May 3, 2015, 10:35 pm
Last edit by: jiburi
JFK / John F. Kennedy International Airport Concourse B Flagship Lounge
Flagship Lounge is within Terminal 8 Concourse B Admirals Cub
Link to JFK Flagship Dining reviews thread.Flagship Lounge is within Terminal 8 Concourse B Admirals Cub
Link to aa.com information for JFK.
Link to JFK website.
LOCATION: Airside beyond the Security checkpoint, Mezzanine level. Request proximity card from agent for access.
NOTE: The renovated Lounge has now reopened as the "Flagship Lounge" (having temporarily operated as "International First Class Lounge"). See below for detailed access rules. Qualifying oneworld First Class and Business Class flyers and Emerald and Sapphire members bring one guest to the Flagship Lounge.
Only qualifying AA Flagship First flyers have access to Flagship First Dining. One guest permitted for international flyers, no guest for transcon flyers.
HOURS: For current hours, see here.
AMENITIES:
- Flat screen TVs
- Private shower suites (shared with adjacent Admirals Club)
- Premium liquor, beer and wine
- Meal service throughout the day
- Computers with Internet access
- Meal service throughout the day
- Premium liquor, beer and wine
- Private shower suites (shared with adjacent Admirals Club)
- Traveling First Class or Business Class on an American Airlines marketed and operated international* flight. Lounge access is also valid on a same-day itinerary that includes a qualifying international* segment
- Traveling First Class or Business Class on an American Airlines marketed and operated three-class nonstop transcontinental flight (JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO, MIA-LAX in either direction). Lounge access is also valid on a same-day itinerary that includes a qualifying transcontinental segment
- An American Airlines AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro or Platinum customer departing on or connecting to or from an international* flight, operated and marketed by a oneworld® airline, regardless of cabin flown (as long as the next onward segment is also operated and marketed by a oneworld® airline)
- A oneworld First Class or Business Class international* customer departing on or connecting to or from a oneworld marketed and operated flight (as long as the next onward segment is also operated and marketed by a oneworld® airline)
- A oneworld Emerald or Sapphire elite customer** (whose Emerald or Sapphire status does not come from AA) departing on or connecting to any oneworld marketed and operated flight, regardless of cabin flown. Access is valid on a same day itinerary
- A oneworld First Class or Business Class international* customer departing on or connecting to or from a oneworld marketed and operated flight (as long as the next onward segment is also operated and marketed by a oneworld® airline)
- An American Airlines AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro or Platinum customer departing on or connecting to or from an international* flight, operated and marketed by a oneworld® airline, regardless of cabin flown (as long as the next onward segment is also operated and marketed by a oneworld® airline)
- Traveling First Class or Business Class on an American Airlines marketed and operated three-class nonstop transcontinental flight (JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO, MIA-LAX in either direction). Lounge access is also valid on a same-day itinerary that includes a qualifying transcontinental segment
Complimentary access to Flagship First Dining is only offered if you are:
- Traveling Flagship First on an American Airlines marketed and operated international* flight. You are permitted one guest. Access is also valid on a same-day itinerary that includes a qualifying international* segment in Flagship First.
- Traveling Flagship First on an American Airlines marketed and operated three-class nonstop transcontinental flight (JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO, MIA-LAX in either direction). No guests permitted. Access is also valid on a same-day itinerary that includes a qualifying transcontinental segment in Flagship First
*For the purpose of Flagship Lounge access, eligible international cities include flights traveling to or from Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico City only. All other international destinations are excluded from this benefit
**American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum/Emerald/Platinum Pro/Platinum/Sapphire customers traveling on solely North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship Lounge access. North America is defined as U.S. (including Hawaii and Alaska), Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean
Customers traveling on airline industry non-revenue tickets are not eligible for access
Links to other JFK Lounges threads:
JFK / John F. Kennedy International Airport Concourse B by Gate 12 Admirals Club
JFK / John F. Kennedy International Airport Concourse C Gate C-42 Admirals Club
List of airlines using JFK Terminal 8:
airberlin
American Airlines / American Eagle
Cathay Pacific
Finnair
LAN / TAM
Qatar Airways
Eligible departing oneworld passengers may access the Admirals Clubs or Flagship Lounges, as listed above.
American Airlines / American Eagle
Cathay Pacific
Finnair
LAN / TAM
Qatar Airways
Eligible departing oneworld passengers may access the Admirals Clubs or Flagship Lounges, as listed above.
List of oneworld airlines using JFK Terminal 7:
Alaska
British Airways
Iberia
Qantas Departing eligible oneworld Emerald and First Class passengers may access:
British Airways First Lounge
LOCATION: Terminal 7 Airside, turn left at the top of the escalator after departures security
HOURS: Daily: 05:00-22:00
NOTE: Access to First Lounge is restricted to Emerald members or those travelling in First Class
Departing oneworld Sapphires and Business Class passengers may access:
British Airways Galleries Lounge
LOCATION:: Terminal 7 Airside, turn left at the top of the escalator after departures security
HOURS: Daily: 05:00-22:00
Alaska Lounge
LOCATION: Terminal 7 Airside, turn left at the top of the escalator after departure security
HOURS: 05:00-20:00
British Airways
Iberia
Qantas Departing eligible oneworld Emerald and First Class passengers may access:
British Airways First Lounge
LOCATION: Terminal 7 Airside, turn left at the top of the escalator after departures security
HOURS: Daily: 05:00-22:00
NOTE: Access to First Lounge is restricted to Emerald members or those travelling in First Class
Departing oneworld Sapphires and Business Class passengers may access:
British Airways Galleries Lounge
LOCATION:: Terminal 7 Airside, turn left at the top of the escalator after departures security
HOURS: Daily: 05:00-22:00
Alaska Lounge
LOCATION: Terminal 7 Airside, turn left at the top of the escalator after departure security
HOURS: 05:00-20:00
List of AA partner airlines using JFK Terminal 4:
El Al
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways
List of AA / oneworld airlines using JFK Terminal 1:
Japan Airlines Departing eligible passengers flying on Japan Airlines may access:
Air France Lounge
LOCATION: Terminal 1, after security, near Gate 1
HOURS: Daily: 06:00-02:00
NOTE: The lounge is arranged over two levels. The second floor is exclusively for the use of First Class customers, JML, JGP and oneworld Emerald members. Eligible customers will be directed to the second floor by staff at reception.
Operated by a third party. May be used only by eligible customers when travelling on: Japan Airlines
Air France Lounge
LOCATION: Terminal 1, after security, near Gate 1
HOURS: Daily: 06:00-02:00
NOTE: The lounge is arranged over two levels. The second floor is exclusively for the use of First Class customers, JML, JGP and oneworld Emerald members. Eligible customers will be directed to the second floor by staff at reception.
Operated by a third party. May be used only by eligible customers when travelling on: Japan Airlines
Link to Terminal 8 map on aa.com
Link to map of JFK International Airport (uses JavaScript)
Link to PDF map of JFK and immediate vicinity
Link to online / JPG map of JFK and immediate vicinity
Older posts are archived to: ARCHIVE: JFK / New York John F. Kennedy T8 Flagship Lounge / FL (consolidated)
JFK / Kennedy Int'l. Airport Concourse B / Gate B12 Flagship Lounge (master thread)
Jun 19, 2018, 6:43 am
#377
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Visited last Wednesday from 3:30-5. The lounge itself was incredibly crowded. The only seats left when I arrived were at small dining tables near the buffet. I was glad I had FL Dining Access and could get away from it. Still, it's an impressive lounge. Good liquor selection, good buffet and friendly staff. The bathrooms are also really nice.
Jul 4, 2018, 10:07 pm
#378
Join Date: Jan 1999
Posts: 1,023
Was at the FL earlier this week - incredibly crowded & difficult to find a seat. A shame really as otherwise it is a really nice lounge.
I headed over to the Bridge which was a complete contrast. So calm and plenty of seating. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to experience any of the menu items or even have a drink. Realised when I sat down that as this was a table service area I would probably have to tip. I had previously spent all my USD so thought this would be a problem. In fact, confirmed this with the server when I explained my situation and he politely suggested I could have some water - lol.
So, word of warning to any non-US visitors wanting to try out the Bridge - make sure you have some cash USD with you.
I headed over to the Bridge which was a complete contrast. So calm and plenty of seating. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to experience any of the menu items or even have a drink. Realised when I sat down that as this was a table service area I would probably have to tip. I had previously spent all my USD so thought this would be a problem. In fact, confirmed this with the server when I explained my situation and he politely suggested I could have some water - lol.
So, word of warning to any non-US visitors wanting to try out the Bridge - make sure you have some cash USD with you.
Jul 5, 2018, 10:18 am
#379
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Was at the FL earlier this week - incredibly crowded & difficult to find a seat. A shame really as otherwise it is a really nice lounge.
I headed over to the Bridge which was a complete contrast. So calm and plenty of seating. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to experience any of the menu items or even have a drink. Realised when I sat down that as this was a table service area I would probably have to tip. I had previously spent all my USD so thought this would be a problem. In fact, confirmed this with the server when I explained my situation and he politely suggested I could have some water - lol.
So, word of warning to any non-US visitors wanting to try out the Bridge - make sure you have some cash USD with you.
I headed over to the Bridge which was a complete contrast. So calm and plenty of seating. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to experience any of the menu items or even have a drink. Realised when I sat down that as this was a table service area I would probably have to tip. I had previously spent all my USD so thought this would be a problem. In fact, confirmed this with the server when I explained my situation and he politely suggested I could have some water - lol.
So, word of warning to any non-US visitors wanting to try out the Bridge - make sure you have some cash USD with you.
Jul 5, 2018, 11:21 am
#380
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,967
When I leave behind a plate of food at my table in the lounge, I tuck a dollar bill underneath for the janitorial staff person. Whenever I ask a bartender for a drink, I also tip one dollar. When I use a lounge shower, I leave behind a dollar for the custodian who cleans up after me. I just think it's a nice thing to do for those hardworking contract employees.
Jul 5, 2018, 11:40 am
#381
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
No obligation to tip. But it is common courtesy in the USA to tip the food service staff, bartenders, custodial/shower attendants, and others in service positions with whom you interact specifically. If you don't have USD, it is acceptable to leave foreign paper currency (not coins). The amount is less important; it's just the thought that counts!
When I leave behind a plate of food at my table in the lounge, I tuck a dollar bill underneath for the janitorial staff person. Whenever I ask a bartender for a drink, I also tip one dollar. When I use a lounge shower, I leave behind a dollar for the custodian who cleans up after me. I just think it's a nice thing to do for those hardworking contract employees.
When I leave behind a plate of food at my table in the lounge, I tuck a dollar bill underneath for the janitorial staff person. Whenever I ask a bartender for a drink, I also tip one dollar. When I use a lounge shower, I leave behind a dollar for the custodian who cleans up after me. I just think it's a nice thing to do for those hardworking contract employees.
If it makes you feel better, proceed to throw money all around the lounge. You should consider yourself fortunate to have the discretionary funds to do so, especially since it appears you make a habit of leaving money for employees whose performance you have not actually witnessed.
But please don't attempt to make other lounge visitors feel guilty if they don't have the same resources or don't feel the same obligation. mgm discovered "The Bridge", and mgm should have enjoyed its offerings. That's why the lounge exists.
Jul 5, 2018, 11:53 am
#382
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NYC/PSP
Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold
Posts: 4,106
I had previously spent all my USD so thought this would be a problem. In fact, confirmed this with the server when I explained my situation and he politely suggested I could have some water - lol.
So, word of warning to any non-US visitors wanting to try out the Bridge - make sure you have some cash USD with you.
So, word of warning to any non-US visitors wanting to try out the Bridge - make sure you have some cash USD with you.
Just to clarify to future readers, there is absolutely no need to tip in any of the AA lounges. Zip. Zero. Zilch. It is completely discretionary.
Jul 5, 2018, 12:08 pm
#383
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
I seem to be totally out of touch. I've never seen anyone tip an airport lounge worker, other than bartenders selling alcoholic beverages in a domestic AA lounge. I suppose people may tip for paid food, but I don't have experience with that.
For a server in the Bridge to suggest that someone can't order food because the person doesn't have the cash to tip is outrageous.
For a server in the Bridge to suggest that someone can't order food because the person doesn't have the cash to tip is outrageous.
Jul 5, 2018, 12:52 pm
#384
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,967
No, I'm not saying that. The AA employee agents at the front desk are hardworking too. But they are professional, salaried employees, and they should not be tipped (just like pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, etc should not be tipped). The ones you should tip are the contract workers in service jobs who are typically wage-hour and would greatly appreciate any gratuities.
Not everyone who reads this forum from around the world might be aware of the distinction we have in the USA between professional, salaried employees and wage-hour service workers, especially in the context of travel, where these staff might wear similar-looking uniforms.
Some international visitors might not even know that in many US states, it is customary for bartenders to earn less than the legal minimum wage in their regular wages, given that they are expected to make up a significant portion of their income from tips.
Not trying to make anyone else feel guilty. I'm merely sharing what I do, based on many years of traveling both domestically and internationally, and having many friends who work in service industry jobs. In my opinion, if you can spare a dollar to leave behind, you will make the day of the custodian in the Flagship Lounge who clears your dirty plates. Just my opinion.
Not everyone who reads this forum from around the world might be aware of the distinction we have in the USA between professional, salaried employees and wage-hour service workers, especially in the context of travel, where these staff might wear similar-looking uniforms.
Some international visitors might not even know that in many US states, it is customary for bartenders to earn less than the legal minimum wage in their regular wages, given that they are expected to make up a significant portion of their income from tips.
If it makes you feel better, proceed to throw money all around the lounge. You should consider yourself fortunate to have the discretionary funds to do so, especially since it appears you make a habit of leaving money for employees whose performance you have not actually witnessed.
But please don't attempt to make other lounge visitors feel guilty if they don't have the same resources or don't feel the same obligation. mgm discovered "The Bridge", and mgm should have enjoyed its offerings. That's why the lounge exists.
But please don't attempt to make other lounge visitors feel guilty if they don't have the same resources or don't feel the same obligation. mgm discovered "The Bridge", and mgm should have enjoyed its offerings. That's why the lounge exists.
Jul 6, 2018, 3:15 am
#385
Join Date: Jan 1999
Posts: 1,023
My feedback was only meant to give a heads up to people (particularly non-US) as to what the expectations may be when visiting this particular lounge.
The concept of tipping in lounges is clearly controversial. By way of background, I lived in the US during the 90's & early 2000's. I was an Admirals Club member then and was informed by fellow traveling colleagues that when ordering drinks from the bar (paid for or not) it was customary to leave a tip. Therefore, my perception of what would be expected in the Bridge lounge was coloured by that.
I could have feigned ignorance and not even brought up the issue with the attendant, however that didn't feel right. At least the attendant was honest about his expectations and I wasn't particularly put off by that. At least I got to spend some quiet time in the lounge and had already had food and drinks in the Flagship lounge.
Next time I am there I will make sure I have a few dollars and leave a tip if I think appropriate. However, that's what will work for me. Everyone else should make their own judgement.
The concept of tipping in lounges is clearly controversial. By way of background, I lived in the US during the 90's & early 2000's. I was an Admirals Club member then and was informed by fellow traveling colleagues that when ordering drinks from the bar (paid for or not) it was customary to leave a tip. Therefore, my perception of what would be expected in the Bridge lounge was coloured by that.
I could have feigned ignorance and not even brought up the issue with the attendant, however that didn't feel right. At least the attendant was honest about his expectations and I wasn't particularly put off by that. At least I got to spend some quiet time in the lounge and had already had food and drinks in the Flagship lounge.
Next time I am there I will make sure I have a few dollars and leave a tip if I think appropriate. However, that's what will work for me. Everyone else should make their own judgement.
Jul 6, 2018, 9:11 am
#386
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
I could have feigned ignorance and not even brought up the issue with the attendant, however that didn't feel right. At least the attendant was honest about his expectations and I wasn't particularly put off by that. At least I got to spend some quiet time in the lounge and had already had food and drinks in the Flagship lounge.
Jul 6, 2018, 9:20 am
#387
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
It's absolutely your prerogative not to be put off by the attendant's expectations. As someone who tips in the Bridge, and likes the staff there, I'm shocked that one of the staff would actively communicate to you that tipping them is a condition of service, or to allow you to think so and not correct you. It's unprofessional, and is probably grounds for disciplinary action. I imagine AA would be none too happy with Sodexo if they found out Sodexo employees were not providing a service that AA is paying them to provide to its premium passengers because the passenger didn't have cash to tip them.
Jul 12, 2018, 7:19 pm
#388
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
From other posts in this thread and personal observation, the FL at times can be (nearly) SRO
.
The AMEX Centurion lounges for PLAT and higher, have some tables specifically tagged RESERVERD (for CENTURION Card holders).
I could see a situation, where there was a queue of pax waiting to get into the FL, so maybe AA should consider a similar set-up for FL: designate several tables RESERVED (for EXP/OWE or CKs)?
.The AMEX Centurion lounges for PLAT and higher, have some tables specifically tagged RESERVERD (for CENTURION Card holders).
I could see a situation, where there was a queue of pax waiting to get into the FL, so maybe AA should consider a similar set-up for FL: designate several tables RESERVED (for EXP/OWE or CKs)?