An NYC-Based Pilot’s Guide to JFK T4 Layovers

Not many people admit to having a second home at the airport. But having been JFK-based for most of the last 8 years, I hold those unfortunate, unofficial bragging rights.

JFK Terminal 4 (T4) is a beast. It’s the only terminal in the U.S. that’s privately operated, and as of 2026, the recent expansion has made it even more of a trek. As a pilot who spends more time in these halls than in my own living room, I’ve learned that T4 isn’t something you “endure”—it’s something you navigate with a plan.

Here is my no-nonsense guide to the best (and worst) of T4, from the perspective of someone who sees it at 4:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

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Best Lounges

Call me cheap, call me lazy… but if I can find a way to finagle free food, I’ll take it. That being said, I do have high standards (exceeding anything you can find at the HelloSky Lounge, for example!) And I want this guide to be fully honest and transparent. 

You won’t find better food anywhere at JFK Airport than the Delta One Lounge, followed by the Delta SkyClub. I get literally nothing out of saying that, but having tried 90% of the options at JFK T4, it’s the absolute truth.

Next up are the CapitalOne, Centurion, and Chase Sapphire Lounges. I will go out on a limb and rank the lounges in that order. What’s most special about the Centurion lounge is the speakeasy – that elevates it over the others. But both the Chase Sapphire and Centurion Lounges often have long lines (particularly between 3-8PM), while not many people know about or have access to the CapitalOne Lounge.

The Air India Maharaja Lounge has, well, pretty good Indian food. And the Virgin Atlantic lounge sports quite good free food, but it’s only accessible to PriorityPass members a couple hours a day (and TBH, it’s probably not when you’re laying over).

JFK T4 Lounges Ranked:

Below is my personal ranking of JFK Terminal 4 lounges based on food quality, crowding, and overall value.

1. The Delta One Lounge (The Gold Standard): As of 2026, this is arguably the best lounge in the US. It’s nearly Michelin-level dining. If you have access (International Delta One ticket or very high-tier Delta status), don’t even look at the other options.
2. Delta Sky Club (B-Gates vs. A-Gates): The food is consistent. Pro Tip: The Sky Club near Gate A8 is usually a ghost town compared to the main B-gates lounge.
3. Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club: Located near the A-gates. This is a game-changer for Priority Pass holders (though access rules for PP can be finicky depending on your card type). The food is fresh, and the space feels like a boutique hotel.
4. The Centurion Lounge: Known for the speakeasy. It’s great, but between 3 PM and 8 PM, the line is longer than a security queue on Thanksgiving.
5. Capital One Lounge: Often overlooked, which is exactly why I like it.
6. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: Great food, but Priority Pass access is usually restricted to a very small window in the morning.
7. Air India Maharaja Lounge: Good if you want a quiet corner and decent curry, but the decor feels a bit “1994.”

Pilot’s Verdict: If you have a Priority Pass membership, the Chase Sapphire Lounge is your best bet, but always have a backup plan (like MinuteSuites) if the “Lounge Full” sign is out.

Best Restaurants

Terminal 4 isn’t particularly known for its exquisite dining or elaborate mixology, but there are options for a layover of any length. 

Here are the best restaurants at JFK T4, take-away and sit-down, ranked:

Quick Options/Takeaway If You’re in a Hurry 

1. Farmer’s Fridge (Near Gate B24): My go-to. As a pilot, I try to avoid heavy, greasy “flight deck bloat.” These salads are fresh and fast.
2. Bento Sushi: Solid, light, and won’t make you feel like a lead balloon at 35,000 feet.
3. Shake Shack (Near Gate B22 and B37): The legendary choice. It’s delicious, but the sodium spike is real. Save it for the flight home, not the flight out.
4. Jamba Juice (Near B27): Good, but watch the sugar. I usually grab unsalted almonds from Hudson instead.
5. Pizza Vino (Across from Gate B27): Sub-average pizza and wine in a somewhat run-down setting
6. McDonalds (Towards Gate A2, next to Starbucks): It’s there. Not for me, but at least the options are cheap.

Pro Tip: When you fly for a living, you learn that a Shake Shack double-burger before an 8-hour haul to Rome is a recipe for disaster.

Sit-Down Restaurants

1. The Palm Bar & Grille: High-end steakhouse vibes. If you have a 4-hour layover and a company credit card, this is the spot.
2. Eataly (Soon Open near B30): Can’t wait for good pizza and pasta. Once open, this will likely become the best non-lounge food option in the terminal.
3. Five Borough Food Hall (Near Gate B20): Options for everyone – Greek, Mexican, and more.
4. Buffalo Wilds Wings (Near Gate B26): A well-known, sports bar, offering mostly chicken wings and beer.

Pro Tip: none of the food matches (in my opinion) what you can get for free at the Delta SkyClub or even better, Delta One Lounge, assuming you have access.

Best Bars

If you’d like to imbibe before a flight, you’re in luck. Terminal 4 offers tons of great options.

1. Delta One Lounge: Top-notch drinks, service, and quality.
2. Le Grand Comptoir (downstairs after passing security): Great drinks and luxury vibes.
3. Centurion Lounge Speakeasy (Downstairs once you enter the lounge): Surprisingly good cocktails.
4. Gotham Speakeasy (Near Gate B37): Brand new, relaxed, quiet bay with good energy.
5. Van Wyck Bistro (Near Gate B38): New York vibes on peak, with excellent cocktails.

Best Coffee

To be honest, there aren’t any great coffee options in JFK (unless you love Starbucks).

1. Peet’s Coffee (Near B24): Probably the least-worst coffee in Terminal 4.
2. One of 2 main Starbucks locations (Near A2; Past B25)
3. Dunkin’ (Next to B33, across from Delta SkyClub)
4. Flatiron Coffee Roasters (extremely expensive, downstairs from security)

Flatiron is probably the most ‘local’/“authentic” coffee at JFK Terminal 4, but it’s expensive, even for NYC standards. But there are two Starbucks to choose from, so that’s probably good enough for most.

Pro Tip: Lounges tend to have quite decent coffee machines (that make lattes and cappuccino, even with oat milk), saving you time and money. 

Best Ways to Relax/Spend Time at JFK Terminal 4

Massage/Spa Services

You may be surprised to hear there are multiple, well-rated, fantastic spa and massage services inside JFK’s Terminal 4. 

There’s the XpresSpa, which has recently grown and expanded. They even offer free services for PriorityPass members.

Then there’s XWELL, providing full-body massages, private showers, and a relaxation room, as well as Treat, a premium health and wellness center offering IV drip therapy, yoga/meditation rooms, and on-demand care. That’s the one I’d recommend if you’re hungover.

If I had to choose one: XWELL for recovery, Treat for wellness experiments, XpresSpa for quick fixes.

Best places to relax for free

But even if you want somewhere quiet and peaceful to chill, I’d recommend:

• The upstairs Interfaith room
• Gate A8 area if there are not departures. This is near the A-gates Delta SkyClub. This area of the airport tends to be quietest during the afternoon push of international departures.

Walking the length of the terminal

Walking from A1 to B55 is over a mile, involves several sets of stairs, and takes 20-25 minutes. It’s a great workout – whether you bring your luggage, have someone watch it, or hold it at the Virgin Atlantic Lounge (*mornings only).

Take a nap

Near gate B38 is the wonderful MinuteSuites. You can rent a small room, offering a small desk, couch, and minimal amenities for a decent hourly rate. PriorityPass members get an hour for free, pending availability.

In my experience, it’s pretty quiet. There’s a white sound maker that helps mute outside noise, but you may still hear doors closing, loud conversations in other rooms, etc. I usually bring my Sony WH1000XM5 noise cancelling headphones and thick eye mask to help put me to sleep. Staff members can provide a thin blanket, but no real sheets, so it’s still not as good as a hotel. 

JFK Terminal 4 FAQ

1. Where can I store my luggage at JFK T4? There is a 24/7 baggage storage office on the Arrivals Level (Ground Floor), near the diner. It costs about $25-$35 per bag depending on the size.
2. Is there a place to shower in Terminal 4? Yes. You can find showers in the Delta SkyClub, Centurion Lounge, and the Chase Sapphire Lounge. If you don’t have lounge access, MinuteSuites sometimes offers shower-only rentals.
3. How do I get to other terminals? The JFK AirTrain is your best friend. It’s free to use between terminals. Just follow the green signs to the elevators near the main terminal exit.
4. What is the quietest gate for a nap? Head to the A-gates (A1-A8). Since many international flights depart from the B-gates, the A-concourse is often deserted during the mid-afternoon
5. Can you leave JFK during a layover at Terminal 4? Yes — but only if your layover is long enough. For most travelers, I wouldn’t consider leaving the airport unless you have 6+ hours, no checked bags, and TSA PreCheck or Clear for re-entry.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts from the Flight Deck

JFK T4 is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso at Flatiron or hiding from the world in a MinuteSuite, the key is to stay mobile. 

Don’t get stuck going to a bad lounge, or eating food you don’t like—just because it’s T4 doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time.

For more insider tips on navigating both the inside and outside of John F Kennedy Airport (JFK), check out my full New York JFK Airport Layover Guide.