JFK Airport (New York City): Paid Access Lounge Guide

Named to honor the 35th U.S. President, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the sixth-busiest airport in the United States and serves the New York metropolitan area. It is located in Queens, New York City.

JFK Airport is served by nearly 100 airlines and is a major global hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue, connecting travelers to destinations on all six inhabited continents through nonstop flights.

JFK has 7 lounges that travelers can access without airline status or a premium cabin ticket.

This guide covers all pay-per-use lounge options, so you can find the right space for your budget and travel plans.

JFK's currently active passenger terminals are: 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

The airport is undergoing a multi-billion dollar redevelopment, which will include new Terminals 1 and 6. Terminal 6 will open in phases beginning in 2026, eventually replacing Terminal 7 as part of the airport's ongoing redevelopment.

Most passengers cannot move between terminals airside (post-security) because the airport was designed as a collection of independent terminals rather than a single integrated complex.

To transfer between terminals, passengers must exit security, take the AirTrain, and pass through security screening again at their next terminal.

AirTrain journeys operate 24 hours daily, and are free of charge for terminal transfer. Services run every 5-15 minutes.

With the exception of Terminal 1 (which handles international flights only), all terminals serve a mix of domestic and international flights:

• Terminal 1 serves several major international airlines, including Air France, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Swiss, and Turkish Airlines.

• Terminal 4 is where Delta operates from as well as Avianca, Emirates, LATAM, and Virgin Atlantic.

• Terminal 5 is home to JetBlue as well as Cape Air and Sun Country Airlines.

• Terminal 7 includes Aer Lingus, Air Canada, ANA, Frontier, and Norse.

• Terminal 8 hosts American Airlines as well as Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways.

Terminals 1 and 4 are the primary terminals that offer paid-access lounges, with Terminal 1 having the largest range of options.

Terminal 1 is an international terminal. There are 6 paid-access lounges available here, including 5 after security and 1 before.

VIP One is an international landside lounge before security, so it works differently from a standard airside lounge. The lounge offers expedited security screening, providing a fast-track that helps passengers move through the checkpoint more quickly before heading to their departure gate.

VIP One's higher tier packages also include personal concierge services, such as curbside baggage assistance and help with check-in procedures.

Terminal 1, Level 2. Located behind Counter E/F in the departures area.

International flights only.

08:00-00:00 (8am-midnight) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

• Self-service hot and cold food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Complimentary fast-track security

• Wi-Fi

• Flexible Day Pass (includes complimentary fast-track security):

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Book via the VIP One website.

    • The Silver package for US$50 per person offers expedited security and direct access to security from the lounge.

    • The Gold tier package is US$110 per person and also offers curbside baggage and check-in assistance, and an escort to the gate.

    • Premium packages cost US$210 per person and add a personal agent to provide assistance from curbside until boarding.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Dreamfolks and Priority Pass members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Turkish Airlines Lounge sits close to the first Terminal 1 gates, which makes it practical for passengers departing from Gates 2 and 3 (and beyond).

The space includes dedicated meeting rooms and comfortable armchairs ideal for both relaxation and productivity. Guests should note that the food and drink selection excludes alcohol.

Terminal 1, airside, after security, between Gates 2 and 3.

International flights only.

09:00-00:00 (9am-midnight) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

• Hot and cold food

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Conference room

• Wi-Fi

• Luggage storage

• Prayer room

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Memberships:

  • Dreamfolks and Priority Pass members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • If you are flying business class with Turkish Airlines you have complimentary access to the lounge.

  • The Turkish Airlines Lounge is also accessible to eligible Star Alliance Gold members in any travel class traveling on a same-day Star Alliance-operated flight (Turkish Airlines), and select Miles&Smiles elite members.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Air France Lounge is spread across 2 levels, and offers shower suites and a unique Clarins treatment area.

Access is typically available to Air France and SkyTeam premium-cabin passengers, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members — but is also open to those with select memberships and as a pay-per-use option.

Terminal 1, airside, after security, next to Gate 1.

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday: 12:00-0:00 (12pm-midnight)

• Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 7:00-0:00 (7am-midnight)

Guests can stay at this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

• Self-service hot and cold food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary; subject to availability)

• Clarins treatment area (from 2-10pm)

• Wi-Fi

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Book directly via the Air France website, with variable pricing depending on your itinerary. Guests can book up to the day before departure (subject to availability).

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 2-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • Passengers flying La Première (first class) or business class on Air France.

  • Flying Blue Gold, Platinum, or Ultimate members. Gold and Platinum members can generally bring one guest traveling on an Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight.

  • First and business class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus frequent flyers traveling on or transferring between flights operated by the following SkyTeam member airlines:

    • Aeromexico

    • China Eastern

    • KLM

    • Korean Air

    • SAS

    • Saudia

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Korean Air Lounge (KAL) has ample seating and standard amenities.

Access is typically available to Korean Air Prestige (business) Class passengers, eligible SKYPASS elite members, SkyTeam Elite Plus members, and certain Priority Pass and partner program members, as well as pay-per-use guests.

Terminal 1, airside, after security, on the right-hand side, opposite Gate 3.

21:30-00:50 (9:30pm-12:50am) daily

This lounge operates on a limited schedule that is primarily timed around Korean Air's evening long-haul departures, rather than remaining open throughout the day.

Guests can stay at this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

• Snacks

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary; subject to availability)

• Internet terminals

• Conference rooms (charges apply)

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 2-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • Korean Air business class (Prestige Class) passengers on a same-day flight.

  • First and business class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus frequent flyers traveling on a same-day international flight or transferring between flights operated by Korean Air.

  • The following Korean Air SKYPASS elite members have access to this lounge:

    • Million Miler Club

    • Morning Calm Premium Club

    • Certain Morning Calm members using lounge coupons

    • Guest privileges vary by tier.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Primeclass lounge sits one floor below the concourse and offers all the essential amenities along with shower facilities.

It is one of the more accessible lounges in Terminal 1 for passengers, with a range of entry options.

Terminal 1, after security, next to Gates 8 and 9.

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 7:30-21:00 (7:30am-9pm)

• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: 7:30-1:00 (7:30am-1am)

• Sunday: 7:30-21:00 (7:30am-9pm)

Guests can stay at this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

• Self-service hot and cold food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary; subject to availability)

• Business workspace

• Wi-Fi

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Purchase a 3-hour pass via Lounge Pass or Plaza Premium for US$54 or US$67 per person, respectively.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Dreamfolks and Priority Pass and members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Lufthansa Business Lounge is one of the primary Star Alliance lounges in Terminal 1, but you can also purchase a day pass in advance or at reception.

This is a practical lounge (with standard food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and seating), rather than a premium-feeling space.

Terminal 1, after security, on the left-hand side.

12:00-1:00 (12pm-1am) daily

Priority Pass members can only access this lounge on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 17:30-22:30 (5:30-10:30pm).

• Self-service hot and cold food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Relaxation rooms

• Luggage storage

• Wi-Fi

• Advance Purchase Options:

  • Purchase a pass via the Lufthansa website from US$39 per person.

  • This option requires you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits (limited evening hours on Tuesday and Wednesday).

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • If you're flying in Star Alliance business class or hold Star Alliance Gold status and are traveling on a same-day Star Alliance flight (Lufthansa), you can access this lounge at JFK.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass or LoungeKey memberships. Examples include:

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Terminal 4 is one of the largest terminals at JFK International Airport. It handles both domestic and international operations.

There is 1 paid-access lounge available here: the Capital One Lounge.

The Capital One Lounge in JFK Terminal 4 is a 24-hour flagship lounge offering a full bar, shower suites, and workspaces.

Access is available to eligible Capital One cardholders and their guests, with one-time access also available to non-cardholders.

Terminal 4, after security, Level 3, in the Retail Hall near B Gates

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

• Hot and cold food (including made-to-order and grab-and-go)

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower suite (complimentary; subject to availability)

• Wi-Fi

• Private rooms

• Parents' room

• Cardholders:

  • Venture X and Venture X Business primary cardholders enjoy complimentary access.

    • Guests cost US$45 per adult and US$25 per child aged 2-17.

    • Cardholders can add lounge access for additional cardholders/authorized users for an annual fee of US$125 per person, granting access to Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landings, and participating Priority Pass lounges.

  • Venture, Venture Business, and Spark Miles cardholders can buy discounted access to this lounge for themselves and their guests. Guest passes cost US$45 for adults and US$25 for children 17 and under.

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly. Non-cardholder entry costs US$90 for up to 3 hours.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

• Best value: Turkish Airlines Lounge (T1)

• Best facilities: Air France Lounge (T1) and Capital One Lounge (T4)

• For a quick visit: Primeclass Lounge (T1)

JFK Airport has a useful lineup of lounges for every type of traveler.

Terminal 1 features the largest concentration of paid-access lounges.

The Air France Lounge has the most unique amenities (including Clarins treatments), while Turkish Airlines and Primeclass offer strong all-round experiences with broad accessibility. Lufthansa and Korean Air also provide reliable options for eligible travelers seeking a more traditional lounge environment.

Your only option in Terminal 4 is the Capital One Lounge; fortunately, it is one of the stronger options in T4, with 24-hour access, solid amenities, and a distinctive New York theme.

Ultimately, the best lounge depends on your priorities. If you have extra time or a higher budget, seek out the lounges with the strongest amenities; if you're making a quick stop before boarding, convenience and access may matter more than luxury.