During a recent trip from New York to Buenos Aires, Argentina, I had the opportunity to explore the lounge options at New York-John F. Kennedy Airport for passengers flying American Airlines Flagship Business class. I chose to visit the American Airlines Greenwich Lounge.
As someone who typically flies Delta and is familiar with Delta’s Sky Clubs and the new Delta One Lounge at JFK, I was curious to see how American Airlines’ lounges for premium passengers compared. My impression of the Greenwich Lounge was that it fell short – while spacious and elegant in parts, the food offerings were mediocre.
To access the Greenwich Lounge at JFK, passengers flying in the Flagship Business cabin on same-day international or transcontinental flights, some Hawaii flights, or in Oneworld business class are eligible. Additionally, certain British Airways passengers may also have access based on their ticket type or membership status.
For those not eligible for the premium lounges, there is a regular American Airlines Admirals Club near gate 42 in terminal 8.
The Greenwich Lounge is located past security above gate 12 and is open from 4:15 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. Signs direct passengers to the elevators that lead to the lounge, with the Chelsea and Soho lounges nearby.
Upon entering the lounge, I was struck by its spaciousness and variety of seating options. The main room offered views of the gates and planes outside, with different seating areas catering to various preferences, including a section for watching sports.
The buffet at the lounge featured a mix of hot and cold foods, salads, and a self-service wine bar. While the food was decent, it didn’t stand out. Restrooms and shower suites were available for those looking to freshen up, and there was a kids’ room with limited amenities.
In addition to the main seating and buffet areas, the Greenwich Lounge also housed specialty spaces like The Tasting Room and The Bridge. The Tasting Room featured items from Brooklyn Brewery, but the food and drink options were underwhelming. The Bridge, with its midcentury aesthetic and relaxing ambiance, was a highlight of the lounge.
Overall, the Greenwich Lounge provided a comfortable space to pass the time before a flight, but the food offerings and amenities were not exceptional. Compared to other premium lounges like Delta One Lounge and United Polaris lounges, it fell short of expectations.
(Original photos by Tiffani Sherman)
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