Wingtips Lounge (legacy)

Wingtips Lounge – New York Kennedy (JFK)

The Wingtips Lounge is the only shared and independent contract lounge at New York’s JFK airport Terminal 4. The club serves a dozen airlines including Hainan Airlines, Asiana, China Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and South African Airways. Outside peak hours, the Wingtips Lounge also welcomes members of virtually popular airport lounge access programs Priority Pass, Lounge Club, Diners Club, and Dragon Pass vary. (Off-hours are typically 3 pm to 8 pm, but they may vary; call the lounge at +1 (718) 751-4222 to inquire.)

The Wingtips Lounge can be found immediately after the security checkpoint, on the right side, between the SWISS Lounge and the El Al King David Lounge. (Do not go down to the main concourse area, stay on the mezzanine level where the security checkpoint is located.)

Wingtips Lounge (legacy) JFK design

Wingtips Lounge – New York Kennedy (JFK)

The Wingtips lounge at JFK Terminal 4 occupies a cramped and oddly-shaped space on the mezzanine near the security checkpoint. From the tiny reception area, the club spreads in two directions, though guests tend to congregate on the left side, so you may have better luck finding a seat on the right side at peak times. Indeed, the lounge is routinely overcrowded, particularly late mornings and mid-afternoons to evenings, at peak departure times.

The club is divided into a series of adjoining room. The partitions carve out more intimate spaces, though they also make the space tighter than it is. Then, there’s a few oddities, such as an office space that takes valuable real estate away from the dining area, and the kitchen, nestled by the window in what could be a prime quiet space.

Wingtips Lounge – New York Kennedy (JFK)

On the left side of the lobby is a dining area with a buffet, beverage coolers, and a dozen dining tables. In the rear is a small seating area. On the right side of the reception desk are several similar seating zones outfitted with traditional lounge chairs, some with ottomans. The highlight of the club is the series of highly private—and extremely coveted—“shell” seats along the window, which offer excellent privacy, and come with oversized arm rests and a side table, not to mention a front-row view over the tarmac.

Power outlets are few and far between, typically in the ground, but often misaligned with seats.

The Wingtips Lounge sees very high traffic, and the appearance of the club is often underwhelming. At peak times, the staff has difficulty picking up plates and trash. Even when quiet, the club shows its wear and tear.

On the plus side, the club benefits from ample natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows along the entire length of the space. There are also limited views of the tarmac, though a substantial portion of the lounge overlooks the roof of the terminal.

Wingtips Lounge (legacy) JFK amenities

The Wingtips lounge at JFK airport offers a set of essential amenities.

The buffet sports a simple but enjoyable selection of salads and cold appetizers, as well as whole fruit, sweets, and cookies.

Wingtips Lounge – New York Kennedy (JFK)

The star of the show is the self-serve bar. Patrons will find a generous selection of wines, Prosecco, and middle-shelf liquor, along with the necessary accoutrements to craft the cocktail of their choice, such as lemons, limes, olives, and tomato juice. The lounge is definitely well stocked; there’s plenty more to drink in the larger cooler by the self-serve bar area.

Other beverage options include soft drinks, espresso, and filtered water from a Vivreau dispenser.

Secure Wi-Fi is available, though there are no notable business amenities otherwise. Other amenities include two bathrooms on either side of the lounge, as well as a small selection of newspapers and magazines.

Overall, the Wingtips Lounge amenities will serve the needs of a domestic traveler, but they miss the mark for long-haul, business class passengers.

Wingtips Lounge (legacy) JFK bottom line

Wingtips Lounge – New York Kennedy (JFK)

The Wingtips Lounge at New York JFK airport is the most underwhelming lounge at Terminal 4, but it’s also the one with the most generous access rules and the most extensive opening hours.

Your experience may vary based on the time of your visit and your expectations. A Priority Pass member visiting early afternoon, just after the morning rush, will find a relatively quiet club with private cocoons overlooking the tarmac, and a simple but enjoyable range of food and beverages. A Business Class passenger visiting at peak times will stumble upon a cramp, loud, and often dirty space with little privacy and only basic amenities.

If you can afford to skip the Wingtips Lounge and arrive at your gate at the last minute, consider doing so. Alternatively, consider using partner lounges when available. For example, as customers of a SkyTeam member airline, premium passengers of Xiamen Airlines, China Airlines, and Air Europa may use the vastly superior Delta SkyClub near gate 25.