Huge New Greenwich Lounge JFK by British Airways & American

American Airlines and British Airways have consolidated their New York JFK operations in the newly renovated and expanded Terminal 8. The Greenwich Lounge JFK is one of 3 stylish premium lounges with a nod to both carriers take on well known neighbourhoods of New York and London.

While the Chelsea and Soho lounges are entirely new spaces, this new Greenwich Lounge is a revamp of the previous American Flagship & Flagship First Lounge. The old footprint now has a vast new extension, that is essentially like 3 lounges in one ! I took a flight out of JFK at one of the busiest evening timeframe to find out what this lounge is like!

Greenwich Lounge JFK Access

So who can this lounge?

Eligible First & Business Class Ticketed Flights

• These include long haul Business or First class OneWorld customers
• American operated international flights other than Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela
• Certain American transcontinental flights between BOS/JFK/MIA-LAX/SFO and to Hawaii

AAdvantage & Mileage Plan Status Holders On Qualifying Flights

• Executive Platinum
• Platinum Pro
• Platinum
• MVP Gold 75K
• MVP Gold

oneworld^® Status Holders on Qualifying Flights

Get access if departing, arriving on any oneworld^® flights on the same day.

Finally you can actually pay to use the lounge if you are flying oneworld without status. Entry is available for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage^® miles.

Greenwich Lounge Location & Hours

The Greenwich Lounge can be found above Gate 12 after security. There is the same old elevator to take you up there as previous Flagship Lounge.

Opening hours: Daily: 4:30 a.m. – 1:15 a.m.

Greenwich Lounge JFK Spaces

When you enter, you might very well think you are back in the same old Flagship Lounge..

There are several staff booths ready to welcome you in a reception that now incorporates some British Airways branding, alongside Americans. It retains the same corridor that you walk though and into the spaces..

There is nothing wrong with this per say as it is still inviting enough, but I can’t help wonder how much more effort it would have been to re-design this area?

The familiarity remains with the first seating area..

This area still has same seating layout and even the lighting/design as before.

After this point, you will notice some of the new renovations. Though the flow remains largely the same in this room

As opposed to other Flagship lounges now, you no longer have a staffed champagne corner so to speak.. Its all serve service here..

The room behind this more or less looks and feels the same as before also..

Flagship First Area Is Now The Tasting Bar Area

What used to be the Flagship First Lounge, exclusively for those flying Flagship First or other oneWorld First Class is now called a Taster Bar.

Again the previous layout remains here with only a slight change to deco..

Here you will find savor beers on draft and flights paired with lighter fare dishes like Beer Braised Bratwurst and French Onion Grilled Cheese.

The old booth style seating is still there..

What used to be the old Admirals Duncan Club now expands out into a new area..

The lounge starts to get much quieter from here with fewer people.. It felt far more relaxed here and still with good views out of the apron!

Here you have an additional staffed cocktail bar..

There were 3 cocktails highlighted and displayed.. But you can offcourse order any other specific cocktail you have in mind..

I wanted the whisky sour which the friendly gentleman was only too happy to whip up for me, with egg white and everything!

There is an additional buffet area here too..

Behind this space there is a kind of darker TV/Movie room of sorts.. I don’t know what this would work exactly if you weren’t a group of travellers together

They have some more work booths here too..

Should you need to print/scan or fax something, you have that available too!

There is also a specific kids room here which seemed abit odd with only a few pieces for kids to entertain themselves with..perhaps they aren’t done with fitting this out yet?

The Bridge

Going through and past that area you will find what is essentially a third lounge within lounge..

This has a more outdoorsy terrace area feel

There are nice leather swivel chairs complete with deeply padded footstools..

The space herr has an entirely different feel and vibe, you might think you are in a independent contract lounge.

There is almost no sign of American Airlines / British Airways branding to be found here..

There are some nice plans and greenary here. Is thai supposed to be a nod to Greenwich here? I would hardly say it reminds me of Greenwich Village of either city here!

Greenwich Lounge Catering

American maintains it’s Flagship level chef-inspired meals in this lounge. Your options are now split between two different areas, the original buffet area as well as the additional area  incorporating the old Admirals Duncan provides.

Here are a selection of dishes available on the day..

I tried the chicken and beef casserole with the cous cous, which was rather nice!

Greenwich Lounge Shower Suites

The lounge retains exactly the same shower suites as before

There is almost no change here what so ever..

Which is again fine. It was clean and still looked moderately modern.

Overall Thoughts

This is now by far the biggest Flagship level lounge in the states. Given the space I feel like American and British Airways could have done something unique /special with some of it. Instead they have just decided additional space to much more seating.

Did this feel like a reminder to Greenwich in any way? Besides the Bridge and Tasting Bar in the slightest. Couldn’t help but wonder what else specifically calls out Greenwich?

It is expansive for sure, and that may well be needed when Iberia and other Oneworld carriers move to Terminal 8.

I’ll attempt to review the more upscale Chelsea Lounge, which sadly means there are no more Concorde Lounge outside of London Heathrow.