Revisited Review: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK)

Background:

After a solid visit to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK) back in February, I was excited to return! I had an early evening flight on Delta, so it was perfect to visit the Clubhouse again.

Location:

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK) is located in Terminal 4 post-security. Once you clear security, and go down the escalators, head towards the A-Concourse which will be on the right. First, you’ll pass some shops, then start to see the A gates. The lounge is located above boarding gates A4 and A5. As of May 2023, the lounge is open from 5 AM-8 AM for Plaza Premium/Virgin Atlantic guests, then from 8 AM-1:30 PM it’s for Priority Pass, then from 2 PM- 10:30 PM, it’s for Plaza Premium/Virgin Atlantic again.

Be mindful that if you are flying Delta, it may be a bit of a walk to your gate in the B-Concourse. My flight was leaving from B42, which is quite a distance and about a 15-minute walk from the lounge unless you run like I did since I left the lounge too late.

Access:

Ways to access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK) include:

Since the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK) is operated by Plaza Premium, it seems to be part of the Plaza Premium Network as well. As of May 2023, however, it is not on the list of Plaza Premium lounges that AMEX Platinum can access, which you can view here. As confirmed on the AMEX website, you can only access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK) during Priority Pass hours which are from 8 AM to 1:30 PM.

However, the Clubhouse is accessible by Capital One Venture X, Venture, and Spark Miles members. I used my Capital One Venture X to access the lounge.

My Visit:

I arrived at the lounge around 2:30 PM on a Tuesday, and the lounge did not have many people yet. When I left a bit past 4 PM, it was quite full. There was no line to enter, so I was quickly checked-in.

To your right, there is a place to store your luggage if you don’t want to carry it through the lounge with you.

There is plenty of seating areas, with traditional dining tables located in the back right of the lounge.

The bar is in the middle of the lounge, and in this area, there are various modern styles of seating and a pool table.

On the left side, there are some nice single seats with views of planes.

But, my personal favorite are the 3 high-backed sofa-style seats that allow for extra privacy.

Food and Drinks:

This is where the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK) really shines. Each table has a QR code where you can scan and order food that will be delivered to you. Note: if visiting during “Priority Pass Hours” from 8 AM-1:30 PM, I’ve heard the menu is much more limited.

As of May 2023, menu highlights for my 3 PM afternoon visit included:

Small Plates

• Potted Salmon
• Baked Chicken Wings
• Steamed Vegetable Gyoza
• Roast Pumpkin Soup

Large Plates

• Roasted Squash and Pear Salad
• Grilled Salmon
• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Vegetable Curry
• Kale Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese
• Beyond Burger
• Grilled Lemon and Garlic Chicken Burger

Dessert:

• Clubhouse Signature Cookie
• Baked New York Cheesecake
• Warm Chocolate Fondant
• Cheese Selection
• Chocolate, Dulce de leche, Strawberry, and Vanilla Ice Creams
• Fruit Salad

Kosher:

• Kosher Boneless Chicken
• Kosher Split Pea Soup
• Kosher Teriyaki Salmon
• Kosher Sesame Chicken
• Kosher Chocolate Mousse

There was also a kids menu section, afternoon tea set picnic basket (which was fun and I got on my last visit) wine list, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.

There are stations around the lounge for self service water and lemonade. One of the stations also had two kinds of packaged chips. But otherwise, all food options are ordered.

Late Lunch:

I started with my favorite non-alcoholic beverage from my last visit which was the Bright Horizon. This “mocktail” contains new London Light ‘First Light’, apple juice, lime juice, mango kombucha, agave nectar, and orange bitters.

I then ordered baked chicken wings and a grilled salmon to serve as my late lunch.

The chicken wings were great, and I really enjoyed how they did the salmon on this visit. The food was definitely restaurant quality, and I was impressed!

Early Dinner:

Since I wouldn’t have any food included flying in the Main Cabin on the almost 6-hour flight to Las Vegas, I decided to have an “early dinner” before leaving the lounge. I got the chicken wings again and added the vegetable gyoza and a fruit salad for dessert. I decided to try the fruit salad after seeing a guest next to me order it. Sad to say his looked more sweet and fresh, as many of the fruits I received weren’t sweet. But, the chicken wings were great, and I enjoyed the vegetable gyoza.

Amenities:

Back in the day, this lounge used to actually have a full-service spa where you could get a massage, haircut, or even a manicure. But, when the pandemic began, that part of the lounge was closed off, and it is still closed today.

Additionally, the lounge has shower rooms as well as nice single restrooms. You don’t need to sign up for a shower room, just pop in to see whichever one is open. It was nice to see the little Statue of liberty diagrams for the restroom signs again which are a nice touch. Soap and lotion are provided by REN Skincare Atlantic Kelp. Aveda Rosemary Mint is provided for shampoo and conditioner.

The Verdict:

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK) was a great lounge to have a meal at before my flight. I really like the upscale a la carte dining and modern decor. This lounge is one of my favorite lounges of all time, and I can’t wait to be back soon.

 

Have you been to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse New York (JFK) before? How was your visit? Comment below!

 

Happy Travels,

Ty

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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!