Airport Lounges – The Art of Relaxation

In December 1939, the first airport lounge opened when American Airlines debuted its Admirals Club at LaGuardia Airport. The idea was envisioned by C.R. Smith, the then President and CEO of American Airlines. Smith wanted to create a dedicated, relaxed space catered to the most loyal American Airlines passengers and VIPS. The lounge was also a way to build support for commercial aviation. 

The Admirals Club included a bar and a comfortable spot to enjoy before and after a flight. Membership was exclusive, and access to the Club was by invitation and consisted of celebrities, politicians, VIPs, and valued passengers who represented a close relationship with the airline. In offering a more select and accommodating environment to American Airlines passengers, the lounge created a blueprint that would ultimately shape the airport lounge industry.

As the decades have passed, airport lounges have evolved into more accessible spaces and more than just a place to pass restful time for prominent and select passengers. Tucked away from the bustle of a crowded, hectic terminal, today’s airport lounges are private spaces designed to set a new standard for pre-flight leisure and the airport experience, where a passenger’s journey begins. 

There are different types of airport lounges that can be categorized into three areas:  

• Airline-Specific Lounges: operated by individual airlines, such as American Airlines’ Admirals Clubs, United Club, and Delta Sky Clubs. Each of these airlines has different rules. Access is typically for premium (First/Business class) tickets, elite status, high-level frequent flyer status, annual memberships, or day passes. Alliance Lounges are for airline alliances that offer access to members flying with partner airlines or premium co-branded credit cards offered by most major airlines. 
• Credit Card Provider Lounges: exclusive lounges run by credit card issuers, i.e., Capital One, American Express, and Chase Sapphire Lounges. Access is primarily reserved for cardholders of specific premium cards.
• Independent & Pay-Per-Use Lounges: Operated by third-party companies not attached to an airline. Access is through membership programs such as Priority Pass and Plaza Premium, day passes purchased at entry or online, or via specific credit cards. Members present their Priority Pass membership and boarding pass at the lounge reception desk up to three hours before departure. In contrast to airline lounges, pay-per-use facilities are open to any traveler, regardless of ticket class or airline, and are subject to a fee. 

Additionally, some larger hub airports have Specialty Lounges, such as a USO Lounge reserved for U.S. military members and their families. 

The basic amenities found in most lounges include food and drinks, complimentary snacks, buffet items, non-alcoholic beverages, full bars with cocktails, beer, and wine, high-speed Wi-Fi, and power outlets for charging devices, comfortable seating, and quiet zones outside of the main terminal. 

Premium and special amenities vary by lounge and network and include dedicated workspaces, private meeting rooms, and printers. Wellness offerings may include shower suites, fitness centers, relaxation rooms, and even spa treatments. Dining experiences include chef-curated meals, local craft cocktails, themed bars, and sit-down dining. Enhanced services may include luggage storage, digital guides, flight information monitors, newspapers, and magazines. 

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, owner and operator of LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Newark Liberty InternationalAirport (EWR), offers over 40 lounges across its terminals. These include airline-specific lounges like Delta Sky Club (JFK/LGA), United Club, Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. Credit card and independent lounges include Capital One (JFK), Chase Sapphire (LGA/JFK), The Centurion Lounge, Plaza Premium, and Primeclass (JFK), as well as those accessible via airline status or day passes. A unique option is Minute Suites’ pay-per-use private rooms. Availability and hours vary by lounge and terminal.

LaGuardia Airport

In the 87 years since the opening of C.R. Smith’s Admiral’s Club lounge, the ‘new LaGuardia Airport’ of today offers several lounges across both Terminal B & C. 

At Terminal B, you will find the American’s Admirals Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club, AMEX Centurion Lounge, United Club, and the Chase Sapphire Lounge. Additionally, Minute Suites offers a quick rest, catering to various airline flyers and credit card holders, as well as the Be Relax Spa. 

At its January 2024 opening, Chase, with the support of Airport Dimensions, welcomed travelers to an enhanced and premium hospitality experience with a local flavor and a side of NYC-inspired design at the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LaGuardia Airport. Metropolitan Airport News was invited to attend a media reception and was given a personal tour of the new lounge, led by Chris Gwilliam, Sr. Vice President, Global Business Development of Airport Dimensions. 

Airport Dimensions is the global specialist in helping airports enhance their experiences and enrich travelers’ time in the most valuable way. 

At LGA Terminal C, the main lounge is the Delta Sky Club; its entrance is on level 3 after security, offering amenities like premium food, Wi-Fi, and flight monitors for Delta flyers and eligible members.

Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport has 12 lounges across its three terminals, including United Club in Terminal A and C, offering services for United members and premium passengers; the renovated Delta Sky Club in Terminal A, with comfortable seating and airfield views; Admirals Club in Terminal A featuring conference room, the British Airways Lounge for premium international flyers and Oneworld elites, the Lufthansa Lounge in Terminal B, featuring a central bar and seating, and in Terminal C, the United Polaris Lounge offering luxury suites with showers and fine dining. 

Other options include Plaza Premium, offering pay-per-use access in Terminal B; Minute Suites in Terminal C, providing private rest areas for short stays; and the AMEX Centurion Lounge, expected to open in 2026, becoming the largest Centurion Lounge at over 17,000+ sq.ft., featuring unique amenities like a jazz bar and airfield views.

JFK International Airport

JFK’s Terminal 5, spanning 9,000 sq.ft. across two floors, JetBlue’s newly opened BlueHouse (the airline’s first lounge) blends the charm of New York’s iconic Art Deco architecture with the warmth of a classic city apartment. Decorative molding, brass accents, and a lobby-style entry set the scene for a residential-inspired space that feels warm and personal. High-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, open seating, a game room, and quiet areas give space to the various needs of travelers.

JFK Terminal 8 hosts several lounges, including the premium American Airlines-British Airways joint lounges, Chelsea, Soho, Greenwich Lounges, offering luxury amenities like à la carte dining and champagne bars, the new Tasting Room, and the Admirals Club, and alternative options with the Priority Pass. British Airways and American Airlines are further enhancing the newly renovated Terminal 8 at JFK airport with the unveiling of the first-of-its-kind Bridge Bar, featuring a variety of non-alcoholic and spirited cocktails.

Coming Soon to T6 

Currently under construction at JFK International Airport and as part of the Port Authority‘s two-phase $19 billion redevelopment of JFK, in partnership with JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the first five gates will open at the new Terminal 6 in early 2026. Upon the present Terminal 7 closure, up to five airline lounges will occupy the new Terminal 6, in addition to a new arrivals lounge. 

Among the 15 airlines that have announced plans to operate from JFK Terminal 6 are Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, and the Lufthansa Group, which will open signature lounges in the new terminal. 

• Aer Lingus will open a brand new lounge at Terminal 6. Scheduled to open spring 2026, the space spans 4,500 sq. ft. and boasts sweeping panoramic views of the runway, and offers a unique vantage point overlooking the terminal’s retail space. The lounge will feature curated Irish artwork drawing subtle inspiration from the airline’s iconic brand. Aer Lingus plans the opening with special celebrations that honor the airline’s rich legacy. “The addition of a brand-new dedicated Aer Lingus lounge will further enhance our loyal customers’ experience, providing them with a modern state-of-the-art lounge,’’ said Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer.
• Cathay Pacific will be among the first carriers to operate from the new Terminal 6 and will open a nearly 10,000 sq. foot lounge; its first dedicated lounge in the New York market and its second in the United States. Cathay Pacific General Manager Customer Experience and Design Vivian Lo said, “New York JFK is among the top locations in our global lounge strategy. We are truly excited by this opportunity to bring the signature Cathay Pacific lounge experience to our premium customers at this important port in our network.” 
• At over 30,000 sq. ft., the Lufthansa Group lounge will span both phases of T6 construction. And in looking toward the future, JFK Millennium Partners plans to open an Arrivals Lounge when phase two construction is complete in 2028.

On the Horizon at the New Terminal One

At the New Terminal One’s Phase A completion, there will be six lounges totaling 85,000 sq. ft., with premium amenities and services that reflect New York’s status as an iconic gateway. An elevated experience with premium dining options awaits.

Four airline lounges, including Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, and one to be formally announced, shall represent all three major global alliances. Three of the four will have direct boarding access. Two third-party, common-use lounges, one airside, one landside will be operated by Plaza Premium Group.

The forthcoming lounges at the NTO represent a significant investment by their partner airlines and operators, including lounges that will be a first in the U.S. market. 

• Korean Air will operate a 16,000 sq foot lounge with a seating capacity for 200, twice the size of the existing lounge in the current T1. Located at the end of the east pier with direct boarding access, the lounge will provide unparalleled convenience, exclusive amenities for first-class passengers, private suites, à la carte fine dining, dedicated zones for business travelers, families, and guests looking for quiet relaxation. Guests will have panoramic views of the airfield, a kitchen with a diverse array of fresh food crafted on-site, a Noodle Bar, and a premium cocktail bar. 
• Turkish Airlines will operate an 11,000 sq. ft. lounge offering direct boarding from the lounge, expansive views of the field, gourmet Turkish cuisine, and live music. 
• Qatar Airways will launch a 15,000 sq. ft. lounge – its first in the U.S. with direct boarding access, VIP services, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, and duty-free shopping. 

Plaza Premium Group, the NTO’s common-use lounge operator, is developing both an airside (9,300 sq. ft.) and landside lounge (4,200 sq. ft.), offering VIP concierge services, showers, and business center facilities.

• Airside lounge will be Plaza Premium First – Plaza Premium Group’s top-tier ultra premium lounge offering, featuring its signature Infinity Room.
• Landside lounge will offer a welcoming retreat for a variety of travelers – arriving guests who have just landed, who are looking to freshen up before heading into the city; travelers who would like to spend time with family and friends before departing on a flight.

In addition to the six lounges mentioned above, the NTO will also offer three PRA (Passenger Requiring Assistance) lounges. These are available at landside before security, airside after security, and at arrivals. These lounges offer check-in kiosks (landside), assisted changing rooms with hoists, seating areas, a quiet room, restrooms, and wheelchair storage. 

Specific Amenities, Accessibility Information

The Port Authority website highlights lounge options at JFK, EWR, and LGA, while airline & credit card sites such as Priority Pass, Upgraded Points, list specific carrier lounges & programs at these airports. For detailed lounge features, access rules, and amenities on specific airline or credit card lounges (i.e. Centurion, Delta Sky Club, United Polaris, Chase Sapphire), check the individual airline or lounge operator sites, or the airport-specific lounge lists.