Airport Lounges Reviews

American Airlines Admiral’s Club Review: JFK Terminal 8

American Air Admiral's Club

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It makes a big difference which Admiral’s Club you choose at JFK in Terminal 8

Do NOT bother going into the one immediately after clearing security – near gate 12. It’s under renovation and is not worth leaving the terminal – look, if you just want a free beverage, for people to see you entering a lounge, and a chair – go for it, but don’t expect anything else really.  The club has been ‘narrowed’ while they renovate, and what’s left is minimal at best.

BUT – if you head on further down into the terminal, go down the escalators, and emerge on the other side….you’ll find a legit lounge.

Admiral's Club Terminal 8

We were nervous there for a bit! It was looking pretzels and seltzer.

Miles didn’t lose sleep to devising this strategy to upgrade to business class and miss out on the lounge experience! Luckily it worked out well. It was a great way to get a bite and relax before a fantastic experience on our A321t Transcon!

The Deets

  • Where: JFK, Terminal 8
  • When: June 2016
  • Who can enter:
    1. Admiral’s Club members
    2. Citi Executive Aadvantage cardholders
    3. Citi Prestige cardholders
    4. First/Business class tickets on transcontinental OR International itineraries
    5. Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald on international itineraries regardless of class of ticket

Ahhhhhh behind the sliding doors

American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 1 of 24
entrance
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 2 of 24
check in
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 3 of 24
HEY! welcome to the lounge!

The lounge is fresh.

It has two separate wings depending on your level of activity. If you head down the main hall you’ll pass a cyber cafe with computers, a bar, lounge areas, food station, another bar, more seating, tv rooms, restrooms, and showers. If you go the other way it’s very very very very quiet…in fact I think it’s called the quiet room. No creatures were stirring not even a…monkey. We were looking for ACTIVITY!!!!!

 

American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 4 of 24
cyber cafe
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 5 of 24
excuse me…i may need to blog. just letting you know…keep one open for me
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 6 of 24
reverse view of bar/cyber cafe

The only thing that’s really annoying about the lounge is the fact that aside from some snacks – the food is for purchase.

I just don’t get it. The competition gives buffet meals, sit down meals, practically put a bib around your neck rub your belly and feed you meals…Why do I have to fork over cash for a sandwich? Such is life.

American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 8 of 24
there’s my sandwich and salad…that I have a buy

More sitting
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 10 of 24

Snacks…veggies and hummus

American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 11 of 24
the snack lane
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 12 of 24
cookies and brownies
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 13 of 24
all very good…but not a meal perse
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 14 of 24
tv room
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 15 of 24
tv room 2
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 16 of 24
kid’s play room

The Lounge had showers…if there’s a shower – it’s usually a good sign! And these were nice =)

American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 17 of 24
maybe repaint the door frame…
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 18 of 24
showers

I could only find one that had been recently used – the others were in use…but you get the idea

American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 19 of 24
shower 3
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 20 of 24
nice!

From there we went to check out the quiet area…ssssssshhhhh

American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 21 of 24
it’s so quiet
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 22 of 24
Nice office work space
American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 23 of 24
a quiet cyber cafe and snacks

I’m exhausted and ready for a beer. They’re free – as are some wines.

American Airlines Admiral's Club Terminal 8 JFK - 24 of 24

The Verdict

It’s a very nice business lounge, albeit crowded and far away from my gate, it’s quite nice. I’d assume it’s located where it is because it’s closer to the bulk of all the gates. But, it was far for this monkey!  Also, compared to what they’re offering near the first dozen gates, this is like an oasis. I am looking forward to seeing what their new lounge will look like nearer security, but it won’t be finished for quite some time.

The Admiral’s Club isn’t perfect, but if you’re looking for a very nice refuge from the hustle bustle of the terminal you aren’t going to be disappointed. There are lots of seating areas, tv rooms, the quiet area is great to rest the mind, and there are some free dining options….Which brings me to the only thing that I’d really point to that disappoints: the lack of more free food options. If you’ve paid to be a member, or you’re on a $5000 business class ticket – it’s almost offensive to have to pay $12 bucks for a salad. I mean….CAHMON!

Other than that, the lounge had all of the things you’d look for in a business lounge. As far as comparing it to other international business class lounges… I’d have to rank this towards the top of Admiral’s Clubs – akin to the one at LAX. The work stations alone are fantastic for anyone looking to surf the web or get some work accomplished. However, my favorite legacy business class lounge remains the United Club at Heathrow and this falls short – but that lounge is ON POINT and you won’t be disappointed with this one, at all.

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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