A few days ago I had some extra time at JFK, so I decided to check out the Air India Lounge in Terminal 4. This is the only lounge in the terminal run by a Star Alliance airline, and it’s also open to Priority Pass members. The lounge isn’t worth going out of your way…
Continue reading: Review: Air India Lounge New York (JFK)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I’m impressed there’s a sign on the door at all. Living in india it’s very rare to find that sort of communication.
I was there at the end of the day before closing and the place was pretty trashed with very little food options. Hardly worth the visit 🙁
Ben, you should review the new soft product on AI (Or ideally the DL 777 they have from NYC and SF to India)
Most blogger reviews are super outdated, and interested to see something after the privitization. I've heard there is an improvement in J/F, but they're still inconsistent.
I'm usually at JFK around 1 or 2pm and it's never too crowded.
That is more food than I have ever seen in this lounge. Staffing is minimal so they often run low on food, ice, etc, and just one person is trying keep things clean and restock the buffet/bar. I find the Indian food to be pretty bland.
It gets warm in there too, but, overall it's still better than a kick in the head.
As of last month flying SQ,
Suites or Solitaire goes to Clubhouse
Business or PPS or *G goes to Primeclass or AI.
Curious if anyone knows - is the VS Clubhouse at JFK still accepting Amex Platinum members via Plaza Premium? Conflicting answers between Plaza Premium's website, Amex's site and Flyertalk.
Please tell me those paper cone cups aren’t actually meant for beverages. Is Air India trying to maximize productivity by keeping lounge guests from loitering at the water cooler? Or did they just get a really good deal on a bunch of stuff that’s been sitting in an Office Depot Warehouse since 2002?
Since you mentioned the swissport lounge ORD, can we get a fun article of the worst lounges you've visited?
Speaking of entry rules. I just flew Malaysian airlines business from Sydney to kl and was only allowed entry into the Qantas lounge in Sydney due to my AA one world status. Do they seriously deny J passengers on other one world airlines (eg cathay, American etc)?
I tried earlier this month as I was flying SQ Biz (not Suites). I tried using my AmEx Platinum and Venture X cards and was told that they were not accepting passengers using either of those cards for entry.
Literally half of the food items (maybe more) are from Costco lol.. the bagel crisps, cheese (probably), quinoa bites, and the pastries from the pictures…
Seems in NYC total luxury compared with Air India Lounge in Delhi (Flagshiplounge.....! At DEL they really try to show off everything negative they can. Some airlines give out Restaurantvouchers for Premiumpax, but the experience is not really much better. It's sad, that good impressions of a journey are destroyed within the last few hours of stay in the country (or for NYC: first impressions not good either)!
I’ve been to this lounge among other AI lounges. Historically, this has been an area that AI has never bothered to invest in, even relative to other areas. I think Indian food in NYC area should be an easy one to get right but lounges in general were never AI’s forte even in best of times. Note that the only flight out of JFK until recently was DEL-JFK. Now with change in ownership and a BOM-JFK frequency, I wonder what kind of changes are in store for this lounge (and AI lounges in general).
It’s not for beverage but for the nuts, and dried fruits. This is exactly how it’s served in India.
I got in last year using my Venture X card. At least there was food other than the usual SAD stuff.
I aplaud OMAAT for exteding their coverage to airlines other than Amrickan Airlines. These poor country airlines are trying put cannot even scratch the bathroom door of Amrican Airlines when it comes to the luxurious onboars and lounge experiences right from check in to check out. Once can view these reviews like Air India and only be thankful for Amrickan Airlines or dream to someday fly on them. Well done again Ben and the team.
Was in JFK on a Sunday from 9-11 AM and they were not admitting Priority Pass due to peak hours. Looks like Air India flights leave at 12:30 and 1:30 so something to be aware of!
Cricket matches start at 10am east coast time. If they get willow tv going in the lounge that would be something.
I guess if you had cared to look lower you would have seen the glasses below lol. Yup nibbles (especially Indian spicy ones) and drinks go together!
LOL a the comment of the Swissport Lounge Chicago.
Haven't visited this Air India lounge but it can't deny that my first impression on this review reminded me of the Swissport (which sadly I did visit).. But after reading the full review and seeing the food options I agree with your closing statement.
The entrance doors to the Air India Lounge and that of the Emirates lounge speaks volumes!
Yellow Tail chardonnay says it all! Currently retailing for AUD $7.95 a bottle in Australia - not considered a luxury or even mid-range wine on any scale.
The chicken Tika looks far more appetizing than The food this month at the centurion lounge JFK. Chicken and potatoes are the main courses this month and the flavor is bland. Other months the food is better.
Back in Oct 2022 SQ was selling access to Virgin Clubhouse for USD 55 I believe it was at the check in counters. Although I was *G I regretted not taking that offer, and instead chose the free contract lounge (now deceased Wingtips Lounge) where I still had to pay USD 20 for a shower.
Got dumped in there by Egypt Air in 2021 when their lounge closed during covid.
We were not pleased but it actually turned out not bad. They had some decent finger sandwiches and I don't know where they got their grapes but they were good enough we took some extra with us. Better than the slop served on Egypt Air
And their nonstop JFK-SIN flights. So there are two late evening SQ flights departing JFK (9 pm and 10:30 pm), each with large business class cabins. The AI lounge must be a mad house.
Agreed, especially since there is no comparison between them. Accessed the lounge in December, via a Singapore Airline flight, and it was so packed!! People were literally standing around waiting for others to leave. The food had all run out.. we left after 10 minutes. Do not recommend.
I am just amazed how they have managed to recreate an impression less government building facade and cafeteria down to the washroom counter and stalls- exactly how you have here in India. I would personally either pay for Emirates lounge next door or wait near the boarding gate. Pretty appalling to see when one would have expected some of Tata's exceptional hospitality to brush off post privatization but alas the Old Maharaja suffers in isolation!
The air India lounge needs some serious upholstery and carpet cleaning. It’s so easy, just rent the machine! How do you not see it?
Very bad service and I had left my jacket there which I am trying to find since a week but no answer
Very disappointing! Poor attitude and bad customer service
I was at JFK few weeks ago and tried to go to the air india lounge using my dragonpass. The guy at the counter was very dismissive and after thinking for a few seconds said we are not accepting dragon passes currently. It was all in bad taste and dismissive. Moreover there was no sign saying this and looked like he just pulled that out of the hat after looking at us. We managed to get into the plaza lounge nearby as they had a waiting list but was called in within 25 mins. They need to improve their customer service attitudes and have proper signage for why they wont accept when they are part of the dragonpass scheme!
Worst lounge ever visited. They are too basic. Priority pass holders are secondary for them. They told us to wait as they have business class people. While waiting we were told by a staff to wait outside. It was not worth waiting as well food was awful. I recommend avoiding this place.Rude staff and service.
Horrible customer service at Air India. The guy responsible for the queue is constantly on the phone and ignoring all the customers.