After December 1, 2022, British Airways will move from its current location at JFK’s Terminal 7 to its new home 1 terminal down at Terminal 8, home to current Oneworld partner American Airlines. By moving into the same terminal building, the 2 airlines are hoping to create a world-class airline experience, from check-in to lounges to connections.
What’s Changing?
Currently, British Airways is located in Terminal 7, and it will remain so through the end of November 2022. While it has certainly invested in the Terminal 7 space, including relatively new lounges, the terminal is much older than that of Terminal 8, and the fact that the buildings are separate creates a hassle for connecting passengers.
New York is British Airways’ most popular international destination, and feeding onto American Airlines flights is important for the airline, allowing customers to continue their journeys domestically or internationally.
A new dedicated premium check-in wing will open at Terminal 8 for eligible customers. Image Credit: American AirlinesIn the re-developed Terminal 8, we’ll see several new features added:
- A new first class/premium check-in area will take over the current private Flagship First check-in area. Presumably, this will be used for international first class customers on either airline and likely also top-tier Oneworld Emerald members, though the official process hasn’t been announced.
- A new top-tier lounge will open with a Champagne bar, fireside seating, and à la carte dining. While full details haven’t been announced, this will likely be a first class lounge for passengers of either airline flying internationally.
- A second lounge featuring airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library, and buffet will open, likely for Oneworld Emerald members not flying in first class.
- A third lounge, the current Flagship Lounge, will take over the current Concourse B Admirals Club, creating a business class-only lounge that will also be open to Oneworld Sapphire members, as well.
- The Concourse C Admirals Club will remain as-is, and this will be the only lounge space open to paid Admirals Club members.
American and British Airways will be opening a consolidated premium lounge for top-tier guests. Image Credit: American AirlinesAmerican doesn’t anticipate any of its lounges fully closing during the construction phase (as most of the lounge spaces that are being added are brand new), though the first class check-in area will be moved to a temporary area effective February 1, 2022.
Customers will be able to relax in all-new lounge spaces with enhanced seating and dining options. Image Credit: American AirlinesHot Tip: Check out our ultimate terminal guide for John F. Kennedy International Airport [JFK], as well as our full list of current airport lounges at JFK.
A Positive Move for Customers
These changes represent a lot of positive elements for customers:
- More lounges to choose from, enhancing the experience and reducing crowding
- New premium check-in area, creating a more luxury check-in experience for eligible customers
- Easier connections; if you’re coming in from London, you’ll already be within the same terminal building for your onward connection
Final Thoughts
The consolidation of American Airlines and British Airways in Terminal 8 at JFK is really something passengers have to look forward to. The lounge enhancements look really fantastic, and while it will take about a year for everything to finalize, it will allow a much easier transit experience for customers coming in from Europe.
Featured Image Credit:
American Airlines
