One of America’s most dreaded airports has been transformed
The airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 8 in Queens, New York City.
The flight
British Airways flight BA2272 to London Gatwick (LGW).
The arrival
There are several options for the 24-kilometre trip to JFK from my hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The most expensive (but easiest) is Uber, which quotes me $US80 ($120) for the 50-minute ride. The cheapest (but most challenging) is to take the subway to Jamaica and then hop on the AirTrain direct to the terminal – a 75-minute trip that costs $US11. No prizes for guessing which one I choose, but if you have lots of luggage and/or children, a taxi or rideshare would be the way to go.
The look
Clean lines: check-in for British Airways at the revamped JFK Terminal 8.
JFK is in the midst of a multi-squillion-dollar transformation that aims to convert it from one of the USA’s most dreaded airport experiences into something approaching bearable. In November 2022, British Airways left Terminal 7 to join American Airlines in a newly expanded Terminal 8. The result is a stylish, light-flooded space with all the necessities (charging points, decent Wi-Fi and water stations) plus some eye-catching sculptures and artworks.
Check-in + security
Economy check-in is a breeze thanks to a bank of self-service kiosks and an efficient bag-drop lane. Passengers in business can use a swish new screened-off check-in area with a separate line through security. As for those lucky ducks in first class, they get to sit down during check-in before being ushered to the front of security.
Lounges
The Greenwich Lounge at JFK.
Perhaps the most notable part of the $US400 million Terminal 8 upgrade was the creation of three new lounges, called Greenwich, Soho and Chelsea. Greenwich is the entry-level business lounge and is essentially an expanded version of the old American Airlines Flagship Lounge. Predictably, it’s the busiest of the three, but it’s spacious with plenty of seating and a self-service buffet and bar (complete with free-flowing Piper-Heidsieck champagne). Welcome touches include a craft beer tasting room and a menu of aviation-themed cocktails. Soho and Chelsea are both considerably swankier and more difficult to access (they won’t let me in), but from all accounts are exceedingly pleasant places to while away a few hours.
Food + drink
There’s the usual airport fare of pizzas, burgers and sandwiches plus an outpost of upmarket New York steakhouse Bobby Van’s Grill, where a 450-gram sirloin will set you back $US67. There are also a handful of bars, including a sports bar, martini bar and the obligatory Irish pub.
Retail therapy
In addition to a glittering line-up of high-end brands (Bulgari, Chanel, Dior and the like), there are several cosmetic stores and a well-stocked duty-free shop. A pre-order service means you can buy duty-free goods online in advance (ishoppes.com) and have them waiting at the gate.
Passing time
Aside from shopping, eating and drinking, there aren’t any other noteworthy distractions. Thankfully, the Wi-Fi is reliable and fast.
One more thing
While American Airlines and British Airways are the terminal’s two biggest tenants, it’s also home to 10 more Oneworld Alliance carriers, including Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Iberia and now Qantas, on its new route linking New York to Sydney via Auckland.
The verdict
Departing from Terminal 8 is a significantly more enjoyable experience than my previous tussles with JFK. It’s still no Singapore Changi, but it’s a welcome step in the right direction. See jfkshopdine.com
Our rating out of five
★★★★
The writer was given access to Greenwich Lounge by British Airways (britishairways.com).
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