Lounge access rules change often — confirm in the lounge's app or the card's benefits page before you fly.
The Centurion Lounge JFK is on level 4 of Terminal 4, to the left after security. It's a two-level lounge with two main bars and a hidden speakeasy called 1850. Upgraded Points calls it the largest Centurion Lounge in the network. If you fly Delta or one of the many international airlines in Terminal 4 and carry an Amex Platinum, this is the best reason to get to JFK early. Flyers in other terminals can't reach it without clearing security again.
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Quick answer
- Location: Terminal 4, level 4, after security, to the left of the escalators down to the gates.
- Who gets in: Amex Platinum, Business Platinum and Centurion cardholders on any airline from Terminal 4. Delta Reserve cardholders on a same-day Delta flight booked with the card.
- Guests: $50 per adult and $30 per child aged 2–17, and guests must be on your flight. Platinum holders get two free guests after $75,000 in calendar-year spending.
- Best card: Amex Platinum ($895). Delta flyers who don't want the Platinum can use the Delta SkyMiles Reserve ($650).
At a glance
| Location | Terminal 4, level 4, left after security |
| Airside from | Terminal 4 only (A and B gates) |
| Size / opened | 15,000+ sq ft over two levels; opened October 2020 |
| Showers | Yes (shower suite) |
| Food & bar | Two buffets, two main bars, 1850 speakeasy, specialty coffee bar |
| Entry window | 3 hours before departure, 5 hours on a connection, no arrivals |
| Guest fee | $50 adult, $30 child 2–17, free under 2 |
How to get in
- Amex Platinum / Business Platinum: The cardholder gets in free with ID and a same-day boarding pass on any airline. Terminal 4 has Delta plus carriers like Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Air India and others.
- Centurion card: Free, plus two complimentary guests who don't need to be on your flight.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve (personal or business): Free on a same-day Delta flight paid with the card. You can bring up to two guests at $50 each. This matters more at JFK than at most Centurion airports because Delta's whole JFK operation is in Terminal 4.
- Not accepted: Priority Pass, Amex Gold, Green or Delta Platinum, and day passes.
Guest policy
Since July 8, 2026, guests have to be on the same flight as the cardholder. Platinum and Business Platinum guests cost $50 per adult and $30 per child aged 2–17, and children under 2 are free. Spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year and two guests per visit become complimentary.
For a family heading to Europe on a Delta evening departure, that adds up. The Chase Sapphire Lounge upstairs in the same terminal admits two guests free with a Sapphire Reserve, though Chase currently lists it as on limited operations. The Capital One Lounge charges Venture X holders $45 per adult guest.
What it's like
When TPG toured the lounge before it opened on Oct. 9, 2020, it measured more than 15,000 square feet over two levels. The upper level seated about 223 people and the lower about 146. Each level has its own bar. The 1850 speakeasy is tucked behind a door next to the lower-level bar. At opening, the menu was overseen by chef Ignacio Mattos and the cocktails were created by Jim Meehan. Amex hasn't said whether those partnerships continue.
Today, the Centurion site lists two premium bars plus the speakeasy, signature cocktails, wines curated by sommelier Helen Johannesen, and a specialty coffee bar. Food is part of Amex's "Culinary Collective" program. Amex's lounge page lists showers, a family room, private rooms, printers and Wi-Fi. TPG counted two shower rooms with L'Occitane products in 2020. Menus rotate, so we don't list dishes.
Crowds: Terminal 4's evening international bank keeps this lounge busy. When it's full, Amex runs a digital waitlist in the Amex app: check the live occupancy, join the queue from security, and check in within 10 minutes once you're called, per AwardWallet. Arriving earlier in the afternoon, before the transatlantic rush, usually helps.
Getting there
After the Terminal 4 checkpoint, turn left. Don't take the escalators down to the gates. The lounge is on level 4. If you're connecting and arrive at gate level, head toward Concourse A and take the stairs or elevator up to the fourth floor. JFK's terminals aren't connected airside, and the AirTrain runs landside, so flyers in Terminals 1, 5, 7 and 8 would have to clear security again. Hours vary, so check them in the Amex app.
Nearby alternatives
Terminal 4 has the best concentration of card lounges at JFK. See our full JFK lounge guide.
- Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK: Upper level near gate A2, run with Etihad. Chase lists it as temporarily on limited operations; when it's open, Sapphire Reserve gets in with two free guests, then $27 each.
- Capital One Lounge JFK: Level 3 retail hall near the B gates, open 24 hours. It's for Venture X holders.
- Delta Sky Clubs (Concourses A and B): Platinum gives 10 visits a year and Delta Reserve 15, on Delta flights.
- Priority Pass: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Air India lounge and HelloSky Lounge, all in Terminal 4.
FAQ
Is the JFK Centurion Lounge the biggest one? It's one of the largest, at more than 15,000 square feet over two levels when it opened in 2020. Upgraded Points (October 2026) calls it the network's largest.
What is the 1850 speakeasy? It's a small hidden bar behind a door next to the lower-level bar. It's part of the lounge and doesn't cost extra.
Can I use it with a Delta Reserve card? Yes, when you're flying Delta that day on a ticket bought with the card. Up to two guests can join at $50 each.
Can I use the JFK Centurion Lounge from Terminal 8 or Terminal 5? Not without leaving security, riding the AirTrain and going through screening again at Terminal 4. It's realistic only on a long connection.
Are there showers? Yes. Amex lists a shower suite, and TPG counted two shower rooms when the lounge opened.
Related guides
- JFK airport lounges
- Centurion Lounge locations
- Amex Platinum guide
- Delta Sky Club access
- Centurion Lounge LGA
Lounge access rules, guest policies and locations change. Always confirm current details with the airline, lounge operator or card issuer before you travel.
