American Airlines now offers a pre-flight restaurant experience at New York’s Kennedy Airport in a huge change from what’s been seen from the airline before.

American Airlines has debuted its newly-renovated Flagship Lounge and brand new Flagship First Dining at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport.

At the same time, American is expanding access for Flagship Lounges to include Business Class customers (including Oneworld Sapphire members) traveling on qualifying international and transcontinental flights, in addition to First Class customers on those flights who previously had access.

The renovated and larger Flagship Lounge at JFK now allows those customers to unwind, work or refresh before their flight with quiet rooms, individual work pods and showers.

Customers can enjoy a range of food options including a robust hot and cold food buffet, an a la carte dining menu and a chef’s table with a rotating menu of made-to-order entrees. They can pair their meals with premium wine and champagne or a drink from the new ‘make your own cocktail’ station.

The new premium buffet at American’s Flagship Lounge at New York’s JFK Airport

A NEW DINING EXPERIENCE

The upgraded facility at JFK means customers can now experience Flagship First Dining for the first time.

The sit-down restaurant experience will offer customers complimentary, full-service dining with locally-inspired menus and is available for customers travelling in First Class on qualifying international and transcontinental flights.

The JFK menu will feature ingredients from local purveyors including cheese from Sprout Creek Farms and grass-fed beef from Joyce Farms that will be used in American’s signature Flagship Burger, an item that will be available in all of our Flagship First Dining locations.

Customers can also enjoy specialty cocktails designed by renowned New York mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer and hand-selected wines from master sommelier Desmond Echavarrie.

American Airlines has introduced Flagship Dining

“Customers in the Flagship Lounge and in Flagship First Dining will enjoy elevated service throughout their trip,” said Kurt Stache, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Loyalty and Sales.

“We already provide the best premium in-flight experience among U.S. airlines. Now we’re thrilled to unveil our remodeled Flagship Lounges and to be the first U.S. airline to offer top-of-the-line dining in the airport.

“We are proud of our Flagship experience and we hope our customers will agree it’s the best product out there,” Stache said.

In addition to the upgraded JFK lounge, new or renovated Flagship Lounges are planned for Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), London Heathrow (LHR), Miami (MIA) and Philadelphia (PHL).

American began renovations to its Flagship Lounges and announced its plan for Flagship First Dining last year as part of a USD$200 million investment in the luxury travel experience.

The new, spacious Flagship Lounge at New York’s JFK Airport

FASTER CHECK-IN

Additionally, customers on qualifying international and transcontinental itineraries can start their journey with Flagship First Check-In, an exclusive check-in area in JFK’s terminal 8 and other airports, helping them get to the Flagship Lounge faster.

Customers will be greeted by dedicated Premium Customer Service representatives who will assist with check-in, check their luggage and escort them to an expedited security line.

Flagship First Check-In is also currently available at Chicago O’Hare, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, and Miami, with plans to add it at Dallas Fort Worth.