Out with the old and the new at the American Express Centurion Lounge in New York.
During the holidays, Amex opened New York’s John F. has officially closed the Equinox Body Lab at its lounge at Kennedy International Airport (JFK), TPG exclusively learned and later confirmed with a company spokesperson.
Replacing the space devoted to the Equinox Lab is an all-new full-service coffee bar, dubbed Blue Roast by American Express.
Amex hasn’t shared why it’s switching from this wellness-focused feature, but it could either mean the issuer’s partnership with Equinox has ended or the lounge isn’t as popular as the issuer had hoped when it launched in 2020.
Meanwhile, the coffee bar is sure to be a hit with flyers, especially since all drinks will be available on a complimentary basis.
In fact, JFK is now home to another Centurion Lounge outpost with a dedicated coffee bar. Blue Roast by American Express was first introduced in Seattle at the recently renovated and relocated Centurion Lounge.
At the bar, you can order a variety of espresso drinks, cold brews and seasonal specialty coffee drinks. Additionally, smoothies and other healthy picks, such as avocado toast and chia pudding, will be available.
No other Centurion lounge facilities have been replaced as part of the move, although the issuer shuttered all of its spas last year as a way to add more seating for travelers.
While the fitness room and lounge spa are undoubtedly nice-to-have amenities, they create a friction point for fliers because they hold up space in an otherwise busy lounge that often operates with a waitlist.
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Rather than using precious lounge space for these amenities, Amex feels it would be better to maximize the space in each lounge with the most sought-after features like a coffee bar and more seating.
Spas and fitness rooms are not large enough to serve most guests and also require expensive resources, such as specialized equipment and additional staff.
When it opened, Amex’s JFK lounge became the issuer’s flagship location. (The Atlanta outpost has since earned that title.) The Centurion Lounge at JFK spans two levels and includes a hidden speakeasy-style bar, two buffets and more.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views, and the lounge offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of one of JFK’s busiest terminals.
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