Air France to move to JFK New Terminal One, opening largest lounge

Air France will relocate all its flights at New York-JFK to The New Terminal One, starting next year. This move will coincide with the opening of a new lounge, which will be the largest in the airline's international network.

The new lounge will span more than 2,700 square metres and offer seating for over 400 guests across two levels. It will reportedly be the largest lounge Air France operates.

Designed by Air France teams in collaboration with MARKS Brandimage, the facility will feature dining areas focusing on French gastronomy and a bar offering an exclusive selection of French wines and champagnes. Travellers will also have access to dedicated zones for beauty treatments, relaxation, and work.

Lounge Access and Exclusive Areas

Access to the new lounge will be available to La Première and Business customers, with the exception of those holding Business Light fares. Flying Blue Elite Plus members and eligible passengers flying with KLM and other SkyTeam partner airlines will also be able to use the facility.

Specific exclusive spaces are planned within the lounge. Flying Blue Ultimate members will have a reserved area – a lounge within the lounge, so to speak. La Première customers will benefit from an exclusive area featuring a dining offering created by a French chef, along with a personalised airport experience from arrival at The New Terminal One through to boarding.

Operations at JFK

Air France currently operates up to 11 daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York, split between JFK and Newark airports during the summer season. Up to six daily flights operate to New York-JFK, including four Boeing 777-300ER flights equipped with the new La Première cabin. Delta Air Lines, Air France's transatlantic joint-venture partner, operates an additional three flights to JFK. Air France also runs up to two daily flights to New York-Newark.

Source: AirFrance

Opinion

A brand-new terminal means modern infrastructure, and a substantially larger lounge – more than 2,700 square metres – is a significant upgrade from Air France's current offerings in the US. Personally, I've never been a big fan of huge lounges, though. Instead of privacy and a feeling of exclusivity, you get queues at the food areas, busy washrooms, and loud groups of people. It somehow feels like the opposite of what I value in a lounge. But it remains to be seen how this new one turns out.