1st look: American Airlines, British Airways unveil 3 gorgeous lounges in JFK's Terminal 8

It's Soho, Soho, Soho, and it's all located in the same area.

The new premium lounges at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport are named after three neighborhoods in New York and London.

The doors will open on Thursday. British Airways and American Airlines have been working on a co-location for a long time.

Terminal 8 has been home to American Airlines operations for a long time. British Airways will co-locate in Terminal 8 in the year 2019.

The airlines invested $400 million in Terminal 8 to expand it, add more wide-body gates, and upgrade the baggage handling system.

The co-location of British Airways and American Airlines will create a seamless experience for the scores of passengers with connecting flights.

As of Thursday, the Oneworld alliance hub in New York is Terminal 8. Japan Airlines will be moving to Terminal 8 in May of 2023.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency that oversees JFK, hosted a press conference to show off the new spaces.

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Revamped premium check-in facility

Terminal 8 has two premium check-in facilities that are wood lined.

The most private check-in experience in the entire terminal can be found in the more exclusive area.

An agent will escort you through frosted glass doors to a check-in desk after you've verified your eligibility.

While you're sitting or relaxing, you can complete check-in formality at the counter. You won't have to lift a finger to get your luggage off the conveyor belt.

One of seven.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The Flagship First check-in facility used to occupy this space, and it was a big design upgrade.

The front of the security line is just a few steps away from here.

The larger, open-air check-in facility will be used by all other flyers. The space isn't as exclusive as the one reserved for first class, but it's still nicer.

There are 6 people in this picture.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

There are lanes for counter and kiosk service, as well as a few couches to help you recover from the check-in experience.

You will exit the facility in front of the priority and PreCheck lanes.

The following passengers will not have access to the more exclusive check in facility.

• American Flagship First flyers (including on transcontinental routes).
• American Flagship Business Plus flyers (this is a new bundle available on select routes).
• American invite-only Concierge Key members on all routes.
• American Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members on long-haul Flagship routes, including from the U.S. to:
• Asia.
• Australia.
• Europe.
• Middle East.
• New Zealand.
• South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela).
• Access is available regardless of cabin class.
• Note that transcontinental routes are excluded.
• British Airways first-class passengers.
• British Airways Gold members.
• Oneworld Emerald members from non-U.S. programs on any same-day Oneworld flights.

The check-in area will accept flyers.

• American Flagship Business flyers (including on transcontinental routes).
• American Platinum members on long-haul Flagship routes, including from the U.S. to:
• Asia.
• Australia.
• Europe.
• Middle East.
• New Zealand.
• South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela).
• Access is available regardless of cabin class.
• Note that transcontinental routes are excluded.
• British Airways Club World passengers.
• British Airways Silver members.
• Oneworld Sapphire members from non-U.S. programs on any same-day Oneworld flights.

Chelsea Lounge at JFK

You can go to one of the lounges after clearing security.

One of the two.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The most exclusive lounge in the world is located on the upper level above the gates.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

You will be taken to the lounge's signature circular Champagne bar after verification. The server would be happy to give you a crystal flute if you want it.

One of the four.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The bar is one of the snazziest in the airport lounge. The 150 hand-molded pieces of frosted glass were created exclusively for American and BA in the Czech Republic.

You can find a long list of other labels in the menu.

The lounge has seating for 128 people. There are a variety of seating options in the space.

One of eight.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The seats are within arm's reach of a power outlet and a couple of ports. The walls are lined with a livewallpaper that changes settings throughout the day, which should help set the mood before your flight.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

There is no windows or natural light in this space.

There will be a fireplace in the center of the lounge, but it wasn't put up during the tour. There is a relaxation area in the far back corner and a few workstations built into the wall near the back of the lounge.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The most exclusive restaurant in the entire terminal is located in this space.

One of the five.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The dining room has a variety of two- and four-top tables that can be used for a multicourse meal. There will be American and British classics on the menu.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

During the media tour, you'll be able to see some of the delicacies that were displayed, such as bagels and lox. The James Beard Award finalist chef is the chef in charge of the menu in the Soho lounge.

There are 6 people in this picture.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The full menu can be found in the gallery. There is a small drink station near the dining room that serves a variety of drinks.

One of the three.

Courtesy American Airlines.

Three to four stalls and urinals are included in the gender-specific restroom at theChelsea Lounge.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

On a first-come, first-served basis, there are three average-sized shower suites in the lounge.

One of the four.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The best of American's Flagship First Dining facility and the Concorde Room can be found in the same place. There is plenty of space to spread out and relax at the restaurant. It doesn't have any natural light, but the design is more elevated than the Flagship First Dining facility.

This is American's fanciest lounge worldwide, and it's likely to be a toss-up between the Concorde Room in London and theChelsea Lounge.

Travelers will be able to enjoy some preflight relaxation in the lounge.

• American Flagship First flyers (including on transcontinental routes).
• American Flagship Business Plus flyers (this is a new bundle available on select routes).
• American invite-only Concierge Key members on Flagship routes, including from the U.S. to:
• Asia.
• Australia.
• Europe.
• Middle East.
• New Zealand.
• South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela).
• Access is available regardless of cabin class.
• British Airways first-class passengers.
• British Airways Gold Guest List members.

Soho Lounge at JFK

The Soho Lounge is the second most exclusive lounge.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The area is shared with the lounge. When you enter the upper-level lobby, a receptionist will help you find the right space.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The Soho Lounge is one of the most stylish and well-designed spaces in the airport. The lounge is 12,000 square feet and has seating for nearly 300 people.

One of the five.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

There is a variety of dining tables and bench seats in the cocktail and bar area.

The main lounge area has a dining room, living area and private workstations.

There are 6 people in this picture.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

Pick a table in the center of the lounge if you want to grab a bite. There will be a buffet and a la carte service available to order.

One of the four.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

We won't be able to tell you the quality of the food and drinks in the Soho Lounge, but we will review it after it opens.

Representatives for both airlines promised delicious fare and sophisticated drinks, including a cocktail menu designed by Richard Boccato. The coffee will be provided in the lounges.

One of the four.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The petrified wood wine table was not on display during the tour.

The food menu is in the gallery.

One of the two.

Courtesy American Airlines.

You have a choice of several areas if you want to relax. Aviation enthusiasts will likely gravitate towards the individual recliners lining the perimeter of the lounge because of the impressive floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of the tarmac.

One of the five.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

There are some co-working tables at either end of the space, as well as five private workstations near the back of the lounge.

One of the four.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

You won't find any books in the library that is carpeted. If you bring a book with you, it will be the perfect place to relax and read.

There are 6 people in this picture.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

The Soho Lounge wasn't finished in time for the tour.

If you need assistance with your travel plans, the space will be staffed by American and British Airways agents.

There are both gender-specific and gender-neutral restrooms, all of which have the same design.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

Half of the shower suites are accessible to people in wheelchairs.

One of the three.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

With a luxurious design, floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of space to move around, the Soho Lounge is a step up from American's traditional Flagship lounge.

Travelers will be able to relax in the Soho Lounge.

• American Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro flyers on Flagship routes, including from the U.S. to:
• Asia.
• Australia.
• Europe.
• Middle East.
• New Zealand.
• South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela).
• Access is available regardless of cabin class.
• American invite-only Concierge Key members on non-Flagship routes.
• Oneworld Emerald members from non-U.S. programs on any same-day Oneworld flights.

This space is reserved for travelers who know how to use it.

Greenwich Lounge at JFK

The third and final lounge in Terminal 8 is called the Greenwich Lounge.

The Flagship Lounge, Flagship First Dining facility and Concourse B Admirals Club are all present in this space. As of Thursday, the Flagship and Admirals Club marketing will be removed, and the entire space will be renamed the Greenwich Lounge.

One of the two.

The Points Guy is Zak Firth.

Travelers will need to cross between the lobby area of the lounge and the old admirals side to get to the Flagship side of the lounge.

The renovated open-air bridge space in the center of Concourse B will open in the coming months and will be folded into the lounge when it's complete.

The space will hold more than 590 flyers. The Flagship First dining facility will likely be used by travelers once it is no longer needed.

I don't want to give too much information about this space since it won't change from my recent review. There will be lots of seating, floor-to-ceiling windows, showers, and a generous buffet in the lounge.

The food menu for the lounge can be found in the gallery.

One of the two.

Courtesy American Airlines.

The passengers will be given access.

• American Flagship Business flyers (including on transcontinental routes).
• American Platinum flyers on Flagship routes, including from the U.S. to:
• Asia.
• Australia.
• Europe.
• Middle East.
• New Zealand.
• South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela).
• Access is available regardless of cabin class.
• British Airways Club World passengers.
• Oneworld Sapphire members from non-U.S. programs on any same-day Oneworld flights.

The co-location with British Airways in New York will allow American to offer four different types of lounges at the airport.

The least premium lounges still occupy the former space of the Flagship Lounge and welcome all of the same travelers.

Travelers with top-tier elite status or on first-class tickets will be welcomed to newer and more exclusive spaces as a result of the co-location.

Travelers who use the Admirals Club are the ones who get the short end of the stick. There will only be one Admirals Club at JFK in the future, located at the other end of the underground tunnel.

No matter which gate you fly from, you'll need to walk underground to the lounge. The Concourse C Admirals Club should be big enough to handle the crowds.

British Airways used to offer a preflight dining service for business class passengers in Terminal 7. Some Club World travelers might see this as a negative.

Bottom line

British Airways is located at JFK.

The United Kingdom flag carrier will move to Terminal 8 on Thursday. That will make it easier for travelers to get in and out of the water. The upgraded check-in facility is the first step in a new premium experience for flyers.

The two brand-new lounges are gorgeous, and they're the two loveliest lounges in the American network. The new Concorde Room will be replaced by the exclusive newChelsea Lounge, which will be the only one of its kind.

The Flagship Lounge is getting a new name and no amenities are being cut.

The Oneworld alliance hub in New York is quickly becoming Terminal 8 with the co-location of two airlines. It's great for most flyers, but it's even better for those who have access to the new lounges.