During my trip to Japan via Mongolia, I had the chance to check out several lounges at New York JFK Terminal 1 prior to my Air France A350 flight to Paris. One of the lounges that I checked out was the Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK, which is one of the newer lounges in the terminal (this took over the space of the former Alitalia Lounge).
To be honest, I found this to probably be the weakest lounge that I visited in the terminal. While the decor is okay, the lounge has a basic food selection, doesn’t serve alcohol, and also doesn’t have shower rooms. If you have Priority Pass, I’d much rather visit the Air France Lounge, the Lufthansa Lounge, or the Primeclass Lounge.
Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK location
The Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK is located in Terminal 1, between gates two and three. So after clearing security (hopefully by using the VIP ONE Lounge experience), follow the signage in that direction.
If you walk just a short distance, you’ll see the entrance to the lounge on the left.
Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK hours
The Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK is open daily from 9AM until 12:10AM. However, you can expect the hours to change based on airline schedules, so don’t count on that sticking, since this also acts as the contract lounge for many other airlines.
Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK entry requirements
The Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK is intended largely for Turkish Airlines passengers, given that the airline typically operates two daily flights to the airport. However, that’s not the only way to access the lounge:
- The lounge is open to Priority Pass members, with usage allowed for up to three hours (at times there may be capacity constraints); there are many premium credit cards offering Priority Pass™ memberships
- In line with Star Alliance lounge access policies, you can use this lounge if you’re a Star Alliance Gold member, or are departing in Star Alliance first or business class; however, personally I’d prefer the nearby Lufthansa Lounge
Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK seating & layout
The Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK is roughly 4,600 square feet, with seating for around 140 guests. The lounge primarily consists of one big room, with several seating options.
When you enter the lounge, you’ll first see some long padded benches, which aren’t exactly the most comfortable place to sit, but I suppose they make good overflow seating.
Deeper into the lounge you’ll find the dining area, featuring a dozen tables, seating three people each (which seems like an odd number of chairs to put at each table, in terms of the parties in which people typically travel).
To the side of the dining area, you’ll find some chairs arranged in rows facing one another, as well as a counter with some high-top seating, looking out over the apron.
Lastly, the very back of the lounge has a bunch of couches, which won’t exactly win any design awards.
The only part of the lounge that isn’t in the main room is a small area inside the entrance and to the right, featuring a conference room table, which essentially seems to act as a communal workstation.
One nice thing about this lounge is the views, as it’s a fantastic vantage point from which to look at the apron. But my gosh, winter weather in New York almost makes you wish there weren’t windows…
Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK food & drinks
The Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK has an underwhelming food and drink selection, all available at a self-serve buffet. Note that the lounge doesn’t have alcohol — I was under the impression that it was just taking time to secure a license to serve alcohol, but it has been so long now, and I wonder if it might just be intentional.
Around breakfast, food options included a variety of carbs (muffins, bagels, croissants, toast, etc.), olives, whole and sliced fruit, cheese cubes, and yogurt.
Then there were four hot options, including cheese omelets, pogača (a Turkish cheese pastry), home fries, and lentil soup.
In terms of drinks, there was an espresso machine, drip coffee, a selection of tea, juice, canned soda, and bottled water.
That’s a rather disappointing selection in terms of both food and drinks, if you ask me.
Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK bathrooms
The Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK has bathrooms, but not showers. The men’s room had two sinks and three stalls, and was pretty basic.
Bottom line
The Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK would probably be my last choice among the lounges in Terminal 1. While the lounge has lots of natural light, it’s otherwise not very impressive. The furnishings aren’t particularly nice, the food selection is limited, and there’s no alcohol. Turkish Airlines’ outstation lounges are usually above average, but this lounge is an exception.
What do you make of the Turkish Airlines Lounge New York JFK?
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