JetBlue announced today that they are planning to introduce lounges as the carrier seeks to meet an increasing demand for premium travel offerings. The new lounges will open at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 in late 2025 and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C soon after.
The addition of lounges plugs a major hole in the premium offerings for the New York based carrier, which has pushed into the highly competitive transatlantic market in recent years. It also opens up an opportunity to further engage frequent flyers within JetBlue’s Mosaic program. The carrier also plans to introduce a new premium credit card which will likely have lounge access included.
Marty St. George, President of JetBlue, had this to say about the introduction of lounges:
“Customers have asked for a JetBlue lounge for years and we can’t wait to unveil our take in New York and Boston. Lounges have become an essential offering for the growing numbers of customers seeking premium experiences, and JetBlue’s lounges will further boost the value of our TrueBlue loyalty program as we expand our portfolio of JetBlue credit cards.”
JetBlue Lounge Access Requirements
As part of the announcement, JetBlue acknowledged that airport lounges have exploded in popularity and that they plan to limit access primarily for its most loyal customers and premium credit cardmembers. Complimentary lounge access will be available to the following customers:
- Holders of a new premium JetBlue credit card (details TBA)
- TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members
- Transatlantic Mint customers
TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members and the new premium JetBlue credit cardmembers will also receive complimentary access for an accompanying guest. Day passes and guest passes will be available for purchase by additional eligible customers based on space availability.
All customers will be able to purchase an annual pass, making the lounges accessible to passengers traveling in any class of service on any JetBlue route. The carrier is expected to release more details about the lounge access policy in the future but, I don’t see how the access requirements are much different than what we see at the legacy U.S. carriers.
JetBlue Lounge Spaces
JetBlue’s lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will span 8,000 square feet and the Boston lounge is expected to span 11,000 square feet. Both lounges are expected to feature the airline’s iconic blue brand elements along with local and regional artwork. The carrier states that the lounges will be designed around three unique areas which the carrier describes as:
- Play: Unwind and socialize as JetBlue brings the ‘fun’ in functionality to the lounge experience while customers can also relax as mixologists shake and stir their favorite complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at a full-service bar.
- Work: Stay connected and fully charged with private workspaces featuring fast and free Wi-Fi, an abundance of outlets to plug in and free barista-made coffee bar beverages.
- Lounge: Enjoy familiar hospitality with complimentary food and beverage offerings. Kick back alone or with groups throughout the lounge in comfortable, cozy seating areas.
Summary
JetBlue announced today that they are rolling out branded lounges for the first time in the carrier’s history. It is the latest change for the airline that began as an all-Economy operator and has evolved to a full service carrier with an award winning Mint Business Class product.
I’m excited to see more details of the lounges in New York and Boston once they are released and look forward to visiting them in the future (I still need to fly JetBlue). What are your thoughts on the carrier’s decision to add lounges?
(Images courtesy JetBlue)