Saturday, September 23, 2023

American and British Airways just opened brand new joint luxury lounges at New York's biggest airport as they grow their partnership — see inside


The Soho Lounge

  • Officially, British Airways and American Airlines co-live in Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
  • The $400 million renovation includes new gates, check-in areas and grandiose lounges.
  • Three new lounges have been opened recently. They can be accessed by both American Airlines and British Airways flyers.
American Airlines and British Airways' premium customers are in for a treat at New York's biggest airport.

Departures curb for American and British Airways at JFK Terminal 8.
American and British Airways departures curb at JFK Terminal 8.

American and British Airways are joining forces at New York's biggest airport to streamline their partnership — see inside the new Terminal 8

Oneworld partners opened their new Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport on December 1. It cost $400 million.

American Airlines and British Airways in Terminal 8 at JFK.
The two carriers codeshare on JFK flights, but previously operated from different terminals.

American Airlines at JFK
American Airlines at JFK.

British Airways flew out from Terminal 7 for over 50 years. This forced passengers to connect on a codeshared American flight and make the trek to Terminal 8 via Terminal 7.

A BA and AF Concorde pass each other at JFK.
British Airways Concord supersonic aircraft at JFK. The Concord was used for 26 years at Terminal 7.

But, to better streamline their operation, British Airways has moved into Terminal 8, and the pair are now officially "roommates," as American CEO Robert Isom put it at a press conference in November.

(L-R): Iberia CEO Javier Sánchez-Prieto, British Airways CEO Sean Doyle, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, Port Authority Executive Director Richard Cotton, Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Queen Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. cut the ribbon to the new Terminal 8 at JFK on Tuesday, November 29.
(L-R): Iberia CEO Javier Sánchez-Prieto, British Airways CEO Sean Doyle, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, Port Authority Executive Director Richard Cotton, Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Queen Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. cut the ribbon to the new Terminal 8 at JFK on Tuesday, November 29.

The airport experience has been improved through renovations. Specifically, two new check-in areas have been built: one private room for the pair's highest-tier passengers…

Private First Class check in space.
Conciergekey, American Flagship First, Flagship Business Plus and Flagship Business Plus members, American Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members, can also use the private room as British Airways first and Gold members.

…and a second open-air space for business class passengers and other premium status levels.

American and British Airways' premium open air check-in space.
American Flagship Business members and AAdvantage Platinum members have access to this check-in area. British Airways Club World and Silver members also have access to this area.

The crown jewels of the renovations include the addition of more gates and an upgrade to the baggage handling system.

The new gate space at Terminal 8 JFK.
New gate space at Terminal 8 JFK

Three new lounges have been added: the Greenwich Lounge and the Soho Lounge. The Chelsea Lounge was named after New York City neighborhoods.

American and British Airways co-branded Soho Lounge.
American and British Airways jointly co-brand Soho Lounge.

Greenwich isn’t necessarily new, but it is the American Flagship Lounge rebranded that opened in 2017. The renovated space features "a premium wine table, expansive seating, and chef-inspired meals."

American Airlines' Flagship Lounge at JFK Terminal 8.
American Airlines' Flagship Lounge at JFK Terminal 8.

Access will be restricted to American customers flying Flagship Business or with AAdvantage Platinum status on "qualifying Flagship itineraries," and British Airways passengers who can enter the Club lounge.

American Airlines' Flagship Lounge at JFK Terminal 8.
American Airlines' Flagship Lounge at JFK Terminal 8.

The two other lounges — Soho and Chelsea — were built in partnership by American and British Airways, and are co-branded spaces.

The welcome lobby for both lounges.
The welcome lobby for both lounges.

Both lounges are located close to Gate 14 and share a welcoming lobby, where agents will direct passengers towards the appropriate lounge based upon their ticket or status.

The welcome lobby for both lounges.
Soho is the larger space, at 12,000 feet, and can accommodate up to 282 people.

American and British Airways co-branded Soho Lounge.
British Airways Executive Club Gold, AAdvantage Executive Platinum Pro, AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Conciergekey status holders can enter.

British Airways Embraer ERJ-190 Departs From Amsterdam
British Airways passengers who have access to the First Lounge can also enter.

The lounge will have a row of desks that will be staffed by American and British Airways agents. There will also a bar area and a bar where guests can sip beer, wine, mixed drinks or mocktails.

Inside the Soho lounge.
Inside the Soho Lounge

Passengers will eat in the large central area of Soho. It has dozens of tables and booths.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
The lounge shares a kitchen area with Chelsea next-door, so passengers can order meals directly using a QR Code.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
For those who need a quick bite, there is a buffet. There are plenty of hot and cold options, as well a variety of soups and salads.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
After receiving feedback from customers, airlines ensure that every chair and table in the lounge has power outlets.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
Just beyond the dining area on the right side of the lounge is a refrigerator full of drinks, like water, soda, and beer, as well as a coffee station…

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
…as well as private rooms for calls and bathrooms with showers.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
The glass door seals the telephone booths.

Towards the back of the space is a wine bar made of petrified wood…

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
Inside the Soho Lounge

…and a so-called "library." Although there weren’t any books, it felt like a comfortable space to work or relax before a long flight.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
The lounge’s left side features a large set of floor to ceiling windows that overlook the ramp. There are also plenty of armchairs.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
There was a recently landed British Airways Boeing 777 sitting outside Soho during Insider's visit.

British Airways and American Airlines aircraft at JFK.
A few cubby chairs are hidden in the back corner of the lounge. They can be used to accommodate two people and offer a nice view.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
Chelsea is right next to the lounges, and is the smaller but more grandiose of the two.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
American Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus travelers, and American Conciergekey travellers on Flagship itineraries have access to Chelsea. British Airways first class passengers can also enter.

The new Chelsea lounge.
Travelers will find the centrepiece of the lounge when they enter the 10,000-square foot space.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
150 pieces of hand-molded glass are poured from the ceiling and boast the elegance of the design.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
Beautiful digital wallpapers, which change color and scene throughout each day, add to the ambience.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
Passengers can relax in one of the many sitting areas or at the bar to pass the time.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
If you'd like to eat, the back of the lounge has a dining area with tables and booths. American and British Airways have prepared a few bites for the media, which can be ordered a la carte at Chelsea.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
According to the carriers the meals were inspired by British and American cuisines. Media tried food like Shepard's pie…

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
…and butternut squash curry, among other offerings like beet salad and a lox bagel. The dishes were delicious and I loved the vegan option.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
In addition to a dining room, there is also a living room, which will eventually feature a fireplace…

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
…plenty of cubicle-like workspaces along the sides of the room…

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
…and a quiet room in the back.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
Like Soho, travelers will find power outlets or USB ports within reach anywhere they sit…

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
…a large drink station…

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
…and several bathrooms and showers.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
Overall, I thought both lounges looked great, especially as they were open and provided plenty of options for food and seating.

American and British Airways' co-branded Soho Lounge.
The Soho Lounge

I loved the spacious showers, the numerous charging ports, and the quiet areas where you can relax or work.

American and British Airways' co-branded Chelsea Lounge.
You can read the original article here Business Insider

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