Throughout my journey to Japan by way of Mongolia, I had the possibility to take a look at a number of lounges at New York JFK Terminal 1 previous to my Air France A350 flight to Paris. My first cease was on the VIP Lounge New York JFK.
I discover this to be an intriguing idea, as VIP ONE JFK gives each a landside lounge, in addition to a quick observe safety function. Whereas the lounge as such isn’t essentially the most thrilling factor on earth, the quick observe safety is vastly beneficial, given what a multitude JFK Terminal 1 may be. This facility is a deal with, particularly since you’ll be able to entry it with Precedence Move.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK location
The VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK is a bit hidden, so it’s important to know the place to look. When you’re within the check-in corridor of Terminal 1 JFK, simply search for check-in counters within the “E” row, instantly to the left of the principle safety checkpoint.
Instantly behind that you simply’ll see the outside of the VIP ONE Lounge, in order that’s how one can entry the lounge. Let me emphasize that this lounge is landside (earlier than safety). In spite of everything, one of many promoting factors of this facility is that you simply get expedited safety.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK hours
The VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK is open day by day from 8AM till 12AM, masking a overwhelming majority of exits from the terminal. Terminal 1 is used completely by choose worldwide airways, and doesn’t have many early morning departures.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK entry necessities
Essentially the most sensible technique to entry the VIP One Lounge New York JFK is thru Precedence Move. Precedence Move members can entry the ability for as much as three hours, and any go to to the lounge contains quick observe safety. To my information, that is the one facility in the USA the place you may get quick observe safety by having Precedence Move, in order that’s fairly superior.
Along with Precedence Move, the VIP ONE Lounge additionally sells entry for money. Costs vary from $45 only for quick observe safety, to $65 for quick observe safety plus the lounge, to $200 for all the above plus an escort from the curb to the gate.
Lastly, some airways have partnered with VIP ONE to supply this service for first-class passengers. To my information, these airways embody Air France, Korean Air, and Lufthansa.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK seating & structure
Inside the doorway to the VIP ONE Lounge JFK is a reception desk, with the quick observe safety to the appropriate, and the lounge to the left.
I wasn’t positive what to anticipate from this lounge, provided that it’s basically a makeshift setup throughout the check-in corridor, and I additionally assume the first promoting level of the ability is the quick observe safety. So with that in thoughts, I used to be pleasantly stunned by the lounge. It was small however moderately good.
There was one essential room with chairs organized in rows going through each other, in addition to eating tables with two chairs every.
Then there was the world with the buffet, with additionally had a few lengthy communal tables with a bunch of chairs.
Then there was a small room off to the facet, with a sofa and a few extra chairs (this room was marked as reserved).
The ability was fundamental however good sufficient. Particularly, I appreciated how empty the lounge was, as there was nobody else utilizing it throughout my go to. These days that’s a uncommon deal with for Precedence Move in the USA.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK meals & drinks
The VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK has a small buffet plus a small a la carte choice. Within the morning, the meals choices included cereal, complete fruit, pretzels, chips, snack combine, muffins, cookies, and brownies. Drinks included drip espresso, tea, juice, mushy drinks, and beer.
Along with the buffet, tables have QR codes, the place you’ll be able to order from a extra substantial number of meals. At breakfast, choices included yogurt with granola, oatmeal, french toast, eggs, and extra.
On high of that, you could possibly order espresso-based drinks, plus prosecco or mimosas.
I’m sorry to disappoint y’all, however I couldn’t convey myself to order something within the lounge. Not as a result of it didn’t look respectable, however as a result of I eat approach an excessive amount of on these journeys, so I’ve to regulate my consumption. For a Precedence Move lounge, I’d say the menu choice appears to be like fairly good, although.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK loos
Sadly the VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK doesn’t have loos or showers. As a substitute, you’re directed to make use of the loos within the terminal, proper close to the lounge.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK quick observe safety
The one best factor concerning the VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK is that it gives quick observe safety. You’ll be able to benefit from the lounge, after which when you’re able to proceed by means of safety, one of many lounge employees will help you with that.
The lounge has a personal door that leads on to the TSA agent who’s checking IDs, so you’ll be able to utterly keep away from the look forward to the ID verify. I must also point out that the VIP ONE Lounge employees are fairly aggressive (in a wholly great way) with serving to you get as near the entrance of the road on the safety belt as nicely. They actually do make this really feel like a VIP expertise, a lot completely different than one thing like CLEAR.
Whereas this idea may be helpful nearly wherever, it’s particularly beneficial at JFK Terminal 1, which I discover to have among the many most disorganized safety of any terminal within the nation, a minimum of throughout peak hours.
A big share of the passengers passing by means of safety aren’t American and don’t communicate English as their first language (or in any respect). In order that they’re not aware of safety insurance policies, and then you definitely see the TSA brokers merely barking their orders extra loudly at them, as if the difficulty is quantity, somewhat than comprehension.
I can’t understate how beneficial VIP ONE is throughout peak hours, as it may prevent quite a lot of time and aggravation.
Backside line
The VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK is a novel facility that Precedence Move members have entry to. This consists of an honest landside lounge with a small number of a la carte meals and drinks. Nonetheless, the principle purpose to make use of this facility is for the quick observe safety function, which might prevent a big period of time throughout busy intervals.
In the event you’re a Precedence Move member with limitless visits, there’s completely no purpose to not go to this lounge, even when it’s only for entry to the safety channel.
What do you make of the VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK?
