Travelers at John F. Kennedy Airport are in for a change when visiting the Centurion Lounge.
American Express has officially replaced its Equinox Body Lab with a coffee bar called Blue Roast, signaling a shift in priorities for lounge services.
This change comes just a few years after the launch of the Equinox Body Lab, which provided yoga, meditation, and stretching sessions for travelers seeking relaxation before their flights.
Out With Fitness, In With Coffee
The Equinox Body Lab, introduced at the JFK Centurion Lounge in 2020, was a unique offering for Amex cardholders.
It included activities like yoga, guided meditation, and even vibro-acoustic chairs for deep relaxation.
However, the fitness-focused space has been swapped out for Blue Roast, a full-service coffee bar that debuted before the holiday season.
Blue Roast offers a range of caffeinated beverages, including espressos, cold brews, and seasonal coffee specials.
Travelers can also enjoy smoothies, chia pudding, and avocado toast, making it a more snack-focused option.
This isn’t the first time Amex has replaced an Equinox Body Lab with Blue Roast.
The transition began in 2023 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Centurion Lounge.
A Changing Partnership with Equinox
Equinox, known for its upscale fitness centers, first partnered with Amex in 2020.
The collaboration offered eligible cardholders monthly statement credits of up to $25 for Equinox memberships.
While the fitness perks have been scaled back, Amex continues to provide up to $300 annually in credits for Equinox memberships.
Despite the removal of the Body Lab from its lounges, the partnership between the two companies remains intact, albeit with a more limited focus.
Accessing the Revamped JFK Centurion Lounge
The JFK Centurion Lounge, located in Terminal 4, remains a two-story haven for travelers.
It’s open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and offers premium services like high-speed internet, a digital library, flight monitors, and showers.
Guests can also enjoy a curated menu and access to the new Blue Roast coffee bar.
To enter, members must present an eligible Amex card, such as the Platinum Card or Centurion Card, along with a valid boarding pass and ID.
Guest passes can be purchased for $30 to $50, with children under two admitted for free.
Adapting to Traveler Preferences
The removal of the Equinox Body Lab highlights how Amex is responding to changing traveler needs.
While fitness-focused amenities might appeal to some, the popularity of grab-and-go coffee and snacks reflects broader trends in airport lounges.
Amex has also introduced a digital waitlist for lounge access, making it easier for travelers to manage entry during busy periods.
This system notifies cardholders when they can enter the lounge and gives them 15 minutes to check in.
Challenges and Opportunities for American Express
While Amex lounges remain a premium offering, the company has faced challenges.
A recent backlash stemmed from changes in rewards programs and the removal of Amex as a payment option on eBay.
Despite this, Amex remains a leader in premium credit card services, with its Delta SkyMiles Blue card earning accolades as the best credit card offer of January 2025.
As it continues to evolve its lounge offerings, American Express is balancing tradition with innovation to meet the needs of modern travelers.
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