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British Airways Is Giving Its JFK Terminal a Royal Makeover

April 28, 2017
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3 min read
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British Airways Is Giving Its JFK Terminal a Royal Makeover
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British Airways has shared renderings in a press release of planned upgrades to its flagship airport space in the USA — Terminal 7 at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport. The airline will spend an estimated $65 Million on the updates.

British Airways' new premium check-in area at JFK. Rendering courtesy of the airline.

“We are currently working behind-the-scenes with top architects and designers to create a beautiful new space for our customers to relax, dine and work in before they take off. The new environment at Terminal 7 is designed for our customers to enjoy a smoother, faster and more relaxed airport experience. This will involve significantly increasing the number of people we can seat for in-flight dining, re-styling the space and adding new lighting, bars and furniture," said Abigail Comber, British Airways Head of Customer.

The airline trumpeted the opening of its new lounge in Boston, and said that it'll be making upgrades to its lounges in Aberdeen, Rome, Geneva, San Francisco, Chicago, Johannesburg and Manchester.

New check-in area for all BA passengers at JFK. Rendering courtesy of the airline.

According to the airline, these are all the changes it's making at JFK T7:

  • An enhanced, spacious check-in area for a fast, efficient customer journey.
  • An exclusive new premium check-in zone with fast-track security lane.
  • Redesigned and updated lounges with more space to relax, dine, and work.
  • The introduction of an authentic New York culinary experience with local food and beverage concepts to satisfy a variety of tastes.
  • An immersive retail environment for duty free shopping and concessions.
  • New gate seating areas with additional power outlets, designed for customer comfort and convenience.

BA has been making an effort to invest in its top customers — including a new first-class check-in area at London Heathrow (LHR) and a re-designed Club World (business class) product to roll out in 2019. In June, new catering will be introduced at the Heathrow business lounges, and breakfast service will be extended until 11am. Starting in July, fresh new linen, bigger pillows, a soft mattress topper and duvet will be introduced on board to increase passenger comfort.

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However, BA has also been downgrading the economy product in some cases. Last year, it replaced the customary second meal in World Traveler (economy) on long-haul flights under 8.5 hours with a meal replacement bar. Some snacks, such as Pringles, are now available for purchase. Earlier this month, CEO Alex Cruz said BA may consider charging World Traveler passengers for meals on long-haul flights, following a "rough start" in introducing buy onboard meals on shorter flights.

Would these updates make you more likely to fly British Airways to London?

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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