American Airlines and British Airways Open New Bridge Bar at New York JFK

American Airlines and British Airways are jazzing up their new shared Greenwich Lounge at JFK’s renovated Terminal 8, unveiling a new bar with a mid-century atmosphere and traditional-meets-modern cocktails and mocktails.

The new Bridge Bar will transport customers “to the Golden Age of Travel,” the airlines say, harkening back to when air travel was thrilling, not tedious, and animated by great beverages. Lending their glamour are Hollywood couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, whose drinks brands are collaborating for the first time.

Photo: Bridge Bar at New York JFK Terminal 8. Courtesy of British Airways

Aviation American Gin, fronted by co-owner Reynolds, is infused with a blend of botanicals from coriander to two kinds of orange peel. Not just a celebrity pet project, Aviation American Gin has grown quickly into the country’s second-largest premium gin brand and was snapped up by drinks giant Diageo for $610 million in 2020. As a result, travelers at the Bridge Bar can order spirited and non-alcoholic cocktail creations from Aviation American Gin.

Photo: Bridge Bar at New York JFK Terminal 8. Courtesy of British Airways

Meanwhile, Lively’s Betty Buzz is a range of non-alcoholic sparkling mixers made using only clean ingredients: real juice and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. The five Betty Buzz mixer flavors—Tonic Water, Sparkling Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon Club Soda, Sparkling Lemon Lime, and Ginger Beer—appear in drinks such as “Blushing Betty,” a retro grapefruit cocktail, and the sparkling “Adventure Awaits.”

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said, “With Betty Buzz and Aviation American Gin, we have created the perfect space for customers to relax pre-flight, offering a varied and delicious cocktail selection and flavors to suit every taste.”

Lively added, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the entire British Airways and American Airlines crew as we celebrate the opening of this beautiful new lounge.”

Travelers will sip these drinks in the Bridge Bar’s airy, 1960s-inspired design, with views over the terminal.

Photo: Tasting Room at New York JFK Terminal 8. Courtesy of British Airways

Those who prefer beer aren’t left out: the airlines also recently cut the ribbon on a high-end tap room in the Lounge. The Tasting Room has the atmosphere of a beer tavern; drinks from featured brand Brooklyn Brewery, a local craft brewer; and high-end pub grub, including Beer Braised Bratwurst, French Onion Grilled Cheese, and a Beer Float dessert.

Photo: Bridge Bar at New York JFK Terminal 8. Courtesy of British Airways

The Greenwich Lounge, located above gate 12 in JFK Airport’s refreshed Terminal 8, is a Business Class lounge. It’s open to British Airways Club customers, passengers with American Airlines Flagship Business class tickets, and AAdvantage Platinum members on Flagship long-haul international flights. Additionally, it can be used by oneworld Sapphire and oneworld Business Class customers.

The Greenwich Lounge is one of three premium lounges in American and British Airways’ new shared terminal space, including Chelsea and Soho. Each pays tribute to neighborhoods in New York City and London.