The Emirates Lounge, New York JFK
To kickstart our first round-the-world trip of 2024, we began the adventure at the Emirates Lounge, New York JFK prior to our flight EK206 in Emirates Business Class on the Boeing 777 from New York to Milan. After dropping off our luggage and collected our boarding passes, we made our way through the TSA Checkpoints and headed to gate A5 at Terminal 4 where the lounge is located.
Funny enough, on this date last year, I also flew out of JFK airport in Japan Airlines First Class from New York to Tokyo.
Checking-In:
Entering the lounge was an effortless experience as we were warmly greeted by two friendly front desk attendants, with their smiles adding a touch of hospitality to the atmosphere. The courteous staff promptly requested us to scan our boarding passes, facilitating quick and efficient access to the lounge.
Arriving at the Emirates Lounge, New York JFK approximately three and a half hours prior to our flight, we found the lounge relatively quiet with only a handful of fellow passengers inside. This sort of alleviated the review process, as the limited crowd allowed for a more relaxed atmosphere without worrying about intruding on the personal space of other travelers.
Related: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge, Doha
Seating Areas:
The Emirates Lounge at New York JFK impresses with its generous space and a selection of comfortable seating options. Throughout the lounge, you’ll find well-appointed armchairs strategically placed in various sections, each inviting guests to unwind in style. Although the lack of sufficient power outlets at each seat was visible, but it shouldn’t be too hard for guests to find suitable power outlets to make use of.
Additionally, a well-designed dining area boasts an arrangement of chairs and tables, providing a welcoming space for travelers to enjoy a meal or catch up on work in a relaxed setting.
Food and Beverage:
When it comes to food and beverage, Emirates is known for quality and delicious food options, and this was mirrored at the lounge. This took me back a few years ago about my spontaneous experience at The Emirates First Class lounge, Dubai which I have reviewed twice.
The Emirates Lounge, New York JFK boasts a well-appointed buffet area where guests can indulge in an array of delectable options. During our visit, the culinary spread includes impeccably cooked steak, perfectly seasoned salmon, flavorful and tender chicken, sautéed potatoes, biryani, hearty soups, and more.
For the sake of this review and that of our readers, we attempted to savor a little bit of everything, and can attest that the food quality was very good.
Related: Qantas First Class Lounge, LAX
Emirates didn’t hold back with drinks at the lounge either. Serving some of best premium champagne, liquors, a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, as well as tea and coffee. The Emirates Lounge thoughtfully incorporates two distinct drinks stations, each equipped with its own espresso machine.
The first station is conveniently situated in the buffet area, providing easy access for those enjoying a meal or looking for a quick refreshment. The second drinks station is strategically positioned towards the end of the lounge, in proximity to the business center.
While there was no menu on the table, we discovered an a la carte option with limited but delicious choices, like the beef burger enjoyed by Mrs. The Points Engineer.
Amenities at the Lounge:
The lounge featured a business center area equipped with computers and printers for guests to make use of. This business center is located at the center towards the end of the lounge.
While the restroom at the lounge wasn’t in spotless condition during my visit, with spilled water (or urine) near one of the urinals, the other areas of the restroom looked like it’s generally well-maintained. There were staff present in the restroom and shower area to address guests’ needs.
Similar to the amenities available onboard lavatories in Emirates First Class flights and in their other lounges, the restroom here were also stocked with luxurious VOYA bath products, which is made exclusively for Emirates.
The amenities at the Emirates Lounge, New York JFK wouldn’t be complete without a shower. The lounge features 3 shower rooms, with one of the three being out of service during our visit.
The Emirates Lounge at New York JFK is strategically located in Terminal 4, providing an ideal vantage point for plane enthusiasts. With nearly floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the lounge, it offers panoramic views of the apron, creating a perfect plane-spotting experience for aviation enthusiasts and AVGEEKS like myself.
Verdict:
The Emirates Lounge, New York JFK, provided a solid start to our journey. With friendly and attention to detail staff, excellent food, comfortable amenities, and stunning views, it was a commendable choice for our pre-flight relaxation. Though minor restroom issues were noted, the overall experience was positive.
Nigeria-born, California-based.
Kayode currently holds higher status on multiple airlines and hotel programs. He has visited 4 continents, 30 countries, and 35 of the 50 US states.
He began his adventure journey after selling his first cellphone ever, and used the money to apply for his first passport. He said to himself, “I’d rather have a passport than a cellphone”. And since then, he has been globetrotting.
So how does the al a carte options work at JFK? I was under the impression that Emirates only offered the buffet in terminal 4. Also do you by chance have a picture of the menu options?
There was no physical or digital menu present, by I asked the server if they offer a la carte out of curiosity and she replied that they have both chicken and beef burgers that are not usually displayed at the buffet station. Hope that answers your question?
It does. I am taking the flight to milan in march in Business and saw that the plane only offers light bites. I am debating if I should have a meal around 1 or 2ish before going to JFK, if the options at the lounge are filling, or if I should use priority pass to go to the new Chase lounge for an early dinner. (I will have a busy travel day upon landing in Milan so I might not have a proper meal for a day or so.
Also thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
The food at the lounge is more than enough to fill you, and you should to have a heavy meal before getting to the airport. Also, though the menu onboard says “light bites,” the food was actually filling. It looks like the A380 is coming in March by the way
I am very excited to fly the a380 in business, (coming home in first). Thank you advice, i was sort of worried I wouldn’t get much since light bites. I will take your advice, grab a good meal,snack at the lounge and then eat in the AM.