JetBlue ventures into the lounge arena with upcoming clubs at JFK and Boston set for 2025 — a remarkable transition

JetBlue is making a significant impact in the premium travel sector with its inaugural airport lounges. The New York-based airline announced on Thursday that it will open two lounges starting in 2025—one at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and another at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

Access will be a key advantage for JetBlue's loyal customers, ranging from flyers with top-tier Mosaic elite status to those enjoying the premium Mint cabin on transatlantic flights.

Additionally, this will be a complimentary benefit for future holders of a soon-to-be-revealed premium JetBlue credit card.

This is a bold initiative for JetBlue, clearly designed to strengthen its competition with larger airlines in the Northeast, like Delta Air Lines, which has a significant presence at both JFK and Logan — and recently opened a luxurious Delta One Lounge this summer.

"Customers have been requesting a JetBlue lounge for years, and we are excited to reveal our vision in New York and Boston," President Marty St. George stated during the announcement on Thursday.

A change in direction

JetBlue's decision to introduce lounges is somewhat unexpected.

As recently as this summer, executives indicated that research had historically led the company away from lounges due to costs — prompting JetBlue to concentrate on other areas of its operation (such as its acclaimed inflight food-and-beverage service) as key focus points to maintain a competitive advantage.

"Yes, people enjoy lounges. Clearly, a lounge is better than having none... but lounges are also very costly," St. George remarked in a June interview with TPG. "The question is, do lounges generate enough profit to justify creating a large transatlantic lounge network? The answer is no."

Nonetheless, the airline has continued to explore the possibility of introducing lounges, as leaders confirmed on Thursday.

More recently, JetBlue executives have crafted a comprehensive strategy aimed at returning the airline to profitability for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative, named "JetForward," encompasses a $400 million investment in premium offerings from 2025 to 2027.

In late July, JetBlue leaders outlined this forward path and hinted at a significant premium-product announcement. Some analysts on Wall Street forecasted a domestic first-class-style onboard service.

However, the airline is launching this investment by immersing itself in the airport lounge experience, starting with two lounges at its largest hubs.

Once operational, these lounges are expected to attract customers seeking elite status in JetBlue's TrueBlue program or those planning to fly Mint on the airline's expanding European route network.

"We considered it alongside the loyalty program, the improvements we can implement for our customer experience, and a potential new credit card product we’re planning to launch. It all fits together beautifully," stated Christopher Buckner, vice president of loyalty and partnerships, in an interview with TPG on Thursday.

What we know about the upcoming JetBlue lounges

JetBlue's inaugural airport lounge, covering 8,000 square feet, is set to open in late 2025 within JFK's Terminal 5, as announced by the airline on Thursday.

Its second lounge, a spacious 11,000-square-foot venue at Boston's Terminal C, will open shortly thereafter.

We don’t have any designs to share just yet; the lounge's design is still being finalized, a spokesperson informed TPG.

As expected, the lounges will prominently feature the airline's blue branding, along with local and regional artwork and various personal touches, according to the company.

JetBlue's lounges will include three distinct areas, referred to as "Play," "Work," and "Lounge."

According to JetBlue, each facility will feature a full-service bar and a coffee bar staffed by baristas, along with spaces for relaxation and private workstations. The lounges will also provide fast, complimentary Wi-Fi, numerous charging outlets, and free food and beverage options.

"Customers appreciate the JetBlue experience," St. George remarked on Thursday. "We're bringing those thoughtful details from our flights into the lounge setting."

Who will have access to the new JetBlue lounges?

Similar to many airline lounge networks, there are multiple ways to gain access to JetBlue lounges — whether through purchasing a premium ticket, using a credit card, or directly paying for a membership.

Achieve Mosaic 4 status

Complimentary lounge access will become a hallmark benefit for members holding Mosaic 4 status, the highest tier of the TrueBlue program. These members will be permitted to bring one guest into the lounge at no extra charge.

Obtain the upcoming premium JetBlue credit card

JetBlue plans to unveil details about a new premium credit card soon, which was announced on Thursday. This card is expected to carry a higher annual fee than the airline's current cobranded offerings, but will also provide additional benefits — including free access to its new lounge network.

These members will also be allowed to bring a guest with them.

Travel Mint to Europe

When you book a transatlantic flight in the premium Mint cabin, you'll enjoy the added benefit of preflight access to JetBlue lounges (this access is exclusive to travelers with a Mint ticket; guests flying in the main cabin will not be permitted).

Purchase an annual pass

Ultimately, similar to many airline lounges, you'll have the option to buy an annual pass. While the airline hasn't disclosed the pricing yet, membership fees for larger lounge networks from other carriers usually range in the hundreds of dollars.

Avoiding overcrowding

Are there potential ways to broaden lounge access for additional travelers, like Mint passengers on transcontinental flights?

"We will keep assessing the access policy," Buckner stated, emphasizing the airline's intention to prevent overcrowding that has affected numerous airport lounges nationwide.

"We genuinely want to learn from others and ensure that those granted lounge access enjoy an exceptional JetBlue experience without concerns about overcrowding or similar issues," Buckner remarked.

New Mosaic benefit announced

JetBlue's Thursday announcement included not only a new lounge network and a premium cobranded credit card but also additional enhancements to its TrueBlue program.

The airline introduced an extra benefit for its top-tier elite status members as well.

Beginning in 2025, the airline will introduce a new incentive for Mosaic 4 members to continue earning elite status Tiles.

Members who accumulate at least 250 Tiles will receive two additional "Move to Mint" certificates for every 100 Tiles earned, in addition to the certificates already granted for achieving Mosaic 3 and Mosaic 4 status.

As a reminder, TrueBlue members currently earn one Tile for every $100 spent on flights and one Tile for every $1,000 spent on a cobranded credit card.

In summary

Just a few months after minimizing the chances of launching airport lounges soon, JetBlue has shifted its strategy, announcing plans for two lounges set to open in late 2025 at its main hubs — JFK and Boston.

JetBlue is set to enter a competitive arena of airport lounges, especially with the emergence of stylish club offerings like the Delta One Lounge at JFK, alongside various credit card issuer lounges such as the Chase Sapphire, Capital One, and American Express Centurion lounges appearing at airports nationwide.

Simultaneously, the introduction of lounges is likely to attract travelers considering JetBlue for their journeys to and from the Northeast, encouraging them to engage with its TrueBlue loyalty program.

Regarding the $400 million earmarked for premium improvements in the upcoming years, airline executives indicate that there will be more announcements beyond just these lounges.

"Our lounge offerings and loyalty program are a key component of that $400 million investment," Buckner stated. "There will be additional initiatives as well."