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. My first stop was at the VIP Lounge New York JFK (and subsequently I checked out the Air France Lounge, the Lufthansa Lounge, the Primeclass Lounge, and the Turkish Airlines Lounge).
I find this to be an intriguing concept, as VIP ONE JFK offers both a landside lounge, as well as a fast track security feature. While the lounge as such isn’t the most exciting thing on earth, the fast track security is hugely valuable, given what a mess JFK Terminal 1 can be. This facility is a treat, especially since you can access it with Priority Pass.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK location
The VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK is a bit hidden, so you have to know where to look. Once you’re in the check-in hall of Terminal 1 JFK, just look for check-in counters in the “E” row, immediately to the left of the main security checkpoint.
Immediately behind that you’ll see the exterior of the VIP ONE Lounge, so that’s how you can access the lounge. Let me emphasize that this lounge is landside (before security). After all, one of the selling points of this facility is that you get expedited security.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK hours
The VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK is open daily from 8AM until 12AM, covering a vast majority of departures from the terminal. Terminal 1 is used exclusively by select international airlines, and doesn’t have many early morning departures.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK entry requirements
The most practical way to access the VIP One Lounge New York JFK is through Priority Pass. Priority Pass members can access the facility for up to three hours, and any visit to the lounge includes fast track security. To my knowledge, this is the only facility in the United States where you can get fast track security by having Priority Pass, so that’s pretty awesome.
In addition to Priority Pass, the VIP ONE Lounge also sells access for cash. Prices range from $45 just for fast track security, to $65 for fast track security plus the lounge, to $200 for all of the above plus an escort from the curb to the gate.
Lastly, some airlines have partnered with VIP ONE to offer this service for first class passengers. To my knowledge, those airlines include Air France, Korean Air, and Lufthansa.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK seating & layout
Inside the entrance to the VIP ONE Lounge JFK is a reception desk, with the fast track security to the right, and the lounge to the left.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this lounge, given that it’s essentially a makeshift setup within the check-in hall, and I also think the primary selling point of the facility is the fast track security. So with that in mind, I was pleasantly surprised by the lounge. It was small but reasonably nice.
There was one main room with chairs arranged in rows facing one another, as well as dining tables with two chairs each.
Then there was the area with the buffet, with also had a couple of long communal tables with a bunch of chairs.
Then there was a small room off to the side, with a couch and some more chairs (this room was marked as reserved).
The facility was basic but nice enough. In particular, I appreciated how empty the lounge was, as there was no one else using it during my visit. Nowadays that’s a rare treat for Priority Pass in the United States.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK food & drinks
The VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK has a small buffet plus a small a la carte selection. In the morning, the food options included cereal, whole fruit, pretzels, chips, snack mix, muffins, cookies, and brownies. Drinks included drip coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks, and beer.
In addition to the buffet, tables have QR codes, where you can order from a more substantial selection of food. At breakfast, options included yogurt with granola, oatmeal, french toast, eggs, and more.
On top of that, you could order espresso-based drinks, plus prosecco or mimosas.
I’m sorry to disappoint y’all, but I couldn’t bring myself to order anything in the lounge. Not because it didn’t look decent, but because I eat way too much on these trips, so I have to control my consumption. For a Priority Pass lounge, I’d say the menu selection looks pretty good, though.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK bathrooms
Unfortunately the VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK doesn’t have bathrooms or showers. Instead, you’re directed to use the bathrooms in the terminal, right near the lounge.
VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK fast track security
The single greatest thing about the VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK is that it offers fast track security. You can enjoy the lounge, and then once you’re ready to proceed through security, one of the lounge staff will assist you with that.
The lounge has a private door that leads directly to the TSA agent who is checking IDs, so you can completely avoid the wait for the ID check. I should also mention that the VIP ONE Lounge staff are pretty aggressive (in an entirely good way) with helping you get as close to the front of the line at the security belt as well. They really do make this feel like a VIP experience, much different than something like CLEAR.
While this concept can be useful just about anywhere, it’s especially valuable at JFK Terminal 1, which I find to have among the most disorganized security of any terminal in the country, at least during peak hours.
A large percentage of the passengers passing through security aren’t American and don’t speak English as their first language (or at all). So they’re not familiar with security policies, and then you see the TSA agents simply barking their orders more loudly at them, as if the issue is volume, rather than comprehension.
I can’t understate how valuable VIP ONE is during peak hours, as it can save you a lot of time and aggravation.
Bottom line
The VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK is a unique facility that Priority Pass members have access to. This consists of a decent landside lounge with a small selection of a la carte food and drinks. However, the main reason to use this facility is for the fast track security feature, which can save you a significant amount of time during busy periods.
If you’re a Priority Pass member with unlimited visits, there’s absolutely no reason not to visit this lounge, even if it’s just for access to the security channel.
What do you make of the VIP ONE Lounge New York JFK?
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