JFK Lounge Guide (T1/T4): Primeclass, HelloSky, Air India

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the airport lounges available via LoungePair at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport. Whether you're flying from Terminal 1 or Terminal 4, finding a comfortable space to relax before your flight can make all the difference.

This guide covers three excellent options you can book using LoungePair:

Primeclass Lounge in Terminal 1
HelloSky Lounge in Terminal 4 (Note: This lounge recently rebranded from Primeclass Lounge)
Air India Maharaja Lounge in Terminal 4

We'll detail how to gain entry (including purchasing flexible passes via LoungePair), review the services and amenities, and describe the layout of each lounge, helping you choose the perfect spot for your pre-flight relaxation at JFK.

Purchase JFK New York Lounge Access

Primeclass Lounge (Terminal 1)

If you're departing on an international flight from Terminal 1, the Primeclass Lounge offers a solid retreat.

Lounge Video Review

To get a starting feel for this lounge, we’ve shared a video review below.

This one is from ‘My Travel Vlog’, and is from late 2022:

Location

The Terminal 1 Primeclass Lounge at JFK Airport is located after security, next to Gates 8 and 9. Look for the prominent entrance in the middle of the Terminal, between these gates. Once you have checked in at the front desk, you will need to go downstairs to access the lounge.

Primeclass Lounge T1 JFK airport front desk reception area with wide window views of the tarmac and bright lamps on either side of side of the desk. Informational pamphlets are positioned on the desk.

You can see the lounge location on the Terminal 1 map below. If you click on the image, you’ll go to the official JFK map. This will let you navigate the map and see where this lounge is located relative to your departure gate.

Note that access to the T1 JFK Primeclass Lounge is only available if you are departing on an international flight from Terminal 1 - you’re out of luck if you’re on a domestic flight or departing on an international flight from another Terminal.

Lounge Opening Hours

Monday: 10:30 - 21:00
Tuesday: 11:30 - 01:30
Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: 11:30 – 21:00
Thursday, Saturday: 09:00 – 01:30

Please note that the maximum stay in the lounge is limited to 3 hours to help accommodate guests comfortably.

Lounge layout and seating

The Primeclass Lounge in Terminal 1 is 5,120-square feet in size – about 400-square metres for those of us in the metric world – which makes it big enough to accommodate a reasonable number of guests.

Nearby the bar area is a high-top table with counter seating.

Hightop table seating Primeclass Lounge T1 JFK featuring seating area next to a buffet with high stools and a decorative plant in the centre. The buffet station includes various items under food plates and a beverage station.

The other seating areas in the lounge alternatives between tables, and swivel and high-back lounge chairs. Watch for the New Yorker imagery on the walls, which is a pleasant aesthetic touch!

Seating area at the Primeclass T1 JFK Airport. Burgundy chairs and dark blue sofas are positioned against the edge of a room, between them are round small wooden tables. The mirror wall at the back of the sofas are deocated with New York artwork.

Seating area near a window at the T1 Primeclass Lounge JFK Airport. Tables and chairs of 4 are seated against the side of the room next to a bright window with a decorative planet in a wooden barrel on the ledge.

Cream swivel back chairs at the prime class Lounge T1 JFK Airport. The image shows various swivel chairs and privacy-enclosed chairs next to them. There is mirrored wall on the far end of the room and various decorative New York memorabilia and art.

There are also seats nearby the business centre in case you find that the main lounge area is crowded.

Food and beverage in the JFK Primeclass Lounge

Complimentary drinks at this lounge are limited to those drinks listed on a specific menu that you’ll have access to at the bar. Premium drinks and cocktails will cost extra.

Bar seating area at JFK Primeclass Lounge T1 featuring a well-stocked bar with a marbled or marbled appearance back wall with an embedded tv. The bar has several barstools and menus along its countertop, as well as other signs such as for wifi.

The Points Guy team took a snapshot of the menu at their last visit in 2019, which was a little while back so may have changed since then:

Drinks menu including wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages at the T1 Primeclass Lounge at JFK Airport.

Spirits and cocktails menu from prime class lounge at T1 JFK Airport.

As you can see, premium alcoholic drinks like cocktails are on a separate menu and are therefore subject to charge:

There is a long buffet area located just across from the bar. The hot food selection typically includes staples like rice, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, and chicken entrées. The buffet also features soups, a fresh salad bar, and various light snacks including nuts and packaged treats. Near the beverage station, you'll find grab-and-go options perfect for those rushing to their gates.

A selection of salad from the buffet at the T1 Primeclass Lounge at JFK Airport.

An assortment of hot food items under lids at the buffet in the T1 Primeclass Lounge at JFK Airport.

Behind the bar is a counter area with light foods and non-alcoholic drinks in dispensers and fridges. There are also two self-service coffee machines – sufficient, but would be nice to have a barista!

Beverage station at the T1 Primeclass Lounge at JFK Airport, featuring a coffee machine, various condiments, a small fridge at the bottom with various drinks including soft drinks, and a fruit basket on the countertop.

Lounge amenities

The Primeclass Lounge at JFK International Airport in Terminal 1 offers a range of amenities to make your pre-flight experience more comfortable and convenient.

The lounge has one dedicated shower suite, tucked behind three individual rest‑rooms at the very back of the lounge.

The Points Guy team took some great photos of the bathrooms, which we’ve reproduced below.

Shower bathroom at the T1 Primeclass Lounge at JFK Airport.

Bathroom at the T1 Primeclass Lounge at JFK Airport. Individual bathroom stall, brightly lit, large circular mirror and wooden panelling.

Because there’s only one suite, availability is first‑come‑first‑served. Recent trip reports (Live and Let’s Fly and One Mile at a Time) note the shower as occupied during mid‑afternoon visits and that there was “a long wait” for the two regular bathrooms at peak times (~5 pm–9 pm when the Europe‑bound banks depart). Outside those peaks, reviewers often walked straight in.

Plan for 0–15 min off‑peak or 20‑30 min at busy times; just put your name on the list at reception as soon as you arrive. Staff will hand over fresh towels plus basic toiletries (shampoo, soap, lotion) when they give you the key.

The lounge also offers magazines, newspapers, and computers with printing facilities.

Business computers positioned on a white desk lined with black office chairs at the JFK T1 Priceless Lounge.

Wi-Fi is available with download and upload speeds of (reportedly) 4.66Mbps and 4.9Mbps respectively.

There are also plenty of outlets, each with two AC points and two USB ports for charging devices.

Accessing the JFK Primeclass Lounge (Terminal 1)

There are several ways to access the Primeclass Lounge in Terminal 1:

Purchase Primeclass Lounge Access (Terminal 1)

Buy access with LoungePair: Flexible lounge passes are available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from US$66 per person, a fully refundable pass for an additional $6, or for free with LoungePair+ purchase.
Use a lounge membership program or credit card: Access is available through Priority Pass, DragonPass, Lounge Key, TAV Passport, or Diners Club. Note that these options do not guarantee access in advance, and your guest benefits may vary depending on your membership type. You may have access to one of these membership types via a credit card like American Express Platinum, Diners Club, or Capital One.
Walk-Up: All passengers regardless of airline status or travel class are welcome at this Primeclass Lounge for a walk-up fee. Approach the lounge attendant for details.

Note that children under the age of two can enter the lounge for free. Premium alcoholic drinks and cocktails are subject to additional payment.

HelloSky Lounge (Terminal 4)

Located in Terminal 4, the HelloSky Lounge provides a comfortable space for passengers departing from this terminal.

Important Note: This lounge was previously operated as the Primeclass Lounge and rebranded to HelloSky Lounge recently. While the name has changed, reports suggest the core lounge experience, location, and amenities remain largely the same.

Lounge Location

The HelloSky Lounge in Terminal 4 can be found on Level 3, positioned inside the secure area, airside, adjacent to Gate A2.

Access to the lounge is limited to passengers with a departing flight from Terminal 4.

You can click on the map below to be redirected to the JFK Airport interactive map. This will help you navigate to the lounge or find out where it is located relative to your departure gate.

Lounge Opening Hours

The HelloSky Lounge is open 24 hours daily. Please note that the maximum stay in the lounge is limited to 3 hours to help accommodate guests comfortably.

HelloSky Lounge Terminal 4 JFK Airport Front Entry

Lounge Layout and Seating

This lounge is a softly lit, spacious area with muted tones.

The lounge contains a variety of brown leather seats and booths with black and wooden accent tables. There is a small dining area located next to the buffet.

This lounge opened in November 2022 originally designed as overflow for the Air India Maharaja Lounge, but is now maintained as a separate lounge.

The image shows a practical and clean airport lounge area, furnished with dark brown leather sofas and chairs, complemented by wooden tables. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall, and the room is well-lit by recessed ceiling lights. — Image Source: LoungeBuddy

Amenities

Take a look at this video from ‘Khiz and Eesa’ to get a sense for the amenities available at the HelloSky Lounge (previously Primeclass Lounge):

Here’s an overview of the services and amenities provided:

Food and snacks
Non-alcoholic beverages
Beer & Wine
Wi-Fi
Flight Monitors
Newspapers & Magazines
TVs
Power ports

Conference rooms are available for an additional fee. Please see the front desk agent for more information.

Food & Drink

The HelloSky Lounge offers a range of snacks and meals, including fresh fruit like oranges and apples, and an array of snacks such as Goldfish crackers, granola bars, chocolates, and dried fruits.

For heartier options, there are salads with potato, pasta and couscous, alongside sandwiches like ham and cheese, beef, turkey, and vegetarian options.

There are a variety of beverages including coffee, tea, water, apple juice, canned soda and alcoholic options such as beer and wine.

Buffet counter inside the Primeclass Lounge at Terminal 4 of JFK Airport, showcasing an array of snacks including muffins and packaged nuts under a glass display. The countertop is clean and white, contributing to a sleep design. — Image Source: LoungeBuddy

A food display at the Primeclass Lounge in JFK's Terminal 4, offering a selection of salads, sandwiches, and refreshments. The clean, modern buffet setup is well-maintained, with trays of food neatly presented under a glass cover and utensils. — Image Source: LoungeBuddy

A well-organized coffee and tea station inside the Primeclass Lounge at JFK's Terminal 4, featuring a Keurig machine, an assortment of tea bags, and fresh fruit. The station is neatly arranged with an array of cups and condiments. — Image Source: LoungeBuddy

Access Options (Terminal 4 - HelloSky Lounge)

There are several ways to access the HelloSky Lounge in Terminal 4:

Purchase HelloSky Lounge Access (Terminal 4)

Buy access with LoungePair: Flexible lounge passes are available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from US$54 per person, a fully refundable pass for an additional $6, or for free with LoungePair+ purchase.
Use a lounge membership program or credit card: Access is available through Priority Pass, DragonPass, Lounge Key, TAV Passport, or Diners Club. Note that these options do not guarantee access in advance, and your guest benefits may vary depending on your membership type. You may have access to one of these membership types via a credit card like American Express Platinum, Diners Club, or Capital One.
Travel Class and Airline Status: Business Class passengers on Singapore Airlines, including PPS Club members and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members, are granted access to this lounge.
Walk-Up: All passengers regardless of airline status or travel class are welcome at HelloSky for a walk-up fee. Approach the lounge attendant for details.

Note that children under the age of two can enter the lounge for free. Premium alcoholic drinks and cocktails are subject to additional payment.

The seating area in the Primeclass Lounge at Terminal 4, JFK Airport, displaying a variety of brown leather seats and booths with black and wood accent tables. A vase with fresh flowers adds a touch of color to the muted tones of the room. — Image Source: LoungeBuddy