First photos of the new British Airways lounges at New York JFK Terminal 8, opening Thursday

Rhys is currently out in New York taking a look at the new British Airways facilities, including three new lounges, in Terminal 8 at JFK Airport. The airline is moving across from Terminal 7 from 1st December.

We’ll bring you news and pictures as soon as we can. In the meantime, British Airways has just shared the official press announcement and some PR pictures of the lounges with us.

I thought I’d share these now as a taster. There is also a short video on this page of ba.com.

A full review of the astonishing Chelsea Lounge – which has 17 different champanges including Krug – is here. We also have a review of the BA Gold/oneworld Emerald Soho Lounge.

The picture above is the new ‘Soho Lounge’ for British Airways Gold members and equivalents.

To quote:

American Airlines and British Airways are ready to welcome customers to the newly renovated Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Starting on Dec. 1, 2022, customers will benefit from an enhanced travel experience with seamless travel connections as the two airlines co-locate operations as part of a $400 million investment. This marks the completion of the first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s redevelopment of the airport.

To celebrate British Airways’ move from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8; New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, American Airlines and British Airways today announced the opening of a newly expanded Terminal 8, marking completion of the first phase of the historic JFK Vision Plan that is transforming the international airport into a world-class global hub. 

Governor Hochul said: “The completion of Terminal 8 is the latest milestone in our historic efforts to build a whole new JFK worthy of New York”

“I congratulate American Airlines, British Airways and the Port Authority for the first of what will be many milestones to come. We will continue our close partnerships as we transform JFK into a magnificent global gateway that will help to keep New York at the center of the world stage.”

American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom said, “We are thrilled to welcome our long-standing joint business partner, British Airways, as it joins American and other oneworld partners at Terminal 8. As part of our investment to transform JFK into a leading global airport, we are excited to offer customers expanded terminal space, new check-in areas and elegant lounges.”

British Airways Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle said, “We announced our joint investment early in 2019 so it is an honor to reach this significant milestone with our business partner, American Airlines. From December 1, our customers and colleagues will be able to enjoy all the benefits that Terminal 8 has to offer.”

Port Authority Executive Director, Rick Cotton said, “This inspiring expansion of Terminal 8, fostering superb hourly services between JFK and London, is an example of what’s to come at JFK, where our vision for a world-class, 21st century airport is now unfolding from one end of the airport to the other. Thanks to the investment made by American Airlines and British Airways, Terminal 8 – with five new wide body gates – offers an improved passenger experience and expanded capacity for transatlantic travel to and from JFK. This investment by our private partners at Terminal 8 is a vote of confidence in the future of the airport and of the JFK region.”

Operational enhancements of Terminal 8 include five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, and an expanded and upgraded baggage handling system that will together support additional transatlantic flights.

The terminal has also been expanded with approximately 130,000 square feet of additional and refurbished space.Premium customers traveling on both airlines will be able to enjoy an elevated travel journey.

Upon arrival at JFK, premium customers will be greeted at the brand new co-branded premium check-in area providing personalized, concierge-style service. Thoughtfully designed architectural elements will also define an exclusive check-in space for eligible customers.

Once through security, three distinctive custom lounges that combine the best of both brands will provide a refined, welcoming pre-flight experience for eligible customers based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. The two brand new lounges – Chelsea and Soho – have been designed with original high-end finishes — evoking a unique sense of space while elevating the experience and service offered to every guest.

Gensler, the world’s leading architecture and design firm, was commissioned to design the premium check-in area and lounges, and Sodexo Magic will deliver an outstanding offering of food and drinks to lounge customers.

Terminal 8’s expansion is a critical component of the JFK Vision Plan that is transforming the airport into what will be one of the world’s finest international gateways with a 21st-century customer experience and increased connectivity for travelers.

The move by British Airways will bring the storied carrier closer to its partner airlines as Terminal 8 becomes home for five oneworld Alliance carriers. Iberia plans to move into Terminal 8 on Dec. 1, and Japan Airlines expects to move its operations to Terminal 8 in May 2023.

As I mentioned above, there is more to follow on HfP in the next few days. (EDIT: Here is our review of the Chelsea lounge and here is our review of the Soho lounge.)

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How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (April 2024)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!

In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.

You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:

There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:

You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points. These points convert at 1:1 into Avios.

Run your own business?

We recommend Capital on Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, along with a sign-up bonus worth 10,500 Avios.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 12th May 2024, the Capital on Tap Business Rewards Visa card is offering a bonus of 30,000 points, convertible into 30,000 Avios. You must have a Limited Company to apply. Click here to learn more and click here to apply.

You should also consider the British Airways Accelerating Business credit card. This is open to sole traders as well as limited companies and has a 30,000 Avios sign-up bonus.

There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.