En route to Georgetown, Guyana and having just gotten finished with the free transfer from LGA to JFK, we had a lengthy layover in JFK. At the time of our trip, there were extensive renovations underway at the airport.

The flight was set to leave out of JFK’s Terminal 4, the main international terminal. It’s a pretty popular terminal and in fact, it’s the only one at JFK that isn’t operated by a specific airline. They say that, even on your first visit, you’ll feel right at home given that it’s been the setting for many movies: The Terminal, Syriana, Get Him to The Greek etc….

But I digress… point being, it’s a pretty cool terminal. When the expansion is finished, Terminal 4 will be home to many more Delta gates and the largest Delta Sky Club in the world!

With that still a ways out, we had to assess our lounge opportunities. Here are the options at Terminal 4 and how to get in:

• SWISS Lounge — Moderately exclusive
  • If you’re flying First/Business on any Star Alliance partner
  • If you’re a “Miles & More Frequent Traveler” or above (Frequent Traveler, Senator & HON Circle) flying First/Business or Economy
  • If you’re Star Alliance Gold
• EL AL King David Lounge — exclusive
  • Flying Platinum, First or Business on EL AL
  • If you have Gold or Platinum EL AL status
• Virgin Clubhouse Lounge — exclusive
  • “Upper Class” Virgin Atlantic passengers only
  • Sometimes you can buy access for $75 — but you still must be flying on Virgin Atlantic
• Air India Maharaja Lounge — exclusive
  • Flying Business on Air India
• The Emirates Lounge — exclusive
  • Flying First or Business on Emirates (lucky you!)
  • Emirates Skywards Gold Members
• KLM Oasis Lounge — by far the least exclusive
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members (Gold Delta)
  • Priority Pass card holders
  • Airport Angels card holders (U.K. version of Priority Pass)
  • Buy a day pass for $45
  • Flying KLM

Which lounge to go to is really a function of “which one will let me in?”

We ended up at the KLM Oasis Lounge as, from looking at the above list, the only credential I had was the Priority Pass Select (which is hardly “Select” as all AMEX Platinum card holders are slinging one these days), and, alternatively, you can just buy your way in for $45.

The best news we learned upon arriving is that it’s now open 24 hours! This was perfect since the website was quoting a 10pm close, and our flight wasn’t until 1am.

Despite having the lowest damn thresholds for entry (I mean they did let us in, after all) the place wasn’t too crowded — partly thanks to its very long, narrow design. In fact, this made it feel like one of the bigger lounges I’ve been in.

Much “homier” feeling than an Delta or United lounge

The best news:  it wasn’t operated by a cut-throat American carrier, meaning no skimping on the beverage and food choices. Skip the lunch or dinner before hitting up the Oasis lounge: it’ll have at least 3 hot meal options.

Pretty good Chicken Tikka Masala for dinner

There are copious amounts of wine, liquor and beer in a self-service bar which is almost never seen in the US; my gut reaction is that I love it but can’t imagine it’s even legal.

The best feature of the lounge? The showers, no reservation required. It was relatively clean and a rather rice facility:

Rocking a long, narrow space means The Oasis has a lot of prime real estate to watch all the planes:

In the distance: an Emirates A380 destined for Dubai

It is a bit odd, though, that it’s on the land side, making you have to budget plenty of time to get through security. We thought we had left ample time to get to our 1am flight, but got to our gate to find nearly everyone onboard already. Sorry to be “that guy.”

BOTTOM LINE: Oasis Lounge will let you in for $45 or with Priority Pass Select and you’ll find a large, comfortable lounge with a self-serve bar, shower facilities and a hot meal. All that you could ask for, really.