On December 1, the Oneworld partners opened their new $400 million Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
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The recently renovated facility was a joint project by both carriers, who codeshare on flights out of JFK but previously operated out of different terminals.
American Airlines at JFK.Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
For over 50 years, British Airways flew out of Terminal 7, forcing passengers connecting on a codeshared American flight to make the trek to Terminal 8.
A British Airways Concord supersonic jet at JFK, where it operated for 26 years at Terminal 7.Associated Press
But, to better streamline their operation, British Airways has moved into Terminal 8, and the pair are now officially "roommates," as American CEO Robert Isom put it at a press conference in November.
(L-R): Iberia CEO Javier Sánchez-Prieto, British Airways CEO Sean Doyle, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, Port Authority Executive Director Richard Cotton, Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Queen Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. cut the ribbon to the new Terminal 8 at JFK on Tuesday, November 29.Taylor Rains/Insider
Renovations include improving the airport experience. Specifically, two new check-in areas have been built: one private room for the pair's highest-tier passengers…
American Flagship First, Flagship Business Plus, Conciergekey, and American Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members can use the private room, as well as British Airways first and gold members.American Airlines
…and a second open-air space for business class passengers and other premium status levels.
American Flagship Business and AAdvantage Platinum members can use this check-in area, as well as British Airways Club World and silver members.American Airlines
While the renovations also include adding more gates and upgrading the baggage handling system, the brand-new lounges are the crown jewels.
The new gate space at Terminal 8 JFK.Taylor Rains/Insider
There are three new lounges: the Greenwich Lounge, the Soho Lounge, and the Chelsea Lounge, all of which were named after neighborhoods in both London and New York City.
American and British Airways co-branded Soho Lounge.Taylor Rains/Insider
Greenwich is not necessarily newly built but is the rebranded American Flagship Lounge that opened in 2017. The renovated space features "a premium wine table, expansive seating, and chef-inspired meals."
American Airlines' Flagship Lounge at JFK Terminal 8.American Airlines
Access will be restricted to American customers flying Flagship Business or with AAdvantage Platinum status on "qualifying Flagship itineraries," and British Airways passengers who can enter the Club lounge.
American Airlines' Flagship Lounge at JFK Terminal 8.American Airlines
The two other lounges — Soho and Chelsea — were built in partnership by American and British Airways, and are co-branded spaces.
The welcome lobby for both lounges.Taylor Rains/Insider
Both are located near Gate 14 and share a welcome lobby where agents will direct passengers to the appropriate lounge based on their ticket or status.
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Soho, which features a beautiful green and brown color scheme, is the bigger space at 12,000 square feet and can hold up to 282 travelers.
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Travelers with British Airways Executive Club Gold, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, and those with Conciergekey status can enter.
British Airways passengers with access to the First lounge can also enter.Nicolas Economou/Getty Images
Upon entering the lounge, travelers will find a row of desks, which will be staffed with American and British Airways agents, and a cocktail area and bar where guests can sip on beer, wine, mixed drinks, or mocktails.
Inside the Soho lounge.Taylor Rains/Insider
For dining, passengers will head to the large center area of Soho, which has been fit with dozens of tables and booths.
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The lounge shares a kitchen with Chelsea next door, so passengers can order meals on-demand using a QR code.
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There is also a buffet available for those wanting a quick bite. There is space for plenty of cold and hot food, as well as things like salad and soup.
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The airlines have made sure to provide power outlets or USB ports at each table or chair throughout the lounge after feedback from customers.
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Just beyond the dining area on the right side of the lounge is a refrigerator full of drinks, like water, soda, and beer, as well as a coffee station…
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…as well as private rooms for calls and bathrooms with showers.
The phone booths are completely enclosed by a glass door.Taylor Rains/Insider
Towards the back of the space is a wine bar made of petrified wood…
Inside the Soho lounge.Taylor Rains/Insider
…and a so-called "library." While there were no books, it felt like a cozy space to work or rest before a long flight.
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On the left side of the lounge is a long set of floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ramp, accompanied by plenty of armchairs.
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There was a recently landed British Airways Boeing 777 sitting outside Soho during Insider's visit.
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Tucked away in the back left corner of the lounge is also a handful of cubby seats that can fit two people, as well as offer a nice view.
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Next door is Chelsea, which is the smaller of the two lounges but is also grandiose.
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American travelers who purchased Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus, and American Conciergekey travelers on Flagship itineraries can access Chelsea. British Airways first class guests can also enter.
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Entering the 10,000-square-foot space, travelers will come upon a circular champagne bar, which is the centerpiece of the lounge.
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150 pieces of specially-made hand-molded glass rain down from the ceiling, boasting the elegance of the design.
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Also adding to the ambiance are beautiful digital wallpaper displays that change color and scene throughout the day.
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To pass the time, passengers can sit at the bar and enjoy a drink, or relax at one of the other sitting areas throughout the space.
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If you'd like to eat, the back of the lounge has a dining area with tables and booths. American and British Airways put together a few small bites for the media to try, which are offered a la carte at Chelsea.
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According to the carriers, the meals have been inspired by both American and British cuisine. Media tried food like Shepard's pie…
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…and butternut squash curry, among other offerings like beet salad and a lox bagel. The dishes were delicious, and I appreciated the vegan option.
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In addition to a dining room, there is also a living room, which will eventually feature a fireplace…
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…plenty of cubicle-like workspaces along the sides of the room…
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…and a quiet room in the back.
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Like Soho, travelers will find power outlets or USB ports within reach anywhere they sit…
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…a large drink station…
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…and several bathrooms and showers.
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Overall, I thought both lounges were beautifully done, especially since they felt very open with plenty of food and seating options.
I particularly liked the inclusion of spacious showers, the plethora of charging ports, and the quiet areas to relax or work.
