You’re standing in JFK Terminal 7, looking at the departure board, and your neck already hurts from that weird draft near the security line. You’ve got your Priority Pass tucked into your digital wallet, and you’re thinking, "Sweet, free snacks and a chair that isn't bolted to the floor." But here’s the thing—JFK Terminal 7 is a bit of a moving target these days.
Terminal 7 is currently the "British Airways’ former home" that’s being managed by a consortium while the airport undergoes a massive multi-billion dollar facelift. Because of all this construction and shifting airline alliances, the lounge situation feels like a game of musical chairs. Honestly, if you show up expecting the old Alaska Lounge to just be there waiting for you with open arms, you might end up disappointed.
What Actually Works for JFK Terminal 7 Priority Pass Users?
The biggest question everyone asks is: Is there a lounge in Terminal 7 I can actually get into? As of early 2026, the primary option for Priority Pass members in Terminal 7 has been the Lounge @ T7 (formerly known as the Alaska Lounge or the Horizons Lounge in various iterations). This space has a bit of a confusing history. For a long time, it was the go-to spot for Alaska Airlines flyers, but after Alaska moved over to Terminal 8 to be with its American Airlines buddies, the space was rebranded.
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Here is the deal with the Lounge @ T7:
- Location: You’ll find it on the Mezzanine level, just past security. You basically go through the checkpoints and then look for the stairs or elevator near the gates.
- Access: It typically accepts Priority Pass, but—and this is a big "but"—they are notorious for putting out "Lounge Full" signs during the evening rush.
- The Vibe: It’s fine. It’s not the Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4, and it certainly isn't the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. It’s a clean room with some yogurt, maybe some soup, and a self-serve bar.
If you are flying out on ANA, Icelandair, or Norse Atlantic, this is usually your home base. Just don't expect a five-course meal. It's more of a "charge your phone and grab a Heineken" kind of place.
The VIP ONE Catch
You might see "VIP ONE" listed on your app. This isn't exactly a lounge in the traditional "sit and eat" sense for everyone. It’s a fast-track security service located landside (before you go through security). Some high-tier Priority Pass memberships or specific credit card versions allow you to use the fast-track lane here, which is a massive win because Terminal 7 security can sometimes feel like a slow-motion nightmare.
However, don't go there looking for a buffet. You go there because you want to skip the 40-minute wait at the TSA checkpoint.
Why the Terminal 7 Situation is Sorta Weird
Terminal 7 is effectively living on borrowed time. With the "New Terminal 6" construction happening right next door, airlines are constantly shuffling. This affects lounge contracts. One month a lounge is in the Priority Pass network; the next month, it's exclusive to Aer Lingus business class passengers because their old space is being renovated.
Speaking of Aer Lingus, they have a lounge near Gate 1. Historically, it hasn't been a Priority Pass partner. They keep it pretty locked down for their own AerClub members and business class flyers. If you’re a Priority Pass holder, don't spend twenty minutes walking over there just to be turned away. Stick to the Mezzanine level.
The Secret Strategy: Terminal Hopping?
I get asked this a lot: "Can I just go to Terminal 4 or Terminal 1 and use a better lounge?"
Technically? Yes.
Practically? Probably not.
JFK terminals are not connected airside (behind security). If you land at Terminal 7 but want to go to the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Terminal 4 (which is incredible, by the way), you have to take the AirTrain, clear security in Terminal 4, hang out, then leave, take the AirTrain back, and clear security again in Terminal 7.
Unless you have a six-hour layover and a serious obsession with Sapphire Lounge dumplings, it's just not worth the sweat.
Food and "Experiences" vs. Lounges
Priority Pass has been moving away from just "lounges" and into "experiences." In some terminals, you get a $28 credit at a restaurant.
Unfortunately, Terminal 7 is the "dry desert" of Priority Pass restaurant credits right now. Most of the eateries like Bobby Van’s are in Terminal 8. In Terminal 7, you’re mostly looking at standard airport fare like Dunkin' or a generic deli. You won't be using your pass to get a free steak here.
How to Not Get Rejected at the Door
Look, nothing ruins a vacation vibe faster than a lounge agent pointing at a "Members Only" sign while you're holding your Priority Pass. To avoid the walk of shame, follow these rules:
- Check the app 10 minutes before you arrive. The Priority Pass app is surprisingly good at updating "Space Prohibitions." If they are turning people away, it sometimes shows up there first.
- Evening is the danger zone. Terminal 7 handles a lot of international departures to Europe and Asia. Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, that Mezzanine lounge is packed. If you're flying a 10:00 AM flight to Toronto or something, you’ll likely have the place to yourself.
- Have your boarding pass ready. They need to see you’re actually flying out that day.
Practical Steps for Your Next Trip
If you’re flying out of JFK Terminal 7 next week, don't just wing it.
First, confirm your airline. If you’re on United, you’re in Terminal 7. If you’re on Alaska, you’re actually in Terminal 8 now—stop reading this and look up the Greenwich Lounge instead!
Second, check your Priority Pass type. If you got your pass through an Amex Platinum, you don't get restaurant credits anyway, so you aren't missing out on the non-existent food deals in T7. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you might have better luck at the "The Club" style lounges.
Lastly, manage your expectations. Terminal 7 is the underdog of JFK. It’s functional, it’s smaller, and it’s a bit dated. The lounge is a place to escape the gate noise, not a destination in itself.
Bring a backup power bank just in case the lounge is full, and maybe grab a sandwich at the deli before you head up the stairs. That way, if the "Lounge Full" sign is up, you aren't starving and powerless at Gate 6.
Before you head to the airport, open the Priority Pass app and search for "JFK." Toggle to the Terminal 7 tab and check the "Opening Times" section. These hours change frequently based on flight schedules, especially with Norse Atlantic’s seasonal shifts. Knowing if the lounge opens at 5:00 AM or 8:00 AM can save you a lot of aimless wandering.