The lounge at JFK is indeed crappy. It was crowded and TV was blasting some afternoon talk show. Food was not much better. I flew AS last month and their lounge at least had some character and coffee barista and some local craft beer that add some nice touches. Also security at JFK T7 consistently sucks, no TSA pre-check line, just the pre-check lite, and those new 3D scanners took forever, at least 20-30s per tray. If it wasn't for the superior NH J seat and service, I'd be flying UA out of EWR.

Pics taken after boarding was called


Hot food consisted of: rice, Japanese chicken curry, pasta, and grilled or stir fried veggies