Hi all

I'm UK-based and have not had to transit JFK for many years.

I'm looking at flights from DCA-JFK-LHR for May 2018, all on AA metal. I particularly want to be on the 6.05pm departure to LHR and would not like to miss it (the reason is I want to be in the 77W reverse herringbone seats ie flight AA100).

I have the following options for the DCA-JFK leg:

1. AA 4332 "Trans States as American Eagle" dep 12.50pm-arr 2.21pm (nearly four hour connection)
2. AA 4735 "Republic Airlines as American Eagle" dep 2.55pm-arr 4.11pm (114 minute connection)

Flight 2 seems preferable because it has domestic first class on an Embraer RJ-175, versus single economy class on flight 1 on an Embraer RJ-145. The 145 looks very cramped but on the other hand it isn't a long flight so I could deal with it. Four hours in JFK airport seems a little tedious if it can be avoided, though I am both OW Sapphire and travelling in business class so I will have lounge access.

Additionally flight 2 gives me a slightly lower total price for my itinerary by about $40pp so not something to totally ignore.

Am I right in thinking both flights will arrive and depart from T8?

This will be on one PNR with bags checked through so does 114 minutes sound safe? I won't have to retrieve bags or go through security will I? I really do not want to miss my chosen 6.05pm LHR flight, though I know nothing is ever 100% certain in flying...

Also given I've never been in one: how does the drinks chit thing work in the Admiral's Clubs? How many do they give you per person, and are you allowed to go back and ask for more? I'm just curious as I've never been in a lounge that restricts beverages in this manner - not saying I will want to drink a lot but having to ask for tickets is a different way of doing things.

Thanks everybody!