Several Oneworld airlines use Terminal 7 of New York’s JFK Airport – British Airways, BA OpenSkies, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, and Qantas. However, there are only two Oneworld lounges in JFK Terminal 7: the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge and the British Airways Concorde Room.
The more exclusive Concorde Room is only open to passengers flying First Class on British Airways or those holding a Concorde Room Card when flying any Oneworld carrier. The British Airways Galleries Lounge has a First Class and Business Class section. It is open to British Airways silver elite members and above who are flying any Oneworld airlines or Oneworld sapphire and emerald members who are also flying Oneworld airlines.
I have used this lounge a few times while flying British Airways and Cathay Pacific flights out of JFK. After clearing security, the lounge is up the escalator from the main terminal area. The First Class area of the lounge is on the left of the entrance, while the business class area is on the right.
Business Class Galleries Lounge
The business class area of the lounge is quite huge, as it serves quite a few airlines. Upon entering the business class area, there is a large business center on the right side. There is a long walkway with plenty of seating spaces. At the end of the walkway is the Elemis Spa and a small children’s play area. Passengers flying first and business class on British Airways will receive a complimentary 15-minute treatment. Passengers wanting to shower can also use the shower rooms here by the spa. Needless to say, the toiletries are provided by Elemis.
The main area of the lounge has a small fountain in the middle with some natural light shining in. There is a long row of food and beverages in a section called “Coffee House.” The food selection in the lounge is normally just some finger food – sandwiches, fruits, biscuits, packet chips, etc. There is also a coffee machine, tea, and cold drinks in the fridge below.
While the lounge has a small variety of food, it is compensated with a large variety of drinks. On the left of the main area is a small station called the Pub. As the name suggests, this area offers two draft beer choices and some bottled beers in the fridge below. There are also some fruit juice options here.
On the right side of the main area, there is a long winding bar in front of another bar setup. This area normally has four varieties of red and white wines each, a good selection of hard liquor, water, and some bar snacks. There is a bathroom next to this area.
Terraces Lounge
At the back of the main area is also an outside area called the Terraces Lounge. This area overlooks the check-in and entrance area of the airport terminal. A buffet spread is served here in the evenings for British Airways business class passengers and those flying Cathay Pacific First class. The food selection here normally consists of salad, a few hot options, and soup. There is normally a small selection of cheese and fruits as well.
First Class Lounge
The First Class lounge is smaller than the Business Class one, as it also expects to serve fewer passengers. Upon walking in, there is a food area on the right side. The food choices are quite similar to the business class one, but the drinks selection is slightly better, with the addition of champagne – usually Laurent Perrier.
The seating area for the First Class lounge consists mostly of dining tables and lounge chairs. In general, I find this area to be a bit dark. There is also a small business center here with a row of computers.
Those needing to shower and use the spa must head to the Business Class lounge.
Overall
Overall, the British Airways Galleries lounge is average for Business class. As a First Class lounge, the lounge is unmemorable. Passengers flying First Class on British Airways should opt to go to the Concorde Room instead.
Luxury Travel Diary contributor Lenard Lim wrote this review.
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