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

• 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.

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.

The two carriers codeshare on JFK flights, but previously operated from different terminals.

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.

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.

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…

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

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

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

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."

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.

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

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.

Soho is the larger space, at 12,000 feet, and can accommodate up to 282 people.

British Airways Executive Club Gold, AAdvantage Executive Platinum Pro, AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Conciergekey status holders can 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.

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

The lounge shares a kitchen area with Chelsea next-door, so passengers can order meals directly using a QR Code.

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.

After receiving feedback from customers, airlines ensure that every chair and table in the lounge has power outlets.

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…

…as well as private rooms for calls and bathrooms with showers.

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

…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.

The lounge’s left side features a large set of floor to ceiling windows that overlook the ramp. There are also plenty of armchairs.

There was a recently landed British Airways Boeing 777 sitting outside Soho during Insider's visit.

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.

Chelsea is right next to the lounges, and is the smaller but more grandiose of the two.

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.

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

150 pieces of hand-molded glass are poured from the ceiling and boast the elegance of the design.

Beautiful digital wallpapers, which change color and scene throughout each day, add to the ambience.

Passengers can relax in one of the many sitting areas or at the bar to pass the time.

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.

According to the carriers the meals were inspired by British and American cuisines. Media tried food like Shepard's pie…

…and butternut squash curry, among other offerings like beet salad and a lox bagel. The dishes were delicious and I loved the vegan option.

In addition to a dining room, there is also a living room, which will eventually feature a fireplace…

…plenty of cubicle-like workspaces along the sides of the room…

…and a quiet room in the back.

Like Soho, travelers will find power outlets or USB ports within reach anywhere they sit…

…a large drink station…

…and several bathrooms and showers.

Overall, I thought both lounges looked great, especially as they were open and provided plenty of options for food and seating.

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

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