Exclusive Luxury at JFK’s Terminal 8: Taking a Peek Inside the Greenwich Business Class Lounge
by Krish Patel
When you think of two of the most premium airlines in the industry, British Airways and American are probably not the first two that come to mind. However, that doesn’t stop them from having one of the nicest Business Class lounges in the country. At New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 8, BA and AA run the Greenwich Business Class Lounge. With plenty of comfortable seating, inspiring dishes, and a stunning ambiance, this feels like a space in which you’d truly want to spend a lot of time in.
Greenwich Lounge Location, Hours, and Access
The Greenwich Lounge is one of three premium lounges run by American and British Airways at JFK’s T8, the other two being Chelsea and Soho. Greenwich is located right past the security checkpoint at Terminal 8 and the entrance is clearly visible. It’s open from six in the morning up until twelve at night.
In order to access the lounge, you’ll need to meet
one of the three following requirements:
Same-day flight on a OneWorld airline in international Business Class
Transcontinental American Airlines Flagship Business passengers (Ex. flying from JFK-LAX or JFK-SFO)
OneWorld Sapphire status holders
Greenwich Lounge Seating, Layout, Amenities, and Ambiance
After taking the elevator or stairs to the main level of the lounge, you’ll come across the front desk, next to which is the corridor that leads into the lounge. The corridor’s right wall contains inspiring travel images of New York City.
Found at almost every area of the space is some comfortable seating. Upon entering the lounge, you’ll see plush, red seats that mimic American Airlines Flagship Lounge vibes, above which is LED lighting.
Next to the cozy seating area is a relaxation room that’s never crowded and features plush armchairs, as well as chairs that swivel. You’ll also find several abstract art pieces in this room.
Found towards the left end of the lounge are plenty of seating variants, such as high-top barlike seating, plush armchairs, chairs that swivel, and lounge chairs overlooking the gates. A lot of the seating options are inspired by the signature American Flagship red and gray color palette. In addition, there are several light fixtures hanging above the seats. If you’re looking to get some work done, there are work cubicles that feature charging ports and table space.
There are bathrooms found throughout the lounge that are clean and stocked with D.S.& Durga skin care products, as well as shower suites.
Towards the very right of the lounge are a variety of plush chairs and barlike seating. In addition, you’ll also find a kids play room and a TV area. I found it to be very quiet and peaceful towards the back of the lounge.
Greenwich Lounge Food and Drink
The Greenwich Lounge at JFK doesn’t offer any sit-down dining facility, but features a large premium buffet spread with chef-inspired dishes. The selection includes a variety of breads, pastas, hot meats, salads, soups, and charcuterie.
There’s also a self-serve bar offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In addition, there’s a fridge with local beer and water.
Found in the main seating area is a self-serve wine table, where a variety of wines are available. Hanging above the bar is a stunning light fixture that gives the space a nice lighted accent.
Located towards the right of the lounge is the Tasting Room, which features some restaurant style seating and a stunning bar, where a variety of beverages can be ordered. In addition, you can order small bites such as truffle fries and warm pretzel bites.
There’s a smaller buffet spread found past the Tasting Room, with a selection of mostly cold options. It’s much smaller than the main buffet area.
My favorite part of the Greenwich Lounge is the Bridge, which is a stunning bar, where a variety of pre-flight cocktails and mocktails can be ordered. There are stunning lamps hanging from above, as well as comfortable seating. It appears as if the space seamlessly floats above the rest of American’s Terminal 8. Overall, the food and drink in the Greenwich Lounge is of a premium quality, even without a restaurant or brasserie.
Overall Thoughts
The Greenwich Lounge is without a doubt one of JFK’s nicest airport lounges, with plenty of comfortable seating and luxurious pre-flight amenities, including showers. As far as the dining situation goes, I was certainly blown away by the in-lounge catering provided by BA and AA. Even BA’s lounges in London have a hard time competing with the Greenwich Lounge, and the same is said for most of American’s lounges. I’d certainly be happy visiting this lounge again if I were flying Business Class from JFK on a OneWorld airline.