Is the Soho Lounge at JFK Terminal 8 Worth It? My Full Review Before You Fly Out

Soho Lounge opened in late 2022, when American Airlines and British Airways colocated in JFK Terminal 8. As part of this terminal’s redevelopment, a new premium check-in area debuted, along with the top-tier Chelsea Lounge and the Greenwich Lounge, a business-class-only lounge that’s also open to elites.

After arriving in New York City on American’s September 2026 debut of the Flagship Suite on its Boeing 777-300ER, I was excited to experience Soho Lounge before my evening flight home. After nearly 4 years in operation, would this premium lounge live up to the hype? I was excited to find out.

Location of the Soho Lounge at JFK

Passengers with access to Soho Lounge (detailed in the next section) can start their journey at the premium seated check-in area in Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (from 4:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.). These passengers can also access fast-track security.

After passing through fast-track security, follow the signs to the staircase or elevator up 1 floor (above gate 14). The entrance to Soho Lounge is to the left, and the entrance to Chelsea Lounge is to the right.

Access to Soho Lounge at JFK

Access to Soho Lounge is granted to:

• ConciergeKey members on a flight in any cabin marketed and operated by a Oneworld airline or an Aer Lingus-marketed flight operated by American
  • Guest access: Immediate family or up to 2 guests
• Oneworld Emerald members on any Oneworld flight or passengers on a Oneworld international flight in first class
  • Guest access: 1 guest (includes children 2 and older)
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members and Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Titanium and Platinum members on Flagship international or Oneworld long-haul flights
  • Guest access: 1 guest (includes children 2 and older)

There is no credit card-specific access and no cash day rate.

The lounge is open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Hot Tip:

Access to the neighboring Chelsea Lounge is granted to passengers traveling in American Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus, British Airways first, or ConciergeKey on Flagship itineraries. Chelsea Lounge guests have access to the Soho Lounge, but Soho Lounge guests do not have access to the Chelsea Lounge unless they qualify.

Seating

One reason many passengers prefer to access the Soho Lounge, even if they qualify to enter the Chelsea Lounge, is the huge expanse of windows overlooking the apron.

Immediately past the entrance, seating is arranged around the bar, with dining tables, barstools, and banquette seating.

Beyond this area is restaurant-style dining seating with long, conference-style wooden tables.

Along the window are pairs of leather club chairs.

At the far left of the lounge are 2 large curved booths (ideal for larger groups), individual booths, and a dual-sided, high-top counter with plush chairs.

The farthest reaches of the lounge hold a unique seating area with booths, banquette seating, dining tables, longer conference-style tables, and a fireplace. The entrance to this room has more banquette seating with high-top chairs.

The seating features standard AC power outlets as well as USB-C and USB-A ports.

Food and Beverages

The buffet area was impressive during my visit, with unique and creative dishes, snacks, and drinks.

Food

The hot station had roasted zucchini, orzo pasta salad, a tofu dish, soy-glazed pork belly, chicken piccata, sesame jasmine rice, and soup.

Guests could also order entrees via a QR code. The lunch menu featured dishes such as fish and chips, a Reuben sandwich, spiced lamb kofte, and a cheeseburger and fries.

Cold foods included cheese cubes, charcuterie, finger sandwiches, Mediterranean dips, raw vegetables for salads, and quinoa salad.

The dessert area featured raspberry mascarpone trifle with chocolate shavings, strawberry-rhubarb crumb bar, Gascon mess, and salted chocolate chip cookies. A nearby snack area had whole oranges and apples, pretzel mix, nut mix, trail mix, M&Ms, and Mike and Ike.

Beverages

A coffee station featured self-serve coffee, tea, filtered water, and ice. Next to this was a wine dispenser featuring vintages such as a 2024 J. de Villebois Touraine sauvignon blanc, a 2024 Lincourt Steel Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills, a 2023 Primarius pinot gris, a 2023 Banshee cabernet sauvignon, and a 2023 nero D’Avola Sicilia Doc Cusumano.

A drink cooler held sodas, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beers (including from the local Brooklyn Brewery), and canned water. A station of dispensers stocked infused waters (mint-cucumber, blueberry-basil, lime-ginger), cold-brew coffee, and iced tea. 

Amenities

Relaxation Area

Just inside the lounge entrance, a relaxation room is to the right, just past the agent area and ahead of the buffet. This room has a closed door and features a few loungers with pillows and club chairs. Individual seats have privacy sheers separating them.

Restrooms

The women’s restroom is replete with marble and has a baby-changing area and fully enclosed stalls.

Shower Suites

Guests can register for a shower suite at the check-in desks. Availability notifications come via a beeper system.

Departure Board

After the lounge entrance and on the right is an area with several desks and a departure board. I assume that this area is where agents would be staged in the event of heavy delays or weather.

Service

The check-in area was well-staffed, and the friendly agents were conversant and helpful. As this was my first time visiting Soho Lounge, I appreciated that a greeter was stationed just past the entrance to help guide guests and answer any questions.

The team that kept the buffet stocked and tableware clear did an unobtrusive job, seamlessly operating in the background at peak efficiency.

Final Thoughts

On an active weekday afternoon, Soho Lounge delivered. Variety was a recurring theme: different seat types, a diverse beverage program, and creative dining options. The space itself was busy, but finding space wasn’t an issue, and the vibe felt calm. After nearly 4 years of operation, the lounge is still in great shape, with the main wear showing, understandably, around the charging stations. Whether you’re traveling solo or as a group, this lounge is definitely worth an extended stay.