Terminal 4 – Delta & Partners (SkyTeam) + Other International

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Terminal 4 is JFK’s largest terminal and a major Delta hub (after Delta consolidated here). It also hosts various international airlines. As a result, Terminal 4 has the widest variety of lounges at JFK, including Delta’s flagship lounges and many premium international carrier lounges:

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• Delta Sky Club (T4, Concourse B near Gate 31): One of two Sky Clubs in T4, this is Delta’s primary lounge, recently expanded and featuring the famous Sky Deck (outdoor terrace) with runway views. Access: Delta Sky Club members, passengers flying Delta One or SkyTeam Elite Plus (int’l), and  or Delta Reserve credit card holders flying Delta. No day passes for purchase. Amenities include a hot buffet, full bar, espresso machines, showers, and plenty of seating. Open ~4:45am – 11:30pm.

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• Delta Sky Club (T4, Concourse A near Gate A7): A second Sky Club in the T4 A concourse (which is connected to B via walkway). Smaller than the B club, but convenient for gates A3–A7. Access: Same rules as above. It’s open roughly 5am – 9pm. Amenities are similar (bar, snacks), minus the Sky Deck.

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• Delta One Lounge (T4, near Concourse B security area): This is Delta’s new ultra-premium lounge exclusively for Delta One business-class passengers on long-haul routes (and their Delta 360 elites). It opened in 2023 as one of the most luxurious lounges in the US. Access: Restricted – you must be flying Delta One (business class) on an international or select transcon route. No credit card or status gets you in otherwise. Inside, you’ll find a chic bar, chef-curated dining, relaxation areas, and high-end finishes. It’s arguably the best lounge at JFK in terms of luxury, but its exclusivity means most cannot enter. (Operating hours ~4:30am – 11pm, aligned with Delta’s schedule.)

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• Amex Centurion Lounge (T4, Level 4, just past security to the left): A popular haven for  and Centurion cardholders. This 15,000 sq ft lounge famously includes a “1850” Speakeasy bar and gourmet buffet. Access: The Platinum Card® from American Express (or Centurion® Card from American Express) holders with a same-day boarding pass (entry limited to 3 hours before departure; no access on arrival). Also, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card cardholders flying on Delta can enter when flying Delta that day. No walk-in paid access. Inside, expect two premium bars (one hidden speakeasy-style), excellent food, free cocktails, workspaces, and even a family room. It can get crowded in afternoons, but it’s one of JFK’s top lounges for those with the right card.

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• Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (T4, near Gate B24): A brand-new lounge (opened 2023) in partnership with Chase and operated by The Club/Plaza Premium. Notably, this lounge doubles as the Etihad Airways lounge (Etihad premium passengers are directed here). Access: Priority Pass for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders (currently, Sapphire Lounges require PP via Chase’s program – other PP holders may also be admitted, subject to capacity). Also open to Etihad business/first, and potentially pay-at-door if space (approx $75). The lounge offers a modern design, hot buffet and made-to-order dishes, signature cocktails, shower suites, and plenty of power outlets. It’s right next to the Centurion Lounge – Terminal 4 has become a “lounge row” of sorts.

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• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (T4, near Gate A5): A renowned lounge known for its hip vibe and cocktail bar. Access: Upper Class (business) passengers on Virgin Atlantic, and Delta One passengers heading to UK (as VS is Delta’s partner). Priority Pass members are allowed in the Clubhouse only during mornings (when Virgin’s own flights aren’t operating)‍ – typically 8:00am–1:00pm, but with limited complimentary menu for PP. No day passes. If you visit in the evening on a Virgin ticket, you’ll enjoy à la carte dining, a chic bar with craft cocktails, and even a haircut/shoe shine service. It’s often rated one of JFK’s best lounge experiences pre-flight.

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• Emirates Lounge (T4, near Gate A5): Serving Emirates’ premium flyers. Access: First and Business Class on Emirates. Note, Emirates does not grant lounge access on the cheapest Business tickets unless you have Emirates Skywards Gold/Platinum status. Skywards elites can access even when flying economy. They also sell access to Emirates passengers only for $155 ($125 for Skywards members). The lounge has a Middle Eastern and international buffet, Moët champagne, prayer rooms, showers, and direct boarding for A380 flights. Open during Emirates departure windows (roughly morning and late evening).

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• Air India Maharaja Lounge (T4, near Gate B/Wing): The lounge used by Air India and some other contract airlines. Access: Business/First on Air India and certain partners. Priority Pass accepted 10:30am – 9:45pm (with a 3-hour stay limit). Also, walk-in day passes are available for purchase (around $50–$60). It’s not the most modern lounge, but PP holders appreciate it as an alternative to the often-crowded Centurion. Offers an Indian buffet, drinks, and seating; it can get full in evenings before AI’s departure.

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• El Al King David Lounge (T4, terminal core): (If flying El Al) This lounge serves El Al’s flights. Access: El Al business and first class, Matmid elites; typically no outside access or PP. Features kosher snacks, Israeli wine, and a quieter environment geared to El Al’s schedule (departures to Tel Aviv).

Terminal 5 – JetBlue’s Terminal (Limited Lounges)

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Terminal 5 is JetBlue’s home and is notably lacking traditional lounges compared to other terminals. JetBlue historically had no lounges for its passengers.

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However, a few options exist:

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• USO Center (T5, baggage claim level): This is a lounge for active-duty U.S. military members and their families. Access: Military ID required (active or reserve). It’s free of charge for the military community. Inside, there are comfy chairs, snacks, and a quiet place to rest – a much-appreciated haven for those who serve. (Not open to general public.)

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• JetBlue Rooftop Terrace (“T5 Rooftop” at Gate 28): An open-air terrace open to all passengers in Terminal 5. It’s not a lounge per se (no exclusive entry criteria) – anyone can go outside for some fresh air. There’s seating, and it doubles as a “Wooftop” dog park for pets traveling! While it doesn’t provide food or drinks, it’s a unique space to kill time, especially in nice weather. (Hours roughly 6am–10pm, seasonal.)

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• Be Relax Spa (T5, Gate 24 area): A spa offering quick chair massages, manicures, etc. Access: Open to any passenger for pay-per-use; however, if you carry a Priority Pass card, you get a free 15-minute massage or spa service as your “lounge” benefit. This isn’t a traditional lounge, but PP includes it – a creative way to relax while at T5. There’s no free food/drink, but the spa treatment could be valuable for weary travelers.

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• Future JetBlue Lounge – Coming Soon: JetBlue is finally joining the lounge game. The airline has announced its first-ever lounges will open at JFK Terminal 5 (and later Boston) as part of its T5 expansion. The first lounge is scheduled to open by late 2025 near gates 24/25 (in the space of the former Airspace Lounge). Details are sparse (JetBlue hints it won’t mimic traditional lounges like Delta’s), but expect a mid-tier lounge for Mint premium passengers or Mosaic elites. Until then, Terminal 5 travelers must make do with the above options or simply enjoy the restaurants and bars in the T5 concourse.

Terminal 7 – Oneworld Carriers (Alaska & Aer Lingus)

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Terminal 7 has been in transition. British Airways used to reside here (with multiple lounges) but moved to Terminal 8 in late 2022. Now T7 hosts a few carriers like Alaska Airlines and Aer Lingus, and it’s slated for redevelopment.

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Still, two lounges of note:

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• Alaska Airlines Lounge (T7, Mezzanine Level above security): A cozy lounge that was once co-branded with British Airways. Access: Alaska Airlines first class and Lounge members; Admirals Club members (Alaska partners with AA); and Priority Pass (with time restrictions and capacity limits – typically allowed only at off-peak times). This lounge has a boutique feel – features include Starbucks coffee, a decent breakfast spread (pancake machine!), snacks, and a whisky bar.

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• Aer Lingus Lounge (T7, Club Lounge by Gate 4): After moving from T5, Aer Lingus took over the former BA First/Concorde Lounge space in T7. Access: Aer Lingus business class passengers and AerClub elite members. Notably, Aer Lingus also sells lounge access to economy passengers for a fee (~$65) at the door or online. This lounge offers a pleasant environment with plenty of seating, complimentary drinks and snacks. It’s open during Aer Lingus flight windows. If you’re flying Aer Lingus economy and really want a quiet space, buying access here is an option.

Terminal 8 – American Airlines & Oneworld Alliance Hub

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Terminal 8 is now JFK’s mega-terminal for American Airlines and its Oneworld partners (British Airways, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, etc.). After a recent expansion, Terminal 8 offers a suite of new premium lounges, plus Admirals Clubs.

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Here’s the lineup:

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• American Airlines Admirals Clubs (T8, Concourse B near Gate 12; and Concourse C near Gate 42): These are AA’s standard membership lounges. Access: Admirals Club members (via paid membership or the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® which gives membership), business class on AA domestic transcon or AA/BA short-haul, or one-day pass holders (sold for $79). These clubs provide the usual: comfortable seating, free snacks (hummus, veggies, soup, etc.), complimentary house drinks, and paid premium drinks. The Concourse B club (near gate 12) is larger and busier; the Concourse C club is smaller but quieter (handy if your flight is in the satellite). Both are open ~4am – 10pm. If you’re flying AA economy but have a long wait, a day pass could be worthwhile if you value the calmer atmosphere and wifi.

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• AA/BA Flagship Lounge – now called the Greenwich Lounge (T8, Level 4 above Gate 12): This was AA’s Flagship Lounge, now co-branded after British Airways moved in. Access: Oneworld Sapphire elites or AA Platinum Pro/Executive Platinum, when flying internationally or transcon; and Business class passengers on AA or BA long-haul flights. Essentially, if you’re flying business class or are a mid/top-tier elite on AA/BA, you come here. The Greenwich Lounge offers elevated buffet dining (and some to-order items), a full bar (Champagne and cocktails), showers, and plenty of seating zones. It’s a notch above Admirals Club in quality. Open roughly 4:15am – 11:30pm.

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• Soho Lounge (T8, above Gate 14): A new “ultra-premium” lounge adjacent to the Chelsea Lounge. Access: This is primarily for Oneworld Emerald elites (like AA Executive Platinum, BA Gold) who are flying business class, and possibly First class passengers when their dedicated space (Chelsea) is closed or if overflow. Think of Soho as the lounge for top-tier frequent flyers and business class on AA/BA. It features a la carte dining (slightly scaled-down from Chelsea’s offerings), a premium bar, and quieter ambiance. It’s very upscale – many travelers might not even realize they qualify for it. If you have Oneworld Emerald status, always use Soho over Greenwich. Open same hours (early morning to late night) since BA and AA have overlapping schedules.

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• Chelsea Lounge (T8, above Gate 14): The most exclusive lounge at JFK T8, launched in 2022. Access: First Class passengers on AA or BA long-haul flights (e.g. AA Flagship First or BA First) and very top-tier elites (Concierge Key or BA Premier, invite-only)‍. This lounge is the successor to BA’s Concorde Room and AA’s Flagship First Dining, combined. It offers a truly first-class experience: Champagne bar, top-shelf liquors, an a la carte dining menu, a fireplace lounge area, and even some semi-private cabanas. For everyone else, unfortunately there’s no paid access – it’s reserved for the elite of the elite. (Hours: ~4:15am–11:30pm, aligning with the big bank of international departures.)

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• Cathay Pacific Lounge / Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge: These were in T8 pre-pandemic; currently, Cathay Pacific and JAL use the Oneworld lounges (Greenwich/Soho) for their premium passengers due to the joint lounge scheme. The old Cathay lounge space is under renovation. JAL’s Sakura Lounge in T8 may reopen later for specific flights, but as of 2025, assume all Oneworld partner premium flyers share the above AA/BA lounges.

Tips for Lounge Hopping and Transfers at JFK

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Lounge access at JFK is fantastic if you’re in the right terminal, but what if you have a long layover and want to hop between lounges? Remember, you cannot go between terminals without exiting security. There is a free AirTrain that connects terminals landside, but you’ll have to budget time to exit one terminal, ride the AirTrain, and clear security again in the next terminal – usually not worth it unless you have 3+ hours free and a Priority Pass or card giving you a compelling lounge in that other terminal.

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If you do attempt it (say, arriving three hours early to enjoy the T4 Centurion Lounge even though your flight’s in T1), make sure you’re back at your departure terminal well ahead of time. In general, it’s best to enjoy the lounges available in your own terminal.

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Also, JFK’s ongoing construction will eventually replace T1 and T2 with a New Terminal 1 (opening phases from 2026) and expand T6 for JetBlue. In coming years, expect lounge changes (new lounges, relocations). Always check for the latest info before your trip – but as of 2025, this guide reflects the current lounge landscape.

Kudos Tip: Maximize Credit Card Perks at JFK

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Kudos is a free financial companion that helps you maximize your credit card rewards and utilize all your card’s hidden perks – like airport lounge access! It keeps track of benefits (Priority Pass memberships, annual credits, elite status) and even suggests the best card to use at checkout for any purchase.

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That means if you’re buying an airline lounge membership or day pass, Kudos will recommend the card that gives you the most points or reimbursements. It’s completely free – use code GET20 to get $20 back after your first eligible purchase with Kudos. With Kudos, you’ll never miss an opportunity to leverage your cards for comfortable travel.

FAQs: JFK Airport Lounges

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How many lounges are in JFK Airport and where are they?

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FK has about 20 different lounges spread across its terminals. Terminal 1 has several (Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Turkish, Primeclass, etc.), Terminal 4 has the most (Delta Sky Clubs, Delta One Lounge, Amex Centurion, Chase Sapphire, Virgin Clubhouse, Emirates, Air India, etc.), Terminal 5 has just a USO and some non-traditional lounges (no airline lounges yet), Terminal 7 has the Alaska Lounge and Aer Lingus Lounge, and Terminal 8 offers multiple American Airlines/Oneworld lounges (two Admirals Clubs, plus Greenwich, Soho, and Chelsea premium lounges). Each terminal’s lounges are only accessible if you’re flying from that terminal (no airside terminal connection).

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Can economy class passengers use the lounges at JFK?

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Yes – even if you’re flying economy, there are ways to access lounges. Pay-per-use lounges like Primeclass (T1) or Air India Lounge (T4) sell day passes to any traveler (typically $50–$79). Many credit cards grant lounge access: e.g. an Amex Platinum lets an economy traveler into the Centurion Lounge (T4), or a Priority Pass membership (from cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X) gets you into lounges such as Turkish Lounge, KAL Lounge, or Primeclass at JFK. Also, economy flyers with elite status (like Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald or SkyTeam Elite Plus) can use alliance lounges when traveling internationally. Lastly, military members in economy can use the USO (T5) for free. So, plenty of options for non-premium travelers.

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What is the best lounge at JFK Airport?

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It depends on your criteria. The Delta One Lounge at T4 is arguably the most luxurious (with top-notch food and a Sky Deck) but it’s only for Delta’s business-class customers. For those with the right credit card, the Amex Centurion Lounge (T4) is excellent, offering a craft cocktail bar and gourmet dining. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (T4) is often rated highly for its chic atmosphere and à la carte meals.

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Does JFK have Priority Pass lounges?

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Yes. In fact, JFK has multiple lounges that accept Priority Pass (membership often comes with certain credit cards). These include: Turkish Airlines Lounge (T1), KAL Business Lounge (T1)‍, Primeclass Lounge (T1), Air India Maharaja Lounge (T4), and Alaska Lounge (T7) (access for PP may be restricted by time).

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Can I use a lounge in a different terminal than the one I’m flying from at JFK?

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Not easily. At JFK, each terminal is separate and you must go through security for each one. If you leave your departure terminal, you’ll have to clear security again at another, which can be time-consuming. So, generally no, you can’t practically hop to another terminal’s lounge unless you exit and have enough time to spare. One minor exception: Terminals 8 and 7 are connected by walkway for international transfers (AA and BA used to transfer passengers when BA was in T7), but for an average traveler there’s no convenient airside passage.