Background:
American Airlines and British Airways have collaborated at New York’s JFK Airport and this is the first time AA and BA have created lounge experiences together. Opened in December 2022, The Soho Lounge New York (JFK) was built to be in between a first and business class lounge as access is primarily geared towards top-tier oneworld Emerald members.
I’ve visited this lounge quickly once before, and I was excited to return as I liked it on my last visit. On this visit, I flew Flagship First on American and visited the first class Chelsea Lounge and had a great meal with steak frites. After my meal, I came to the Soho lounge to relax and gain some natural light and views. If you have access to the Chelsea Lounge, you can access the Soho lounge, as the Chelsea Lounge is the top lounge.
Location and Access:
The Soho lounge is located above Gate 14 in Terminal 8 which is just past the security checkpoint. It is open daily from 4:30am to 11pm. It’s co-located with the first class Chelsea Lounge.
Signs will guide you where to go, and you can take the stairs or an elevator up to the lounge entrance.
Terminal Lounge Signs
Soho Lounge Entrance
Access to the Chelsea Lounge New York (JFK) is available for those who are:
- Concierge Key members flying in any cabin on oneworld, AA, or BA.
- Elites: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, MVP Gold 75K+100K departing, arriving or connecting on a qualifying same-day international flight on AA, or oneworld airline.
- Flying oneworld First class internationally
- Other Oneworld Emeralds flying any oneworld flight
Additionally, you can bring one guest with you if you are eligible to visit this lounge.
The Soho Lounge New York (JFK):
When you enter the lounge, you will first see a large bar area that features a lot of seating types from circular restaurant-style tables, high top bar seating, and some booths. The Soho Lounge JFK is 12,000 square feet, with seating for 282 guests. My weekday mid-afternoon visit was quite empty, and it was nice to have an empty lounge to relax in.
Soho Lounge Bar
Dining Options:
Next up, you’ll pass the main dining area. You have two options when it comes to grabbing a meal at the Soho Lounge. There are dining tables at the center of the lounge, and there is a buffet as well as an a la carte service available to order via a QR code on the table.
Soho Lounge Dining Area
Options for a la carte dining service at the SoHo Lounge consisted of a decent selection. For the all-day menu, there was the Kale Salad, Pastrami Ruben Sandwich, K-Town Dog, Burger and Fries, Impossible Burger and Fries, Butternut Squash Curry, and Battered Cod and Mushy Peas. There was one dessert option, the Build Your Own Ice Cream Sandwich.
The buffet selection was quite decent, with the afternoon late lunch selection including a variety of cold dishes and salad, cheese, cold cuts, hot dishes, sandwiches, and cookies.
Buffet Cold Selection
Buffet Hot Selection
There’s a nice drink fridge with sodas, bottles of water, and a coffee machine next to the buffet.
Drinks
You can also order alcoholic beverages from the bar, or via the QR code ordering.
Other Areas:
In the back, there’s a nice space called the Library with a fireplace. This is where I spent most of my time, as it was quieter and more peaceful.
The Library
There are also a couple of workstation booths in the back left as well as two phone booths in between the buffet and restrooms.
Workstation Booths
Restroom and Showers:
The Soho Lounge New York has 4 shower rooms that are designed exactly like the Chelsea Lounge and similar restrooms as well.
Shower Room
One thing that I missed checking out is that I’ve read online that the Soho Lounge has a hidden relaxation area just inside the entrance to the right of the buffet. Next time!
The Verdict:
Overall, the Soho Lounge New York is quite a nice premium lounge to kick back before a flight. From the array of buffet and a la carte dining options to the ample amounts of seating, the lounge is a comfortable place to relax. The large windows overlooking the airport are perfect for those fellow airplane-spotting lovers as well.
Have you been to the Soho Lounge at JFK yet? How was your experience? Comment below!
Cheers,
Ty
Have any questions? Comment below or email me at takeofftotravel@gmail.com. I’ve also started working with a travel agency, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking hotel stays or planning trips. You can also view all my other posts here! Thanks for stopping by!
