Air France Lounge at New York JFK Airport [Detailed Review]

I recently found myself lounge-hopping at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City during a particularly long layover. My last stop before catching a flight to Paris was the Air France Lounge in Terminal 1.

There are numerous lounges in Terminal 1 at JFK, all of varying quality. Of the few I visited on this day, the Air France Lounge was the best by far. It was big and bright, with a delicious buffet, lots of seating, a spa, and views of the New York City skyline.

How To Access the Air France Lounge at JFK

Priority Pass

If you have a Priority Pass membership, you have lots of options in Terminal 1 at JFK Airport, one of which is the Air France Lounge.

You can easily get a Priority Pass membership through your credit card. Some of our favorite cards that have access to Priority Pass are the following:

• The Platinum Card^® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

A Priority Pass allows you to access lounges regardless of elite status, airline, or class of service.

Air France Passengers

Select Air France passengers also get access to the Air France Lounge:

• La Première (first class) passengers (plus 1 guest)
• Air France business class passengers

Flying Blue or SkyTeam Elite Status

Flying Blue Platinum and Gold and SkyTeam Elite Plus members plus 1 guest can access the Air France Lounge. Passengers and guests must have a boarding pass for a same-day international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight.

Day Pass

Some travelers can purchase a day pass at the airport to access the Air France Lounge:

• Flying Blue Silver: $30 to $50
• Air France Premium Economy Passengers: $30 to $50 or 2,500 to 5,000 miles
• Additional passengers may be able to purchase a day pass up to 3 hours before their flights. Rates may vary.

Bottom Line:

The easiest way to gain entry to the Air France Lounge is to use a Priority Pass membership.

Location of the Air France Lounge at JFK

The Air France Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport is in Terminal 1 at the very end, near gate 1. This is the international terminal, so you can only access it with an international boarding pass.

It’s open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

First Impressions

The Air France Lounge was the last stop on my JFK lounge-hopping day (I was making the most of an 11-hour layover). I was able to enter because I was flying Air France business class to Paris, although I could have used my Priority Pass membership.

As soon as I walked in, I was excited to see a bright, airy space with high ceilings and a glass roof (a welcome change from the Primeclass Lounge I had just visited).

There was cool artwork, along with information on the artist, on the walls near the entrance.

Additional artwork, as well as plenty of seating, was scattered throughout the lounge.

Seating

The Air France Lounge was big, and it had lots of seating.

As soon as I entered, I took the escalator up to the second level.

I grabbed a table overlooking the first level of the lounge. This was a great spot to get a little work done before my flight.

The high ceilings and large windows gave the lounge a very bright and light feel. Unfortunately, the view was mostly of the highway.

However, you could see the New York City skyline in the distance, which is a pretty unique feature for an airport lounge. Watching the sunset over the city from the Air France Lounge was really nice.

Food and Beverages

There are 2 levels in this lounge, and both had the same food and beverage options, but the area on the first floor was a bit bigger.

Buffet

Food was served across 2 self-service buffets, 1 on each level of the lounge. There wasn’t any table service.

There were a few different premade salad options, plus ingredients to make your own.

There were different types of meats and cheeses.

Of course, there was delicious bread.

Hot entrées included French favorites like quiche Lorraine and croque monsieur, as well as staples like pasta and chicken.

My dinner was delicious! I especially loved the quiche.

Dessert options included a couple of varieties of cake, fruit smoothies, chocolate mousse, panna cotta, cheesecake, and fresh fruit.

But wait, there’s more! Around the corner of the buffet, there were more desserts: brownies, madeleines, and palmiers.

I couldn’t decide what I wanted, so I tasted a few of them (for research purposes only, of course).

Beverages

Each floor of the lounge had a self-serve drink station.

There was a coffee machine plus still, sparkling, and flavored water.

Drinks included juices, milk, Heineken beer, White Claw, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and ginger ale.

Wines and spirits were also self-serve.

Some bar snacks were available right by the self-serve bar.

Bottom Line:

The Air France Lounge at JFK offers a full buffet and a self-serve drink station (including alcohol).

Amenities

Clarins Spa

There was a Clarins Spa at the Air France Lounge at JFK. It was just to the left of the entrance to the lounge (before the check-in desk).

Lounge guests could make an appointment for a complimentary 15-minute treatment. Options include jet-lag relief, detox time, and eye treatments. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the spa until we were leaving, so I didn’t get to try one.

The Clarins Spa at the JFK Air France Lounge was open daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bathrooms

The bathroom was small and rather basic for the size of the lounge, but it was clean. There were also showers. (They were in use when I was there, so I couldn’t get a picture.)

Final Thoughts

The Air France Lounge is a fantastic option if you’re flying from JFK’s Terminal 1. I can see why it made our list of the best Priority Pass lounges in the U.S.

With lots of natural light, this 2-level lounge offers an extensive buffet, comfortable seating, and distant views of the Manhattan skyline. Before you leave for your flight, remember to make an appointment for your complimentary 15-minute treatment at the Clarins Spa.