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Introduction – American Admirals Club JFK
For the final leg of my journey back from Australia, I flew from New York (JFK) to Toronto (YYZ) with American Airlines (AA) as I couldn’t find an Air Canada flight that matched my arrival time from Singapore (World’s Longest flight from SIN to JFK). I booked a one-way business class ticket for 25,000 AA miles, which gave me access to the American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge in JFK’s Terminal 8. This lounge access was a welcome benefit, especially after a long journey and a tight layover.
Location and Access – American Admirals Club JFK
The American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge is located in Terminal 8 of JFK Airport, directly across from Gate 42. To reach the lounge, you must take an elevator up one floor, where the reception desk is immediately in front of you. Access is available to passengers flying in AA Business Class or on a OneWorld Business Class ticket, particularly those on international flights.
With a layover of about two hours and ten minutes, I landed in Terminal 4 and needed to clear immigration, take the AirTrain to Terminal 8, and go through security again. JFK can be pretty busy, and security lines can be long, so this process took a fair amount of time. However, the lounge’s proximity to my departure gate was a major plus, allowing me time to unwind before my next flight.
Gate 42 – JFK Terminal 8
Lounge Entrance
Foyer across from elevators
Seating and Layout – American Admirals Club JFK
The Admirals Club Lounge offers various seating options in different areas. Immediately to the reception desk’s right is a business center equipped with brown and grey leather couches, granite-top tables, and charging stations at almost every table. The business center also has computers, a printer, a small coffee station, and two private booths for making phone calls or working in a quieter space.
Business Center in the lounge
Private Phone Booth
Continuing straight from the reception, you’ll find the main bar area on the right, surrounded by red and gray leather seating. The bar serves standard and premium drinks, with premium options available for an additional fee. A QR code can be downloaded to download the bar menu, which includes prices ranging from $9 to $13 for premium wines and $9 to $11 for premium spirits.
Main lounge area with bar
Standard seating in the lounge
To the left of the bar area are the bathrooms and shower rooms, which can be reserved at the reception desk. There’s also a children’s playroom near the bathrooms, making it convenient for families. The lounge has views of planes at the gates and taking off, along with TV monitors displaying AA flight information and entertainment.
Kid’s playroom
Food & Drinks – American Admirals Club JFK
The lounge offers a selection of basic food and drink options. The food station included cookies, brownies, Rice Krispie squares, a chicken dish, quinoa rice, two soups (cream of broccoli and chicken gumbo), salad, and coffee. While the food choices were standard and not extensive, they were adequate for a short layover.
Lounge snacks
Salad Bar
Chicken Gumbo soup
Seseme Teriyaki Chicken
Espresso options in the lounge
Liquor options in the lounge ($)
Takeaway – American Admirals Club JFK
Overall, the American Admirals Club Lounge at JFK is a decent option for travellers with access, particularly if you have a layover and need a place to rest and recharge. While the lounge’s proximity to my departure gate was convenient, and the amenities like showers and a business center were helpful, the fact that premium drinks come at an extra cost is a downside for me. I appreciated the chance to relax before my flight, but the experience was not remarkable. I would rate this lounge a 7/10 and think it is worth a visit, especially if you have a long layover and want to freshen up after a long flight.
