The Flagship Lounge is American Airlines top lounge in Terminal 8 at New York JFK Airport. Available to customers flying in First or Business Class on American or oneworld alliance airline, it is a step up from the paid Admirals Club.
I had access courtesy of my Cathay Pacific First Class ticket, which also grants access to the excellent Flagship First Dining facility within the Flagship Lounge.
Access is via the lifts immediately ahead of you after clearing security.
In this post:
AA Flagship Lounge JFK Review
The main part of the Flagship Lounge is a large room with the buffet on your right and seating areas. Charging points were available at most seats.
AA Flagship Lounge JFK Food
There is a good quality selection of snacks and hot food available in the Flagship First lounge, along with a self-service bar and drinks fridge.
AA Flagship Lounge JFK Showers
There are a number of shower suites in the Flagship Lounge and are well maintained. Towels and amenities are all provided. The rain shower had good water pressure and temperature.
AA Flagship Lounge JFK Business Facilities
Naturally wifi access is free and fast, though with $5 roaming through Vodafone Australia I didn’t need it. Wireless printers are also available.
AA Flagship Lounge JFK Bridge
For those in the know, there is a special section of the Flagship First Lounge at JFK called ‘The Bridge’ which opens in the afternoon. There is a tended bar, a la carte menu (though not the extensive Flagship First Dining menu) and generally a quieter environment.
To find it, you just turn right at the entry to the Flagship Lounge.
Flagship First Dining JFK Review
Cathay Pacific First Class passengers are invited to the Flagship First Dining facility, a restaurant-grade dining room within the Flagship Lounge. This is by special arrangement between Cathay Pacific and American Airlines, as you would otherwise need to be flying international or transcontinental First Class on American.
Access is via this discreet door behind the buffet area of the main Flagship Lounge. A paper invitation is issued at the front desk of the lounge and collected at the door by the manager of Flagship First Dining.
The lounge is divided into a small bar and lounge area and then a main dining room with solo tables, tables for two and booths on the back wall.
Solo diners are given prime tables by the window overlooking the apron, and I enjoyed watching the aircraft movements like the 777 as I dined.
Flagship First Dining JFK Menu
The menu had changed since I visited in October, and I was disappointed to see the scallops had been removed. Thankfully, Krug champagne is still on the menu and as a result a seafood lunch was in order.
The Maryland-style crab cakes looked enticing, as did black bass ‘a la plancha’.
Maryland-style Crab Cakes
The crab cakes were excellent, lightly fried with plenty of crab meat and not too dense. I’d say these are some of the best crab cakes I’ve had though the addition of chorizo didn’t enhance the flavour.
Black Bass ‘A La Plancha’
The black bass was nice, but didn’t compare to the grilled scallops I had previously (which were spectacular). Red wine sauce and grilled root vegetables complemented the dish well so it was an enjoyable main.
Usually, the server will come around to offer dessert but on this occasion the service was lacking. Knowing a nice meal with all the trimmings in Cathay First was just a few hours away meant I wasn’t fussed, but service was nowhere near as polished and proactive as my previous visit.
Summary
The Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Dining at New York’s JFK Terminal 8 are both good lounges and a significant step up from the paid Admirals Club.
On its day, Flagship First Dining is on par with a good restaurant but on this visit the service was lacking. Thankfully the Krug and crabcakes still made for an enjoyable meal.
Introduction – The Cathay Pacific Encore Trip
Review: American Express Lounge Sydney
Review: Cathay Pacific Economy Class 77W
Review: Cathay Dragon Economy Class A321
Review: Cathay Dragon Business Class A320
Review: The Wing First Class Lounge
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W
Review: Fairfield Inn Manhattan Financial District
Review: Jean Georges New York
Review: Olmsted Brooklyn
New York Winter Activities
Review: AA Flagship Lounge & Flagship First Dining JFK
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class New York – Hong Kong
Review: Mira Moon Hong Kong
Review: The Wing Business Class Lounge
Review: Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
Review: Qantas Business Class A380 (New Business Suite)
Summary – Highlights & Points Earned
