Great news for Qantas passengers flying from New York's JFK: Qantas is switching terminals from JFK's Oneworld-heavy Terminal 7 to the primarily-American Airlines Terminal 8. A Qantas spokesperson confirmed to The Points Guy that the move will occur on April 3, 2018.
Currently, Qantas only operates a once-daily flight in and out of JFK — although it hopes to launch more flights to New York City if a new long-range aircraft is built. Qantas' sole flight is between JFK and Los Angeles (LAX) using a Boeing 747-400. This flight will switch to the airline's brand new Boeing 787-9 on September 1, 2018. Unfortunately for those that would like to try out Qantas' 787-9, you aren't able to just book this JFK-LAX segment alone. Instead, you have to book the flight through LAX onward to Qantas destinations Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL) or Brisbane (BNE).
This terminal move is a positive for those passengers beginning their Qantas journey in New York. The first and most practical benefit is going to be easier connections from or to American Airlines flights, which all depart out of Terminal 8.
And, Qantas moving to Terminal 8 is especially great news for Qantas premium cabin flyers and Oneworld elites. While you won't be able to check bags for Qantas flights there, qualifying passengers can effectively skip ahead of the security lines by using AA's Flagship First Check-In.
Lounge-wise, you'll be trading the dated-but-decent British Airways lounges in JFK's Terminal 7 — which are supposed to be upgraded eventually — for American Airlines' sleek new Flagship Lounge.
For Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard cardholders, this move will mean that you can visit one of American Airlines' two Admirals Clubs in Terminal 8 before your flight.
The good news also extends to Priority Pass members. There are no Priority Pass lounges in Terminal 7, but members can score up to $56 worth of free food and drinks at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse in Terminal 8.
This post has been updated to remove the reference to Flagship First Class Dining as Qantas doesn't operate its 747-400 with first class from New York's JFK and Qantas' new 787-9 doesn't have a first class cabin either.
