United Airlines has (finally) added lounge access for business class passengers traveling from New York JFK.
United Airlines Will Use Alaska Airlines Lounge For JFK Business Class Passengers
Recently, both British Airways and Alaska Airlines lounges re-opened. The Alaska Airlines lounge is the former home of a United Club and United International First Class lounge. The Alaska Airlines lounge is also part of the Priority Pass network.
However, Star Alliance partners All Nippon Airways (ANA) and LOT Polish use the British Airways lounge for their premium class passengers.
United Airlines has chosen to partner with Alaska Airlines and passengers traveling in business class from New York JFK will now enjoy lounge access there. This is not a Star Alliance Gold lounge, so Star Gold passengers will continue to lack lounge access in Terminal 7, unless traveling in a premium cabin (however, there are Lufthansa, SWISS, and Air India lounges available in other terminals). Note: passengers in Premium Plus (premium economy) do not receive lounge access.
While not spectacular, the Alaska Airlines lounge is a nice space with friendly staff and even a Batista available to make the coffee drink of your choice. It’s a huge improvement over no lounge at all.
The lounge is located on the mezzanine level just above the security checkpoint and is open each day from 5:00 am – 9:00 am and from 2:30 pm – 10:00 pm. That works out well for United’s four daily flights from JFK, two of which leave in the morning and two in the evening.
CONCLUSION
If you arrive early for your United flight or find your flight delayed, this is a respectable lounge to wait in. It’s about time United found a lounge partner at JFK, though in fairness the lounge only recently re-opened after over a year of closure.
Not traveling in business class? You can also use Priority Pass to gain access to this lounge or you can purchase access at the door for $50, though eligible Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders can purchase a day pass for 50% off.