American Express Centurion Lounge

15,000 square feet over two floors in JFK T4

This American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4 runs 10:00–23:00 and serves as JFK’s big premium card lounge benchmark, not a quiet retreat. It sits airside in T4, so you need to already be through security and flying from terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, or 8 with time to spare for the AirTrain or shuttle if you’re changing terminals.

Access is tight: only Amex Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Reserve, and Centurion Card holders get in, and agents do turn people away when the 15,000-square-foot space hits capacity. Expect a check-in queue at peak evening bank times for Delta and international departures out of T4.

Food runs off a buffet line with hot dishes and salads, included with entry and usually refreshed on a lunch/dinner cadence between roughly 12:00 and 21:00. Drinks from the bar are also complimentary, with a proper cocktail list and espresso-based coffee, though tip jars are common and service speed drops during the 18:00–21:00 rush.

Showers are available but not obvious: you have to request a slot at the front desk, and regulars ask for a shower key or reservation as soon as they enter. With only a limited number of shower rooms, late-evening international waves often mean a wait list that can stretch past 30 minutes.

Wi‑Fi is free but only “just okay” according to recent reviews, good enough for email and basic VPN but not ideal for heavy video calls. Power outlets sit along banquettes and near work tables, though some seats still share a single outlet between two people, so bring a small power splitter if you have multiple devices.

Crowding is the main drawback: the lounge was the largest Centurion when it opened in October 2020, but Terminal 4 traffic and more premium cards in circulation mean 17:00–20:00 often feels like a busy gate area with better food. Morning sessions before 13:00 and late slots after 21:30 tend to be calmer.

One practical tip: if your layover is under 60 minutes gate-to-gate in T4, skip this and stay near boarding; the walk plus check-in queue can easily eat 25–30 minutes on its own.