For the Very First Time, JetBlue Will Introduce Its Own Airport Lounges

On Thursday, JetBlue announced plans to launch its inaugural lounges at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). These premium spaces are expected to open in late 2025, starting at JFK's Terminal 5, followed shortly by a lounge at Boston Logan’s Terminal C.

The JFK lounge will cover 8,000 square feet, while the Boston location will offer 11,000 square feet. Although these spaces aren't particularly large by lounge standards, they represent a long-awaited development for JetBlue passengers, many of whom have anticipated a lounge announcement for years.

Access to the lounges will initially be quite limited. Mint cabin passengers (JetBlue’s business class) flying to Europe will be granted entry, but transcontinental Mint travelers will not. Additionally, members with top-tier Mosaic 4 status will have lounge access (along with one guest), as will holders of a soon-to-be-revealed premium JetBlue credit card.

Customers will have the option to purchase day passes and guest passes, subject to space availability.

"JetBlue's passengers truly appreciate the experience we offer, so we’re integrating those special touches found on our flights into our lounge experience," stated Marty St. George, JetBlue’s president.

The lounges will showcase JetBlue's signature blue branding across three unique areas termed "play," "work," and "lounge." Amenities will include a full-service bar, artisan coffee drinks, private workspaces, and complimentary food and beverages. However, no visual representations were available at the time of this announcement.

These new lounges align with JetBlue’s strategy to enhance leisure and premium travel options on the East Coast while eliminating less profitable routes from its schedule. Recently, JetBlue has slashed numerous routes, especially from the U.S. West Coast, and postponed the delivery of over 40 new Airbus A321 aircraft until 2030 and beyond.

Instead, the airline is channeling its resources into "JetForward," a $400 million investment aimed at enhancing premium offerings between 2025 and 2027. This recent announcement makes it clear that lounges play a significant role in that vision.

"For years, customers have been requesting a JetBlue lounge... With the rising demand for premium experiences, lounges have become a crucial feature," remarked St. George.

Although specific details are still limited, the lounges are expected to enhance JetBlue's competitive stance, particularly for transatlantic flights. Overall, the onboard Mint service is exceptional, and a corresponding ground experience would greatly benefit the airline.

Access to JetBlue’s lounges via credit cards will likely involve a higher annual fee than the current $99 charged for the JetBlue Plus card. This would align with offerings from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, where lounge access is tied to credit cards costing $400 or more per year.

It remains uncertain if JetBlue’s late entry into the lounge sector will prove advantageous, especially given the influx of new competitors in this space.

Recently, Delta Air Lines unveiled its flagship premium lounge at JFK, an expansive 40,000-square-foot space featuring sit-down dining and spa services. Boston Logan is also set to receive a Delta One Lounge later this year, while American Express, Chase, and Capital One have been rapidly expanding their lounge offerings as well.