Etihad has been on a crash course lately to stop the bleeding from unprofitable airline investments, cut costs, and monetize premium services where they can.

I wrote recently that they’re selling access to the private room for Residence passengers in their lounge in Melbourne, Australia — which makes sense since Etihad no longer flies the Airbus A380 (the only plane that offers the 3-room Residence) to Melbourne. Although I was surprised to see it offered for the US dollar equivalent of just $31.

Etihad Residence Bedroom

Now they’re selling Residence lounge access at New York JFK too, and Etihad offers double-daily A380 service between New York and Abu Dhabi.

They will sell lounge access to economy passengers for $75. And passengers with lounge access — paid or via their elite status or class of service — can pay $40 to upgrade to the ‘VIP Room’ a.k.a. Residence lounge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Now you can access our First & Business Class lounge for $75 per person. Pay and relax in our Etihad Lounge and enjoy great food, free Wi-Fi and shower facilities.

You can also upgrade to our VIP Room for an additional $40 for you and your family. This is a completely private area, where you can have a bite to eat, rest or simply enjoy time together before your flight. Our New York lounge opens three hours prior to flight departures. Lounge access and use of the VIP Room are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can pay at the lounge on the day by using credit card or Etihad Guest Miles.

I’ve toured Etihad’s Residence Lounge at New York JFK. It’s a separate area accessed either from inside the lounge or directly behind reception (so that Residence guests didn’t have to interact with or be seen by others inside the lounge). It has its own restroom and shower as well as prayer room.

Etihad Residence Lounge New York JFK

Etihad Residence Lounge New York JFK

Etihad Residence Lounge New York JFK

Without a Residence guest they won’t be preparing special menus in the lounge. However it’s a truly private space in the airport. I’d pay to use this for three hours prior to my flight.