Alaska & Virgin America Are Moving To JFK's Terminal 7

I guess this means that BA isn't moving to an expanded Terminal 8, as had been rumored to be in the works for a while. Which seems like a mistake to me -- all of these new wall finishes and lights aren't going to change the fact that Terminal 7 is cramped and outdated.

@Lucky, Ever since VA was bought by AS, lounge access to Virgin Atlantic clubhouse cannot be purchased anymore. 🙁

Agree - logical move. However, I wish they'd build an airside connector since American and Cathay are in T8.

I also wish Cathay would build their own lounge at JFK. You'd think that might be a good idea considering they have 4 daily flights to HKG.

Logical move, especially with the ability to redeem/earn Alaska miles on British Airways and Icelandair. I'd have to imagine there will be some connecting traffic between the three.`

Can't disagree more w/T7 being described as "cramped and outdated". It is a nice gem of JFK w/all the new F&B of a few years ago. Curb to gate in 5-10 minutes is fantastic.

BA is better off in a refreshed T7 than moving over to the big & sterile T8, esp given the awful security lines there at times.

I've only been to the VS clubhouse as a SQ Suites passenger ... it's a perfectly acceptable lounge with decent food & bev and plenty of seating despite lots of evening flights--a little disappointing for SQ suites, but I understand the limitations are what they are with 1 daily flight to JFK.

However ... The notion that it's worth anywhere near $75 before a mid haul domestic flight is pretty out of touch IMO. $75 buys you a damn good meal in Manhattan...

@David W: My understanding is that the biggest challenge with this is that Terminals 7 and 8 are separated by the JFK Expressway, and creating a secure passageway for the 1000+ feet would be exhorbitant.

T7 has its charm at times, but is quite hot during the summer. Hopefully the planned refurbishment makes it better, and maybe a TSA precheck line will coincide with BA adding precheck finally (they've not confirmed that, just hoping they finally will, though I've heard it's not gone smoothly for LH thus far).

Former United Club space is note empty. It is being occupied by The Seven Lounge at JFK used by LOT Polish for example.

Given BA signed a 7 year lease with the Port Authority in 2015 and on top of the $277m rent & terminal retail revenues and are spending at least $ 43m inomprovements BA aren't moving to T8 anytime soon.

https://www.panynj.gov/corporate-information/pdf/PA-Minutes-10-22-15.pdf

@Andy Huang: If you're flying Virgin America first, you can still buy access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK. My family and I just did it this month. Further, the benefit is still listed on Virgin America's website. Buying the lounge pass will come up as an option when you check in online.

As for the value, it was WELL worth the $75 per person. All food and drinks are free. The alcohol was top shelf, and the cocktails were unique and superb.

The food is restaurant quality and delivered to wherever you're sitting by a waiter or waitress. You can order whatever you like and as much as you like.

Further, as a Virgin America Gold member, I receive free spa treatments. I got my hair cut while waiting for my flight and watching planes land. 🙂

Finally, the lounge has a variety of seating areas and wasn't crowded at all. There's also a pool table for added fun.

Free top notch booze and food, a free haircut and exceptional service made this a great value for the money.