JFK T5 is the worst.
 

OK, so it's not pre-reno LGA, but the lack of lounge space at T5 has me seriously considering cancelling a few upcoming flights on B6 in favor of DL/T4. While I do like the hard product better on B6, flying out of T4 with a single credit card gives you access to the SkyClub, Centurion Lounge, Virgin Clubhouse, WingTips (RIP?), etc.

Especially with DL now rolling out free WiFi fleetwide and maybe the hard product becoming less differentiated, will the continued lack of lounge space at T5 affect anyone else's flying habits? Or am I just extra picky about wanting that preflight lounge time?

Lounge access is not an issue for me or most airline passengers. It probably is for many on this Board. I'm more concerned with comfort in the air.

That said, before changing flights I recommend looking at the Delta Forum as there is much concern over the T2 demolition and T4 construction's effect on the lounge situation in T4.

I regularly see photos on FB and elsewhere of comically long lines to get into the T4 Sky Club, and that will only be exacerbated by the T2 demolition -- though allegedly they are going to build a Sky Club outpost somewhere. Though you have a good point that there are a bunch of other lounges if the Sky Club isn't an option (CL with the Amex, Air India and now PrimeClass with PP, which has apparently replaced Wingtips).

When I used to fly JB regularly, instead of showing up early to go to a lounge I would arrive closer to my departure time and usually get to the gate at some point during boarding. That stopped being an option when the carry-on situation got so bad that they created Blue Basic to solve it (among other reasons). Now, unless I'm traveling on the weekend, I often need a quiet place to take calls or get work done, which simply means that T5 is not an option. Last year I actually flew F9 once since the Marine Air Terminal was a shorter curb-to-gate and I could swing that after work (it was also dirt cheap and not delayed, unlike JB).

-J.

If a lounge is important, there is nothing stopping you from using the lounge in T4 and then heading back to T5 for the flight. I have done it many times. Other than the lounge I would take T-5 over T-4 any day.

While I certainly agree that T5 is nicer than T4 as a terminal in itself, going back and forth between the two is a hassle that most people will choose to avoid, myself included. It's just not worth having to clear security twice and take the AirTrain and walk the sky bridge (or take the outdoor path between the terminals). That's all extra time I could be spending in the lounge or at home/elsewhere.

-J.

If one's top priority is to use a lounge, then it is certainly possible. Not everybody cares about that--but the OP has a different opinion.

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Unless you’re at the airport several hours in advance, changing terminals at JFK is very inconvenient. I also wouldn’t say lounge access is my “top priority”, but rather, it’s important — and coupled with a shrinking margin between economy on B6 and DL, it comes into play.

I remember years ago a “Airport lounge” sign briefly appeared in T5 (by the 1-7 gates I think?), then disappeared just as suddenly. Now THAT was a tease.