. Kudos helps you earn significantly higher rewards whenever you shop online – in fact, up to 2–3× more than other shopping portals, because Kudos gives you 100% of the retailer commission back.

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Planning to buy a Priority Pass membership or book a flight? Shop through Kudos to stack extra cash-back or points on top of your credit card rewards. It’s completely free – use code GET20 and get $20 after your first purchase. With Kudos, every purchase (travel or otherwise) is an opportunity to maximize rewards – a perfect companion to your lounge-hopping journeys.

Our Expert Takeaway

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JFK’s lounge scene has something for everyone, from exclusive sanctuaries for first class elites to accessible clubs for everyday travelers. If you’re flying through JFK, it’s worth aiming for at least one of these top lounges – even if it means getting a new credit card or tweaking your travel plans. The ability to relax with good food, a drink, and Wi-Fi can truly elevate your trip.

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Among our top picks, the Delta One Lounge is the most luxurious, but most will only see it with a business class ticket. For many, the Amex Centurion Lounge is the best realistic option – and it does not disappoint with its speakeasy and dining. Meanwhile, Priority Pass users should make a beeline for the Turkish Lounge in T1 for a tasty pre-flight meal.

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No matter which lounge you visit, remember to enjoy the respite – and brag a little to your travel companions who are stuck at the gate. Safe travels and happy lounging!

Airport Lounge Access FAQs (JFK Edition)

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What is the best overall lounge at JFK Airport?

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In pure luxury terms, the Delta One Lounge (Terminal 4) is the best – it’s like a 5-star hotel lounge with gourmet dining and an outdoor deck, but it’s only for Delta’s business-class flyers. The Amex Centurion Lounge (T4) is often considered the best lounge that many people can access (via credit card) – it has excellent food, drinks, and atmosphere. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (T4) also ranks very high for its unique service and style.

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Can economy passengers get into any of these top lounges?

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Yes! Economy travelers can access some of the top 5 lounges with the right memberships or cards. For example, an economy passenger with an Amex Platinum card can get into the Centurion Lounge. A traveler with Priority Pass (which many credit cards provide) flying economy can get into the Turkish Airlines Lounge or Virgin Clubhouse (during PP hours).

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Is the JFK Centurion Lounge better than the JFK Sky Club?

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Many travelers would say yes, the Amex Centurion Lounge is better than Delta’s Sky Clubs at JFK in terms of food and overall luxury. The Centurion Lounge offers a crafted buffet and premium drinks at no charge, whereas Sky Clubs have more basic buffets and some paid premium options. Centurion also has unique touches (like the speakeasy bar) and tends to feel more upscale.

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Are there any Priority Pass lounges in JFK Terminal 4?

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Yes, Terminal 4 has a couple options for Priority Pass: the Air India Maharaja Lounge (near Gate 5) and the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (near Gate B24, which accepts Priority Pass for Chase cardholders). Additionally, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse accepts Priority Pass in the morning hours as mentioned. The Centurion Lounge is not Priority Pass (it’s Amex-only).

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If I have a long layover at JFK, can I visit multiple top lounges in one trip?

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Potentially, yes – if your layover is long enough and you have access to lounges in the terminals you’ll be in. Say you arrive on a domestic flight into T4 and will depart internationally from T1 with a 6-hour layover. You could hit the Centurion Lounge in T4 (since you’re arriving there, though technically Centurion is meant for departures) or more likely, head over to T1 early, clear security, and then use the Turkish Lounge while waiting for your T1 flight. If you somehow had access to both, you’d have to exit and re-clear security between terminals which is time-consuming. If all your flights are from one terminal, you generally are limited to the lounges in that terminal (but you could lounge-hop within it – e.g., at T4 you could spend time in the Centurion Lounge, then pop over to the Sky Club if you also have access, to try the Sky Deck).