I’ve been to the JFK Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4 before, so my original plan was to visit the newly opened Chase Sapphire Lounge next door. That space used to be just the Etihad Lounge and it was rebranded and reopened as a combined Chase/Etihad lounge earlier this year. Access to that lounge comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card (which my wife holds) plus as a Priority Pass member (through my Capital One Venture X), I can get one free entry per calendar year. Etihad business and first class passengers also have access pre-flight.

As I was solo, I attempted to enter around 2:15pm after my arrival from Atlanta on Delta in Terminal 4 using my Priority Pass once per year benefit. My British Airways flight to London wasn’t until 7:45pm, but given that I had a connecting itinerary, albeit on different tickets, I expected to be able to gain access. Alas, that was not to be. The agent at the desk said I could only enter using Priority Pass up to three hours before my flight regardless of the connection. I didn’t complain (much). The policy seemed reasonable given that Etihad provides lounge access here and there was an A380 sitting at the nearby gate which I’m sure has a huge business class section.

Because it was right next door and I had time to kill, I went to the Amex Centurion Lounge. Thankfully, the Amex access rules on connecting itineraries are more liberal and I was able to enter using my Amex Platinum card by showing the arrival and departure boarding passes. The lounge was, of course, very crowded. It’s on two levels, with food and drinks on both levels. I took the elevator down to the lower level to try and find a place to sit.

I briefly checked the speakeasy, which is at the very end of the above corridor, but it was packed without a seat available. The drink menu is the same at the regular bar nearby and I found a barstool available there.

There was a hot and cold buffet nearby.

I made myself a plate with some chicken, veggies and rice and ordered an old-fashioned from the friendly bartender.

I had a 3:30pm conference call, but there was no chance I was taking it in this crowded and busy lounge. Around 3pm, I left the lounge. I grabbed a few more pictures on the way out.

The Amex Centurion Lounge JFK is a crowded lounge, but it’s at least a good place to grab some food and a drink if you don’t otherwise have access to any of the other lounges in Terminal 4. If I didn’t have the call at 3:30, I would have waited until 4:45pm when I could try and enter the Chase Lounge. However, because of the call I headed over to Terminal 5 to find a quiet spot.

Up Next: TWA Hotel JFK Photo Essay

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