British Airways has today reopened its flagship lounge in the United States in New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in Terminal 7, following a 16-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The opening of the Galleries Club lounge also marks the next step in what the airline calls ‘phased lounge reopening plan’ and will be available for passengers travelling in First, Club World and eligible card holders, ahead of their flight to London Heathrow Airport.
The news comes in time for the UK Government’s announcement that fully vaccinated travellers from the United States will be exempt from quarantine on arrival into the United Kingdom from 2nd August 2021.
Those flying from JFK in First and Club World can also enjoy an ‘enhanced’ check-in experience at the exclusive Premium Zone. The First Wing and First check in are also open.
Stay up to date: Sign up for my newsletter to never miss latest Aviation and Travel news.
Passengers travelling on British Airways will now also be able to use the airline’s innovative new digital app ‘Your Menu’ to order food directly from their mobile device to their seat after scanning a QR code. The app will be available throughout the lounge, meaning that passengers can select from a wide range of complimentary food and beverages, to any seat.
On their return from the United States, at London Heathrow, passengers will have access to the Club and First lounges in Terminal 5, along with the new sleep zone ‘Forty Winks’, allowing them to rest ahead of their flight.
Tom Stevens, Director of Brand and Customer Experience, British Airways, said:
After the news about the change in entry requirements for US customers in to the UK, we expect to host more customers who need to travel and so we have decided that it is the right time to open our flagship lounge in New York. We are looking forward to welcoming some of our American customers back to London from next week and bringing Britons who reside in the US home for much-needed family time.
Elsewhere, the airline recently reopened three domestic lounges in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Meanwhile, Buy-On-Board has returned to British Airways’ short-haul flights and has also announced four new routes out of Belfast.
Featured image by British Airways
What do you think of British Airways reopening First Class lounge at New York JFK? Let me know in the comments section below.
Follow IH Aviation and Travel on Social Media on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.