a sign on a wall
The Final Verdict
4.8
Space
Food + Beverage
Amenities
Style

If you’ve come here looking for a serious, nail biting review- you’ve come to the wrong place. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK’s Terminal 4 is just far too much fun to write a direct and serious review. Instead, you’ll get a much better feel for spending your time there- getting haircuts, drinking cocktails, playing pool and dining to your hearts content- if we just show you. If this place ever gets old- you’ve gotta re think some things…

The Entrance Is Immediately Stylish…

virgin JFK clubhouse check in – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

You’ll find the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at the “A” gates of Terminal 4. Up the stairs (or elevator) you go, and you’ll find the instantly appealing entrance. After a quick greeting and confirmation that you’re eligible for lounge entry either via your Virgin Upper Class or Delta One ticket- or by frequent flyer status through Delta or Virgin Atlantic, you can head in.

And There’s Waiter Service, So Just Find A Seat And Let The Good Stuff Come To You…

clubhouse sitting – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

There are quite a few ways to hang in the Clubhouse, but for any plane geeks, it’s hard to beat a seat with a view of the runway and tarmac (with Virgin Atlantic plane in the background). After settling into your extremely expensive reclining chair, you can browse the food and cocktail menu- a waiter will be around shortly to bring you whatever (and however many) of whatever you’d like! On this particular visit, there were seasonally inspired cocktails in honor of Wimbledon! Nice. And if you’re headed to London (duh)- the London Clubhouse is absolute madness!

Of Course You Could Also Go Play Some Billiards…

clubhouse pool table – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

As we might have mentioned, there’s plenty of space for serious business and quiet time- but the best thing about the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is the FUN. Simply head to the check in desk and ask for the billiard set. They’ll get you hooked up with everything you need to bet your travel companion the next round of drinks (which are free in the lounge of course, so a very safe bet). No travel companion? No problem, you can always brush up on your skills solo- much like this completely staged photo…

Or Have A Quick Nap…

virgin JFK clubhouse lounging – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

There’s a seating area for every need in the Clubhouse, and if you make a quick left upon entry- you’ll find the space age, slightly strange-but cool, looking pods. Perfect for a group of people to hang out, or one tired traveler to pass out. As you can see from the menu cards, there’s still waiter service, so if you wake up in need of some french fries or a delicious chicken curry (or a refreshing mojito), that’s entirely possible…

Or Get A Haircut And Massage, So You Can Look The Jet Set Part…

virgin JFK clubhouse haircut – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

Feeling like a star is key to a happy business class experience. With that in mind, you can get a freaking top notch stylist haircut in the lounge, a relaxing massage or both. As you can expect, massages are in high demand, so head directly across the lounge when you enter-find the spa area and put in your time slot request ASAP. After a massage and some champagne you’ll be in London before you know it.

And If You’d Like A Sit Down Meal, You Can Do That Too…

virgin JFK clubhouse dining – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

First things first- you can get anything off the menu from anywhere in the lounge.  If however- you’d like the full “sit down” experience, you can head over to the dining room, where a sharply dressed waiter will bring you anything from the wide ranging starters, small plates or entrees menu. And yes, before you ask- they’ll bring you your drinks too…

But Before You Go, It Would Be A Crime To Pass Up A Tipple At The Bar…

clubhouse bar – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

Virgin Atlantic takes airport bar to the next level-literally. Sure, there’s wine, beer, champagne and basic drinks, but Virgin Atlantic has a partnership with world renowned NYC bar “Employees Only”, offering cocktails you’ll only find in the clubhouse. Of course the champagne is no slouch either- Virgin Atlantic still serves Lanson Black Label, which is definitely one of the best business class champagnes you’ll find in a lounge. Enjoy (somewhat responsibly)…

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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4 Comments

  1. Brilliant to see not all British Airlines are cheapskate head cases… Based on service and style, new flag carrier?

    1. I flew back with Lufthansa First, and despite the more expensive beverage offerings, I really find the Clubhouse to set the benchmark. It’s a playful, great way to relax before a flight.

  2. Hey gstp,

    I have a VA first class flight out of JFK and I was looking forward to spending some time in the Clubhouse but due to the terminal change to T7, they’re no longer allowing passengers access to the club. Do I have any recourse here? Not to say outright compensation (I’m not that delusional) but is there any substitute club to which they’re temporarily allowing access, food vouchers, etc?

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