On my first JFK-DXB flight and when EK still used the Aer Lingus lounge at JFK, I arrived to check in at about 3:30 p.m. I was unaware that check in did not open until 7:30, but was able to obtain a pass for the lounge from an agent at one of the smaller podiums nearer to the terminal entrance. As that lounge is landside, obviously there was no issue with being able to get through security, but it was nice to have access when I had 8 hours until departure.