Both the American Express Centurion Lounge and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK offer premium lounge experiences, but they cater to slightly different audiences and have distinct features. The Centurion Lounge focuses on providing a high-quality buffet and a modern, stylish ambiance, while the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse offers a la carte dining and a wider range of access options. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, access eligibility, and travel needs.
| Attribute | American Express Centurion Lounge (JFK) | Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (JFK) |
|---|---|---|
| Access Type | American Express Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, and Centurion Card; Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card (when flying Delta); Access is typically allowed within 3 hours of your scheduled departure. | Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers (+1 guest), Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members (+1 guest), SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling on Virgin Atlantic same day, Delta Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Medallion members (+1 guest), Singapore Airlines Suites passengers or Solitaire PPS Club members (traveling on Singapore Airlines flights), Air Europa Business Class passengers, American Express Platinum or Centurion cardholders (+2 guests). *Note:* Some sources indicate Amex Platinum access may vary or no longer be available., Capital One Venture X cardholders (+2 guests), Priority Pass members (access during specific hours), Dragon Pass members |
| Guest Policy | Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders: Up to 2 complimentary guests if they spend $75,000 in eligible purchases per calendar year; otherwise, a guest pass can be purchased for $50 per adult or $30 per child (ages 2-17). Centurion cardholders: Up to 2 guests or immediate family (spouse/domestic partner and children under 18) at no extra charge. Delta Reserve cardholders: Up to 2 guests at $50 per person. | Typically one guest, but Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X cardholders may be allowed two guests. Solitaire PPS Club members traveling on Singapore Airlines flights do not have guest access. |
| Hours of Operation | 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. | 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM daily |
| Food Menu Quality and Variety | Offers a variety of buffet options with hot and cold foods. Menus are curated by a chef, featuring locally-inspired dishes. Examples of food offered: meats, pastas, soups, roasted vegetables, salads, desserts (cookies, brownies, cakes, pudding), miso glazed chicken, vegetable fried rice, and chocolate cake. | Offers a la carte dining with a wide selection of appetizers, mains, desserts, and kids' options. Breakfast menu served during morning hours. Menus change seasonally. Complimentary meals, signature cocktails, non-alcoholic, vegetarian, and vegan options are available. |
| Drink Selection | Includes non-alcoholic beverages like teas, flavored water, and espresso. Premium bar with cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits. Features a speakeasy (1850) with prohibition-themed cocktails. | Wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Offers beer, cider, red, white, and sparkling wine, cocktails, and mocktails. Standard beverages like sparkling water, soda, and coffee are available. Bartenders prepare cocktails to order. |
| Seating Comfort and Availability | Offers a variety of seating options, including armchairs, couches, dining tables, and high-top communal tables. Seating areas include a reserved area for Centurion cardholders. | The lounge is 10,000 square feet with a variety of seating areas. Includes armchairs, booths, dining tables, and loungers. Seating arrangements accommodate both solo travelers and small groups. Can get crowded in the evenings. |
| Wi-Fi Speed and Reliability | High-speed Wi-Fi is available. | Wi-Fi is available free of charge. Speeds around 25 Mbps down and 74 Mbps up have been recorded. Another source mentions speeds around 92Mbps up and down. |
| Shower Facilities Availability and Cleanliness | Shower suites are available and generally clean and well-maintained. | Shower facilities are available. Shower suites include walk-in showers, sinks, and toilets. Cleanliness is generally good, with towels and toiletries provided. |
| Spa Services (Availability and Cost) | Equinox Body Lab offers workout, meditation, and fitness sessions. | Used to have a spa area and hair salon, but it has been shut down. Virgin Atlantic customers were entitled to a free 15-minute treatment, but Singapore Airlines passengers and those accessing the lounge via credit cards were not entitled to complimentary treatments. |
| Noise Level | Can get crowded and noisy. | Can get crowded and noisy, especially in the evenings. Constant boarding announcements can disrupt the ambiance. |
| Power Outlet Availability | Ample power outlets are available throughout the lounge. | Power outlets are scattered throughout the lounge, including Type A and B plugs and USB Type-A charging ports. Some reviewers feel there are not enough power outlets, especially in the dining area. |
| Overall Ambiance and Design | Two-level lounge with comfortable seating and luxurious amenities. Decorated with a stylish color palette, art pieces, and design elements inspired by New York's cultural landmarks. Includes unique features like phone booths representing different eras in New York history. | Stylish, 10,000 sq ft space with design language on-brand for Virgin. Features bold colors, egg pod seating, quirky artwork, and a centerpiece bar. The design is inspired by Uptown Manhattan with luxurious furnishings and soothing lighting. |