JFK’s revamped Terminal 8 has just opened its doors to travelers

Shortly after LaGuardia Airport unveiled its shiny new Terminal B project in early 2022, New York City is getting another revamped airport terminal: a renovated Terminal 8 building that opened December 1 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The spacious new building adds 7,000 square feet to the old facility and features upgrades such as a redesigned premium check-in area and three stylish new airline lounges.

The new facility is home to American Airlines and British Airways, both of which have spent US$400 million on the construction project, which included moving British Airways from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 to be closer to partner airlines in the Oneworld Alliance (a of which is to be American). Other partner airlines Iberia and Japan Airlines will also move into the new terminal.

“The completion of Terminal 8 is the latest milestone in our historic effort to build an all-new JFK worthy of New York,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “I congratulate American Airlines, British Airways and the Port Authority on the first of many milestones to come.”

While all travelers passing through the expanded terminal will appreciate renovations like five new gates for more spacious aircraft and an improved baggage handling system, the building’s crown jewels are the new American Airlines and British Airways premium lounges. The lounges are named Chelsea Lounge, Soho Lounge and Greenwich Lounge in reference to popular neighborhoods in New York City and London.

This is what premium passengers can expect from the newly designed terminal.

An exclusive check-in area

The first thing travelers in premium cabins will notice in the new terminal is a redesigned check-in area “that will offer personalized concierge-style service,” according to a press release from American. The secluded area features seated check-in desks and wood and metal design accents. After check-in, larger baggage is swept away by baggage handling and passengers are taken to a dedicated Fast Track security area, allowing them to “get through to Departures.”

The check-in area is open to British Airways passengers traveling in First Class or with Executive Club Gold status; travelers with Oneworld Emerald status; American Airlines passengers flying with Flagship First, Flagship Business Plus and ConciergeKey members, and AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members when flying on flagship long-haul routes.

The Champagne Bar in the Chelsea Lounge serves 25 different types of sparkling wine.

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Chelsea lounge

The most elegant — and exclusive — of the lounges, the Chelsea Lounge has a soothing gray and beige color palette and Italian marble floors. Its centerpiece is the chic circular champagne bar, which serves 25 different types of champagne, including popular brands like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. Hanging above the bar are 150 shimmering sheets of glass, imported from the Czech Republic and made from casts of real botanical specimens. In addition to sparkling wine, lounge-goers can also order from a menu of handcrafted cocktails, including drinks like Perfect Lady, a blend of gin, peach liqueur, Demerara syrup and fresh lemon juice, and Tourist Season. Contains Clairin Rum, Amaro Montenegro, Passion Fruit Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice and Honey Syrup.