Offering a special gastronomic program and a mix of unusual restorative treatments, the Air France Lounge at JFK is an elegant escape in Terminal 1.

Review: Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK) Terminal 1 (2025)

Highs: The sightseeing during sunset, the buffet food quality, and choice of nice champagne.

Lows: Lack of seating at peak times, far from the Air France departure gate, poor WiFi/WLAN.

Verdict: Comfortable French hospitality.

Editor’s Note
This article was originally written in French and the original can be found here. The English translation is provided for convenience and is edited for clarity.

Getting in: Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK)

Entry to Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK) at Terminal 1. Image: Dan Latif.

Located at the other end of John F. Kennedy Airport in Terminal 1, Air France in New York hides its unexpected lounge behind an opaque glass door. Indeed, here is a duplex lounge with, as soon as you enter, a Clarins treatment area which offers twenty minutes of relaxation and a facial treatment.

Clarins Treatment Area in Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). Image: Dan Latif.

Three facials are available in the dedicated space: "Anti Jetlag", "Instant Detox" and "Focus Regard." The treatments are offered seven days per week from 2:00PM to 10:00PM.

Can I buy a day pass for the Air France Lounge at JFK?
Yes, Air France offers a Lounge Option at JFK Airport for customers who don't have complimentary access, depending on availability. The cost is $30-50 per person, and you can enter the lounge to three hours prior to departure.

Check-In at Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). Image: Dan Latif.

The ground floor is full so we take the escalator to access the extension upstairs which offers the most beautiful view of the runway and the planes in the context of the New York Skyline — especially wonderful at sunset.

Seating arrangement at Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK)

Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). Image: Dan Latif.

The furniture is mainly made up of chairs and tables in a two-person configuration, so you will quickly find yourself running out of space because passengers like to occupy the other seat with their bags or jackets. Because, we all hate having to share a table with a stranger and it's a shame.

Reserved Seating in the Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). Image: Dan Latif.

A particularly scenic table and booth are marked off with a red Sky Priority ribbon, and a sign clearly indicates it is reserved for Ultimate customers. This is the highest traveler status at Air France, and those with equivalent status on SkyTeam airlines can also use this space.

Food and Drink in the Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK)

On the buffet side, Air France offers you typical French hot dishes such as beef bourguignon, a gratin dauphinois loaded with cheese that runs abundantly, slow-cooked salmon with a melted texture, and finally the essential quiches and croque-monsieurs

Joseph Perrier champagne and Snack. Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). Image: Dan Latif.

The palmiers are far too dense and dry, and the visually enticing apple tart turned out to be very industrial, fortunately the quality madeleines have that taste of comeback and go perfectly with the Joseph Perrier champagne, cuvée Royale, whose bulging bottle and tight neck recall those old beautiful bottles.

Self-Serve Drinks at Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). Image: Dan Latif.

On the red wine side, Air France is not joking and offers a Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne from 2022. We stay in the region with another curiosity, a Gin from the house of Gabriel Boudier, a liqueur maker in Dijon since 1874.

Conclusion: Air France Lounge at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK)

After such a feast, the desire for a nap is most tempting, and if in addition you had an appointment at the Clarins treatment area, be careful not to fall asleep in this most restful bubble of relaxation.

It is twilight and we absolutely no longer want to depart. And yet, boarding has already begun. Let's go and “have a good trip”, as they say here.