Thursday, September 19, 2024 JetBlue Airways has announced plans to open its first-ever airport lounges , signaling a major shift for the low-cost airline as it targets high-spending travelers. The lounges are set to debut at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in late 2024 , with a second location opening shortly after at Boston Logan International Airport .
This move marks JetBlue’s first step into premium services in its more than two decades of operations. The 8,000-square-foot lounge at JFK’s Terminal 5 is expected to welcome passengers late next year, while the Boston lounge will span 11,000 square feet in Terminal C . These lounges will cater to JetBlue’s premium customers, including those flying in the Mint business class on trans-Atlantic routes , high-tier frequent flyer members, and holders of a soon-to-be-launched premium credit card created in partnership with Barclays .
Following the trend set by airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines , which have generated billions in revenue through exclusive credit card deals, JetBlue’s new credit card will offer additional perks like lounge access. However, travelers on JetBlue’s Mint routes within the U.S.
will not have immediate access to these lounges, according to Jayne O’Brien , JetBlue’s head of marketing and customer support. JetBlue’s expansion into premium services comes as the airline works to reduce costs and return to profitability . The airline has deferred orders for new Airbus jets and cut several routes this year in a bid to optimize its Mint cabin-equipped aircraft , which offer features like lie-flat seats and upscale dining .
JetBlue’s competitors have also been investing in premium lounge experiences to attract more affluent customers. Delta recently unveiled its first Delta One lounge at JFK , while American and United operate exclusive lounges for their first- and business-class passengers . Additionally, major credit card companies, including American Express , Chase , and Capital One , have opened airport lounges across the U.
S. to cater to premium travelers. In a related trend, Southwest Airlines is planning to introduce seats with extra legroom, marking the most significant change in its five decades of flying.
Other low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines have also launched seating options with more space and early boarding privileges as part of bundled packages aimed at increasing revenue..
