American & British Airways Co-locate in JFK T8 [New Lounges]

British Airways has moved 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.

Table of Contents

What’s Changed?
A Positive Move for Customers
Final Thoughts

What’s Changed?

While BA had undoubtedly invested in the Terminal 7 space, including relatively new lounges, the terminal is much older than Terminal 8, and the fact that the buildings are separate created 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.

AA New Prmeium Check In JFK — The new premium check-in area serves customers seated in the forward cabin on both airlines, as well as elite passengers. Image Credit: American Airlines

In the re-developed Terminal 8, we’re already seeing several new features added:

A new first class/premium check-in area has taken over the current private Flagship First check-in area. There is a dedicated area used for international first class customers on either airline and top-tier Oneworld Emerald members, and an entirely new section reserved for priority customers such as those in business class or Oneworld Sapphire members.
A new top-tier lounge called Chelsea Lounge, located above gate 14, has opened with a Champagne bar, fireside seating, and à la carte dining. This is a first class lounge for passengers of either airline flying internationally and is also open to British Airways Gold Guest List customers.
A second lounge called Soho Lounge, located above gate 14, features airside views, a wine bar, a cocktail lounge, a library, and a buffet and is open for Oneworld Emerald members not flying in first class.
A third lounge, the current Flagship Lounge above gate 12, has been rebranded as the Greenwich Lounge, and takes 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.

AABA JFK Soho Lounge — The new Soho lounge serves Oneworld Emerald customers. Image Credit: American Airlines

Hot 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

AABA Chelsea Lounge Seating — The new Chelsea Lounge serves international first class customers. Image Credit: American Airlines

Final Thoughts

The consolidation of American Airlines and British Airways in Terminal 8 at JFK is really something passengers have to celebrate. The lounge enhancements are really fantastic, and it will allow a much easier transit experience for customers coming in from Europe or other international destinations.