Flying out of New York JFK’s Terminal 8 always feels more manageable when you have access to one of the oneworld lounges, and on this trip I spent a quiet morning in the American Airlines Greenwich Lounge before a Cathay Pacific business class flight. I was traveling in Cathay business as a oneworld Sapphire member, which made entry seamless, and Terminal 8 is particularly well set up for oneworld travelers since all premium lounges are grouped together airside.
Lounge access in Terminal 8 generally breaks down as follows:
- Greenwich Lounge: oneworld business class passengers and oneworld Sapphire members flying on a oneworld airline
- Soho Lounge: oneworld Emerald members and passengers traveling in first class on select oneworld long-haul flights
- Chelsea Lounge: invitation-only access, generally reserved for the most premium American Airlines and oneworld first class passengers, including ConciergeKey members
While I haven’t personally visited the Soho or Chelsea Lounges, both have strong reputations for being significantly more luxurious than the Greenwich Lounge. From what I’ve heard from other frequent travelers, the Soho Lounge offers a more exclusive atmosphere with elevated dining and a refined design, while the Chelsea Lounge sits at the very top of the Terminal 8 lounge hierarchy, known for its ultra-premium service, à la carte dining, and highly private feel. They are often described as destination lounges in their own right, rather than simply places to wait for a flight.
My Cathay Pacific flight was a morning departure, and the Greenwich Lounge was extremely quiet when I arrived. With fewer long-haul flights leaving at that hour, the space felt calm and almost private, which is not something you can often say about JFK. Because of the light crowding, a few sections of the lounge were closed off. This didn’t detract from the experience at all and may have actually improved it, concentrating guests into a smaller area and making the lounge feel more intimate. There was no shortage of seating, and it was easy to choose exactly the kind of environment I wanted, whether that meant sitting near the windows, closer to the food, or tucked away in a quieter corner to relax before boarding.
One of the more interesting design elements of the Greenwich Lounge is the presence of several distinct bar areas rather than a single main bar. Each bar feels slightly different in layout and atmosphere, which gives the lounge a sense of variety as you move through it. Even though it was morning and most guests were focused on coffee rather than cocktails, these bar spaces added character and made the lounge feel more thoughtfully designed than a standard open-plan waiting area. It’s easy to imagine how these areas would come alive later in the day during peak departure waves.
Breakfast was being served during my visit, which was ideal given the early departure time. The selection wasn’t over-the-top, but it was solid and well suited to a morning flight. There were hot breakfast items alongside lighter options, making it easy to grab something quick or sit down for a more substantial meal. Everything was well organized and regularly refreshed, and with so few people in the lounge, there was no waiting or crowding at the buffet. It was a comfortable, stress-free way to start the day before a long-haul journey.
What stood out most during this visit was just how peaceful the Greenwich Lounge felt. Without the usual hustle of peak hours, the lounge’s modern design really shone through. The lighting was soft, the color palette understated, and the overall vibe was calm and understated rather than flashy. Staff were present and attentive without being intrusive, and the entire experience felt polished and efficient.
For oneworld Sapphire members and business class passengers, the Greenwich Lounge delivers a genuinely premium experience that aligns well with expectations for international travel. It may not have the same level of exclusivity or dining refinement that people associate with the Soho or Chelsea Lounges, but it excels in comfort, space, and atmosphere, especially during quieter periods like the morning.
As a prelude to a Cathay Pacific business class flight, the Greenwich Lounge was a great match. Cathay is known for its calm, refined service, and the lounge experience complemented that perfectly. The quiet environment, decent breakfast, and interesting layout made it easy to unwind and mentally shift into travel mode before boarding.
Overall, the American Airlines Greenwich Lounge at JFK Terminal 8 is a very interesting space, particularly if you catch it during off-peak hours. The multiple bar areas, generous seating, and relaxed morning atmosphere made this visit especially enjoyable. While the Soho and Chelsea Lounges may be the more glamorous options for those who qualify, the Greenwich Lounge proves that even the “standard” oneworld business class lounge at JFK can offer a high-quality, genuinely pleasant start to a long-haul journey.
