Review: Air India Maharaja Lounge at New York JFK Airport (JFK), Terminal 4

…in need of an upgrade

The tarmac views are nice, the dates are delicious, but the lounge is dated and needs to be refreshed.

The summary

I do not enjoy writing negative reviews. But this little lounge pales in comparison to the others at JFK’s terminal 4. Maybe if you only have priority pass and the nearby recently rebranded Hello Sky Lounge is too crowded or has a line, I could see spending time here. When my favorite thing about a lounge is no line upon entry and the dates in the buffet – that ain’t good.

The lounge is located in the A gates pier in terminal 4 on the mezzanine level. It is right across from the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (which does accept Priority Pass during limited hours) and the Emirates Lounge, both of which provide a more elevated lounge experience.

Upon entry, the small buffet is to the left and the single room is behind the reception desk. The room was very crowded, with only one table available. I did not see any outlets near the table I was able to secure. Maybe seats along the wall had outlets. I did not log on and test the internet. The seats in the room were a combination of small tables for two and typical lounge chairs – none of the furnishings were that remarkable. The room did have decent views of the tarmac. I have seen reviews when this lounge had no crowds – and to be fair, the chairs looked decent

The buffet itself had some free-standing alcohol, fruits, cheeses, snack foods, and juices. Hot foods included a decent looking chicken dish, curried vegetables, rice, naan bread and pita. However, the crowds by the hot foods prohibited any pictures. There was small refrigerator with soft drinks and a small coffee station.

There was a men’s washroom behind the buffet; the washrooms in the terminal are preferable. Staff interactions were pleasant.

So hoping that the lounge gets a top to bottom refurbishment – to something that truly celebrates the airline and its home country. This is the only lounge operated by a Star Alliance carrier in this terminal. For some Star Alliance passengers – this lounge might be the only option in terminal 4. I wonder if Air India is considering a move to the new Terminal 6, which will house other Star Alliance carriers.

The wrap

…The details. Date – June 18, 2025. Rating: Only if there is no other option. Access: Priority Pass.

…What I like: The dates, there was no line to enter, view of the tarmac. staff was friendly.

…What I don’t like: Limited outlets, mediocre buffet, tired decor, the washrooms.