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Take a 360 degree spin around Airspace Lounge JFK at T5:[cardboard id=11723]
Despite it’s small size, there are a few different ways to lounge here at Airspace Lounge JFK. Seating comes in many forms from bar to workbar to lounger, it’s all here. The space keeps each area of seats to a minimum though. At crowded times, I can see this getting on a nerve or two. If you’ve spent money to get in, buyers remorse might set in if you see any zen-like empty gates on exiting.
Whether you pay a fee or use an airline or credit card benefit to enter, you’ll get a food allowance. My $10 card got me an antipasto plate and $2 left over to apply toward a $7 Bud Light…no thanks. “Dining Menu” options seem more reasonable in price than booze, but that doesn’t mean they’re actually reasonable. With the exception of free coffee, tea and soft drinks, airport pricing lives inside the Airspace Lounge JFK too. Granola for $6.50 or $8 soup anyone?
Both the bartender and snack-crafter were skilled hosts, but drink service was a little slow. On this visit our resident mixologist had to the front desk to get people checked into the lounge. As things got busy, it got a little chaotic.
Terminal 5 seems to have at least as much power and wi-fi mojo outside the Airspace Lounge JFK. I actually connected to the complimentary JetBlue signal with no problems and decent speed. Outlets inside the lounge could be found along the work-bar and near some lounge seats but lacking in other spots. The terminal might win there too.
We’re giving this lounge a bit of a pass assuming the front desk person called in sick today. If the lounge is normally staffed with only a snack specialist and bartender though, it’s a problem. As the lounge got more crowded we saw people lining up at the front desk while drink orders stacked. Once help arrived though, we were well taken care of.
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The cramped feeling and odd food allowance (and food pricing) might keep us away from Airspace Lounge JFK on future visits to Terminal 5. The waiting areas and food options outside the lounge seem nice enough that it might not be worth the bother trying to get checked in. If we do bother, it’ll be to see if they’ve got more people working.
I was flying TAP Portugal Executive (Business) which got me in this time. I also carry the American Express Platinum Card that offers complimentary access. Both come with a credit ($10 at the time of this visit) good for food inside the lounge.
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Modhop Host & Founder Jake Redman brings years of global exploration and travel tips to the podcast and our videos at Modhop. Jake is also a Producer and Host for SiriusXM.
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Kevin on July 25, 2016
Actually, in this case, the Amex Platinum actually has access through the card itself, and NOT Priority Pass. Priority Pass members don’t have access to the Airspace lounge.
In my experience, the lounge really is that crowded and staffed like that. Every time I’ve visited, the bartender is also the one checking people in at the front desk.
modhop on July 25, 2016
Thanks Kevin. I’ve updated the post with the correction.
Just curious, do you ever skip the lounge to avoid the hassle? Are there better non-lounge options that you like better in T5?