(Updated) Review: American X BA Chelsea Lounge JFK
- Konrad Tillman
- Jul 22
- 7 min read
Intro
While I have reviewed this lounge in the past, I figured it was time to give a fresh new take with some gorgeous photos.
Intro
My oh my, what a place this lounge is. Prior to my flight from New York to Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to, once again, visit the Chelsea Lounge at New York JFK. Having traveled to most major First Class Lounges in the world, I really like the Chelsea Lounge. Sure, there are no windows, but along with the Singapore Airlines Private Room, it feels like one of the most intimate spaces in the world.
Plus, no crowds 🙂… Let’s jump in.
Location+Access
For those unaware, American Airlines (and British Airways) has a total of 3 Flagship Lounges at JFK. Depending on what status you have and what class you are flying, the rules are as follows:
Greenwich Lounge (Long-Haul Business Class, OW Sapphire)
Soho Lounge (OW Emerald and I think JL First)
Chelsea Lounge (Ticketed First Class, more on this in a second)
While the Greenwhich Lounge is located on the opposite side, the Chelsea Lounge is located right near Gate 16, which is the gate frequently used by Cathay Pacific flights. There will be two very large signs outside, where either steps or an elevator will take you up.
Once at the top, the Chelsea Lounge will be on your right, and the Soho Lounge will be right in front of you.
Right there, an agent will be there to let you know whether you have access, and it is tough to get in. Only if you meet one of the following requirements will you be allowed entry:
Flagship First Class passengers on a same-day flight (LAX/SFO count for now)
British Airways First Class passengers on a same-day flight
Concierge Key members traveling in any cabin on an AA flight and select BA flights
GGL members (I’m not 100% of the rules here)
(Not 100% sure here.) Cathay Pacific members flying First Class to Hong Kong.
Those on a "Business Plus" ticket
This basically means that unless you spend a LOT of money and have invite-only status, your only way in is by flying BA or AA First Class. Not even a Japan Airlines First Class ticket will get you in this lounge, it’s that exclusive.
Seating
Stepping into the lounge, it’s truly a small but gorgeous space. Right in front of you is the staple piece of the lounge, the Champagne Bar. With seating for about 10, this place is the spot to hang out, and I have had many exceptional conversations with people from around the world here.
To the right of the Champagne Bar lies more seating for about 20-30 people, with each seat featuring individual power outlets.
Okay, back we go to the other side of the lounge, turning left upon entry, you will see “the fireplace". Featuring 24 decadently appointed seats around a faux fireplace. When it’s on and the wintertime is in full swing in New York, this is such a nice place to cozy up for a few hours. If only they offered blankets…
Off to the side of the lounge, you will also find a couple of tables, perfect for families, as well as 3 working booths in the back (no partitions, just alcoves).
Finally, towards the back of the lounge is where you have the dining area. Laid out with the opportunity for any number of people to eat, the color schemes are modern, and it feels “premium”.
Dining
Having visited the Delta One Lounge at JFK and the Polaris Lounge at Newark, some might call it a toss-up about who has the better food. Well, before we get into the food, one of the standout parts of the lounge is that you can eat anywhere, unlike the UA/DL Lounges.
On this fine day, as I chatted away with this lovely gentleman from London, I tried out the NY Sirloin steak, as well as the chicken Milanese. The steak was better than the DL1 Lounge steak, and the Milanese was better than the Polaris Lounge Milanese. Cooked perfectly, and tender.
Both were accompanied by a couple of cheeky glasses of LP, one rose, and one LPGS.
Keep in mind, everything in this lounge is a la carte. While the food comes out quickly, if you are looking for something fast to eat, you can head across to the Soho Lounge, which also offers ramp views.
The Bar
Now we get to the good stuff, and I mean the really good stuff. I’ve seen good bars in airports over the years, but the selection on offer at the Champagne Bar is nothing short of unreal for a US Lounge. Daily staples consist of Clase Azul, Grey Goose Vodka, and higher-end liquors than you would typically find.
However, the real kicker is with the champagne. Most people receive a menu which shows them the champagne on offer, but AA keeps a more “premium” selection under the counter for those who know. It changes on a weekly basis, usually one week LPGS, and the next week something different, then back to LPGS (trying to get rid of stock after BA stopped). However, these are some of the champagnes I have come across:
Cristal
Krug
Dom P
LPGS
LP Rose
La Grande Dame
If you can name me another lounge in the world that offers this kind of champagne selection, I will personally be tantalizingly flabbergasted.
Nap Rooms
Feeling the need to rest? Located in the back of the lounge, there are a couple of chaises which are perfect for taking a nap on. I’ll be honest, I had a 14-hour layover here after Carnival in Rio, where I hadn’t slept in 3 days, and I almost died here; it was brutal 😅.
People nap all the time here; just be aware that there are no amenities on offer.
Bathrooms/Showers
Located towards the back of the lounge is where you will find the only amenities the lounge offers. To the right lay the toilets, with the 3 stalls in the men's room and 3 urinals.
However, if you turn left, there are a couple of showers available for use. There are no reservation systems, nor someone who is dedicated to helping out with the showers. Simply flag down anyone in the lounge, and they will be happy to help you out.
And once inside, I found the showers not to have all the bells and whistles like the DL/UA lounges, but it did have significantly better water pressure. Aye, you win some and you lose some.
Why I Love This Lounge
Aside from the 78P Business Class and this lounge, I am not the biggest fan of American Airlines. However, this lounge is my favorite lounge on the planet, and I want to explain to you why (this is personal preference, just to put it out there):
A lot of people online complain about the service here, and fair enough if you don't come a lot, but once you do, it is exceptional. The staff always remembers regulars, and while they don't come around offering drinks 24/7, it's more geared toward seriously high-net-worth individuals.
Which brings me to my next point: it is less of a lounge and more like a private members club. Over my 20+ times I have been here, I have met a LOT of famous people, from Sabrina Carpenter (with bodyguards), Adriana Lima, and CEOs of companies around the world. It feels like it is in its own world. Staff members I have spoken to say that they have seen Tom Cruise before, as well as many other top-of-the-line celebrities.
This is what an airport lounge is supposed to be: a place to socialize and relax in actual peace, instead of having every seat slammed to the brim. Not only that, some people might come at me here (and fair enough), but I have barely ever seen a child enter the premises. I'm not saying all children are bothersome, but statistically speaking, children are more prone to making louder noises than adults...
Lastly, and I kind of touched on this earlier, but I have met some incredible people here. Every time I come, it feels more like a home away from home instead of a lounge. Whether it's chatting with this English guy on this day, and we got absolutely hammered, or random people at the bar, it's all just sophisticated.
So yeah, personally, I love this lounge more than any other place in the world...
Final Thoughts
As a United Airlines loyalist and Star Alliance flyer, it pains me to say this: American Airlines has my favorite lounge in the world. I'm not here to sit around and sell you the "Chelsea Lounge Dream." It doesn't have bedrooms; it has barely any amenities, and frankly, the service might piss some people off. However, it reminds me of the golden era of aviation, people chatting, sophistication, and celebrities left, right, and center.
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