Skip to content

The runway chalet at the TWA Hotel is back for the holidays

Dec. 25, 2021
3 min read
TWA Hotel Runway Chalet at The Pool Bar 1
The runway chalet at the TWA Hotel is back for the holidays
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editor's note: This post has been updated with new information.


In the midst of the busy holidays, nothing sounds better than cozying up by a fire with a nice drink and good company. And you can do just that at the Runway Chalet at the TWA Hotel's Pool Bar, which is back for the season.

TWA has transformed the rooftop area of the bar into a 1960's ski lodge-themed chalet. The rooftop is both tented and heated and decked out in retro ski gear like any chalet should be. You can get in on the fun from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m daily.

(Photo courtesy of The TWA Hotel)


The chalet features 18 special cocktails, including some with aviation geek-approved names from "Eero Dynamics" (bourbon, orange bitters, Angostura bitters and Demerara) to the "Control Tower Sour." You can also opt for a seasonal cocktail like the "Wintry Mix" with vanilla vodka, muddled raspberry, Chambord, pineapple and cranberry juices and lime.

After you've enjoyed drinks and food by the fire, you can get in some planespotting while relaxing in the pool-cuzzi — heated to 95 degrees or higher — that overlooks Runway 4 Left/22 Right.

Pool reservations are recommended — even if you're a guest at the hotel. Each reservation is allotted for one hour and 45 minutes, but walk-ins will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis.

Hotel guests can make a pool reservation for free, otherwise, you'll have to pay up the following rates:

  • Monday through Thursday: $25 per adult and $20 per child (ages 5 to 12)
  • Friday through Sunday: $50 per adult and $20 per child (ages to 5 to 12)

Children 4 years of age and under can use the pool for free with adult supervision. To make a reservation, email poolbar@twahotel.com.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

The New York City COVID-19 vaccination rules apply to the TWA Hotel. For indoor activities, everyone 5 and older must show proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at this time. Effective Dec. 27, 2021, people ages 12 and older must provide proof of at least two vaccine doses, except for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Starting Jan. 28, 2022, children ages 5 to 11 must also show proof of full vaccination to participate in indoor activities.

Related: Sticker shock: TWA Hotel has $50 per person fee, plus tax, to use that famous rooftop pool

Bottom line

TWA makes layovers at JFK fun — from the Runway Rink to the Connie cocktail lounge and now the Runway Chalet. Even if you don't have a layover, the TWA Hotel can be a fun break from the city — just prepare yourself for the trip to get there.

Now, who's ready for that "Weather Delay"?

Additional reporting by Stella Shon.

Featured image by Alyssa Meadows
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app