Which Airline Has The Best Lounge In New York??

Intro

As most Avgeeks already know, United has recently announced that it has expanded its dining room at the Polaris Lounge in Newark this week, as the big three go toe to toe in New York for the most premium flagship lounge.

However, I wanted to break down and compare shoulder to shoulder who has the better lounge in New York, and after visiting every lounge airline lounge possible multiple times, the answer might surprise you...

The United Polaris Lounge Newark

I recently published my updated review of the United Polaris Lounge in Newark, but this is the flagship lounge of United Airlines at Newark. Those who are traveling in long-haul business on a Star Alliance flight has access to this beautfiul space, offering great tarmac views, lovely handcrafted cocktails, and plenty of nap rooms for sleeping.

United Polaris Lounge Newark

It's a beautiful lounge...

With power ports all around

However, as someone who is a United flyer, this lounge actually ranks below Delta Airlines for a few different reasons:

• It is purely too busy. It gets to the point where it can be tough to find a seat during peak departure periods, and considering this lounge can host well over 300 people, UA drops the ball.

• Prior to the Dining Room renovation, the space to eat was much too small for the number of passengers. However, the new dining space now allows for 75 odd customers to eat at once, including tables dedicated for one.

Below is what the new rendering of the Dining Room looks like (I'll be there in the next month or two to post a full review):

United used to have the "Classified" restaurant, which was eventually closed, and this is where the extra space is coming from

If United really wanted to shine above the Delta One Lounge experience at JFK, they would have to renovate the lounge and potentially open up a second Polaris Lounge to accommodate more passengers.

The Delta One Lounge JFK

Then we get to the Delta One Lounge at New York JFK, just a short helicopter ride across the river 😅. This lounge started the wave for what is to come from Delta in terms of their Flagship Lounge experience. Accommodating over 500 passengers at once, those who are ticketed in business on LATAM, KLM, Delta, Air France, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic gain access to this beautiful space:

Delta One Lounge New York JFK

There is even a beautiful outdoor terrace

But, there are a few reasons as to why the Delta One Lounge at JFK is superior to the United Polaris Lounge (as a UA flyer):

• The food is much better as a whole, including the likes of Hamachi Crudo. Additionally, the menu is more extensive at the Brasserie.

• If you don't feel like going to the restaurant, there is a "market" where chefs prepare your food in front of you.

• The lounge has a spa. Yes, a spa.

• The shower suites feature someone who will steam your clothes

The food at the Delta One Lounge is exceptional

So yeah, it still might get extremely busy at the Delta One Lounge in JFK, but the added amenities set this lounge apart from the United Polaris Lounge.

I'm heading back in two weeks, so I will be excited to share an updated look!

The Greenwhich Lounge JFK

For those without status, and ticketed into Flagship Business class or long-haul business class on an Oneworld carrier, the Greenwhich Lounge is where you will end up. This is a co-branded American Airlines/British Airways lounge, and honestly, it is the worst of the three.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge JFK

It's a little bit sad, honestly...

But why is it the worst?

Well, the lounge just isn't up there on the same scale as United or Delta. There is no sit-down dining, there are no bartenders in here, the lounge feels slightly dated, and overall, it doesn't feel like a Flagship Lounge.

Food selection at the Greenwich Lounge

I will say, I consistently see it not being as busy as the DL or UA lounges, but that brings me onto my next point.

The Best Lounge In New York: Chelsea

Perhaps not just the best lounge in New York, but one of the very best in the world, is the Chelsea Lounge at New York JFK. This is one of the most exclusive lounges, and unless you are Conciege Key, the only way to get into this lounge is by flying First Class (international) on American Airlines or British Airways.

Chelsea Lounge New York JFK

So why is this lounge so great? There are a few reasons:

• Most importantly, this lounge is exclusive. I have never seen more than about 50 people in here at once, making it actually relaxing before flying.

• They serve top-of-the-line champagne. I've spent a lot of time here and frequently come across Cristal, Dom P, Krug, and LPGS champagne (all on rotation).

• They serve top-shelf liquor, I am talking Clase Azul, which is the nicest tequila I have come across at any lounge in the whole world.

• Lastly, the food. The food is exceptional here, down to every detail. Not only that, there are no rules about having to dine in the dining room; you can sit down on the sofa, and a staff member will bring you a meal.

Enjoying a nice Ruinart Rosé champagne with a Wagyu steak

This Chicken Milanese is delicious

If you want to go to the dining room to eat, you can also do that...

There are a couple of caveats to be aware of:

• There is no outdoor light in this lounge. If you want that, you can eat/drink here, and take a glass of champagne over to the Soho lounge 20 meters away.

• There are no official nap rooms, but in the back is a quiet area where you can lie down.

• This is properly exclusive.

Comparing/Results

In terms of the best lounge in New York, there is no competition, the Chelsea Lounge wins. However, for most people, a First Class Lounge is less of a norm, so these are my rankings in terms of business class lounges:

1. Delta One Lounge JFK

2. United Polaris Lounge EWR

3. American Airlines Flagship Lounge JFK

Final Thoughts

Anyways, I hope this post helped you break down exactly what you will be looking at when it comes to Flagship Lounges in New York. If you are purely booking a ticket based on wanting to visit a business class lounge, I would recommend Delta. However, as a whole, I find the onboard product of United Airlines to be better in business. To each their own, of course.