American Removes Dedicated First Class Check-In Area at JFK

Prior to the merger between US Airways and American, and even for the first few years, American operated several different check in areas at JFK:

• 2-class/domestic First Class and oneworld Emerald check-in
• 3-class Business Class and oneworld Sapphire check-in
• Priority Gold and oneworld Ruby check-in
• Main Cabin check-in
• 3-class First Class and Concierge Key check-in (“Flagship” check-in)

These individual lanes were so convenient, and really delineated status and class of service. 

Now, American is down to 3 check-in areas:

• 3-class First Class and Concierge Key “Flagship” check-in
• Priority check-in, for domestic First Class, domestic Business Class, international Business Class and all elite tiers and oneworld tiers 
• Main Cabin

This is a huge mess, in my opinion, mainly with the new “Priority” check-in. It’s literally every elite and his brother in line, and where you once used to be able to approach an agent almost instantly, it now takes several minutes to see someone. In fact, it took me over a half hour on my last visit. Everyone is lumped into one area, and it’s a complete mess. I have no clue why they removed the separated areas, but it’s a clear negative impact on passenger experience. 

Have you seen the new check-in areas at JFK?