In early 2019, we realized about British Airways’ plans to maneuver at JFK, from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8. We’re now only a few weeks from this taking place, so I needed to publish a reminder of what we are able to count on, as it will have vital implications for passengers.
Why British Airways is shifting JFK terminals
For fairly a while, British Airways has been the first airline at New York JFK’s Terminal 7.
Curiously pre-coronavirus, the airline spent $65 million renovating Terminal 7 at JFK, given what a giant market New York is for the airline.
That’s even if British Airways can be shifting terminals. For context, $400 million is being invested to redevelop JFK Terminal 8. That is half of a bigger redevelopment at JFK, as Terminal 7 will ultimately be demolished to make room for Terminal 6.
American and British Airways have a transatlantic three way partnership, and the truth that they’re not co-located at JFK has lengthy been some extent of frustration for passengers. American operates out of Terminal 8, and the 2 terminals aren’t related airside, making connections between the 2 airways time consuming.
We’ve seen another oneworld airways transfer from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 in recent times, however British Airways hasn’t been capable of make the transfer, given how huge of a presence the airline has in New York. That can lastly be altering.
British Airways shifting to JFK Terminal 8 shortly
British Airways is simply weeks from making a transfer from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8, with a progressive transfer over roughly two weeks:
- British Airways’ first flight will function out of Terminal 8 on November 18, 2022
- British Airways’ final flight will function out of Terminal 7 on November 30, 2022
As a part of this variation, we’ll see American and British Airways open new lounges and check-in amenities at JFK Terminal 8. In complete, we are able to count on three new lounges, with a seating capability for roughly 1,000 prospects:
- Essentially the most unique lounge can have an all-new champagne bar, fireplace lounge, and a la carte eating room; it will exchange American’s Flagship First Eating facility, although can be in a distinct location
- One other adjoining premium lounge will function sweeping airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library, and buffet
- American’s Flagship Lounge and Concourse B Admirals Membership can be repurposed right into a single lounge for eligible enterprise class passengers (the Concourse C Admirals Membership would be the solely lounge for Admirals Membership members)
It stays to be seen if these amenities will all open in mid-November, or if we see a little bit of a delay there.
Is JFK Terminal 8 truly increasing?
On the floor this transfer feels like nice information, because it ought to make connections simpler. However there’s a giant catch. JFK Terminal 8 received’t truly be rising in measurement considerably.
Reasonably the terminal can be introducing 5 new extensive physique gates, 4 new extensive physique hardstand parking areas, an enhanced baggage system, and 130,000 sq. toes of latest and renovated terminal house. In actuality house is simply being utilized extra effectively, with the introduction of latest (actually lengthy) jet bridges, in addition to the conversion of a regional jet gate into a large physique gate.
Whereas the comfort of simpler connections can be nice, traditionally this terminal has been underutilized, and that may not be the case. With British Airways shifting, I’d count on Terminal 8 to be fairly busy within the evenings.
Backside line
Between November 18 and November 30, 2022, British Airways can be shifting from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 at JFK. This could make connections between American and British Airways simpler, in order that’s excellent news. We must also see new lounges, although the small print of these stay to be seen.
Anticipate Terminal 8 to be a lot busier with these modifications, which in all probability isn’t nice for American passengers. Then once more, this variation has been inevitable, on condition that Terminal 7 will ultimately be demolished.
What do you make of British Airways shifting to JFK Terminal 8?
