Refined, but crowded: review Soho Lounge at T8 at JFK

Way back in 2022 British Airways had moved from the aging T7 to the more modern T8 at JFK., the home of American Airlines, the two carriers had also announced a total redesign of the lounges in the terminal, which I remind you, does not house any independent lounges, but only and only those dedicated to passengers of AA and the other carriers oneworld.

This operation had involved all the lounges present with a redesign and redefinition of spaces, also in light of the American company's decision to remove its First Class from the fleet. Obviously the long-haul one not the domestic one, which is simply the name for business on domestic flights.

Soho and Chelsea lounge at T8

The idea for the names starts from two neighborhoods that are present in both London and New York. Of the two lounges Chelsea is the more exclusive and in fact is reserved exclusively for BA's first-class passengers, those who at London can take advantage of the Concorde Room.

Location

They are both located above Gate 14 on Concourse B, reached from after the security checkpoint, past Bobby Van's Grill, then via elevators or stairs.

Access

The Chelsea lounge is accessible to all oneworld Emerald status holder passengers and American Airlines Flagship passengers, basically the U.S. version of the Galleries First located at London Heathrow.

The lounge

It is a large open space, let's just say that the luxury and sophistication with which they were extolled when they opened has been lost as the months have passed and especially as the masses of travelers have come and gone.

The bar counter is very beautiful and scenic.

The long glass wall allows observation of the movements on the track and lets in a lot of light. However, the dark furniture and low ceiling contribute to a very dark environment.

The only quieter room is the small room with the fireplace. Here there is a nice work table and small tables that are more isolated from the rest of the room, perfect if you want to get away from the noise and crowds a little bit.

Food&Beverage

Of the counter and champagne bar we have already mentioned. There are a couple of islands with drinks and then the classic buffet.

Nothing transcendental, but a comprehensive offering, as is the case in all AA lounges. There is no a la carte offering, just the self zone.

In conclusion

Maybe, just maybe, if you have the chance I would aim for the Greenwich lounge, the former AA Flagship that is on the opposite side of this Chelsea Lounge.

The verdict

It is supposed to be exclusive and refined, but perhaps with so many passengers in transit you lose those characteristics. Certainly the décor is sophisticated, but there is nothing to make you remember being there. Service-wise, it offers nothing except the obvious.

6

Rated Location

6.5

F&B

6

Services

6

Pro

• Design
• Bar

Against

• Crowded
• Darkness