Move over Concorde Room, there is a new kid on the block. British Airways have moved from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 at New York JFK, co-locating with American Airlines. New lounges have opened, with the most exclusive being the Chelsea Lounge.
This is for passengers travelling in First Class on British Airways, as well as Gold Guest List frequent flyers in their Executive Club. American Airlines customers who purchase Flagship Business Plus, travel in Flagship First or are ConciergeKey members in the AAdvantage frequent flyer programme (travelling on Flagship itineraries) are also in.
So, What Do You Get In The Chelsea Lounge?
No windows for a start, the lounge is completely indoors. However, it has been fit out to a very high standard, so you’ll hardly notice. You’ll likely be too busy experiencing the a la carte dining.
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- These are the breakfast offerings.
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- Choices for the rest of the day.
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- Afternoon tea, because British!
It’s fun to see how both American and British tastes are catered for throughout, reflecting the passenger mix that will pass through. I’m hopeful there’ll be proper scones, because I do love me some of those!
How About Drinks?
Perhaps the real highlight is the drinks menu. There is a whole page of Champagnes and Sparkling Wines, with some very expensive choices. All are free to drink in the Chelsea lounge. Personally, I’d be heading for the Krug, as I’ve never had it before. That being said, I hear the Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut is astonishingly good and Ruinart Blanc de Blanc is also exceptional.
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- Look at all the goodness!
Of course, it has to be said that Gruet Brut NV is a sparkling wine and Giuliana Prosecco Extra Dry is prosecco, so should not be listed under Champagne. Also, the Lanson Le Black Label Brut under sparkling wine is actually a Champagne. Some bait and switch here? Who knows!
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- Anyone for cocktails?
There are also cocktails, which I always rather enjoy. All of that is looking good, and of course you can order all sorts of other spirits and what not as well, presumably.
Overall Thoughts
Well, that’s what is being served inside the British Airways and American Airlines Chelsea Lounge at New York JFK. Since I have neither high enough frequent flyer status or travel first class, it will be a long time before I make it here, if ever.
Let’s hope the excellent selection of drinks stays, as airlines do have an unforgivable habit of launching lounges filled with an amazing array of choices and then whittling it down over time. That would be quite sad at one of the world’s premier airports.
What do you think of the offering in the new Chelsea Lounge? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Featured image via British Airways.
Menu images via Business Traveller.
This is much more AA than BA. It is an upgrade for AA and downgrade for BA. It’s far too busy: half the size of CCR and double the passengers (as AA+BA). Bad.
Yes, I’ve heard some mixed reports, that’s for sure. It’s not being helped by “supply issues” with the Champagne either. I’m sure feedback will soon get back to the powers that be if it continues to be considered sub par.
What’s on the regular (non sparkling) wine list?
From another site, this is a picture of the wines. I don’t have the list anywhere, unfortunately.
Thanks for sending! These do NOT excite me LOL the whites are all ~$20. But love the Champagne/Sparkling options.
You’re welcome – and yes, other people said similar things about the wine 🙂
I also feel like the food looks good, but limited for the all day dining. I’ve looked at the other lounge offerings and there seem to be more healthy and vege options.
Looks decent enough to me, though there is more choice in other lounges. The Qantas First Class lounge in Sydney has far more options at breakfast and the rest of the day. Even so, this is alright, considering you’ll likely get fed again on board.