JetBlue Airways has unveiled its inaugural airport lounge, named BlueHouse, located at JFK’s Terminal 5. Scheduled to open on December 18 at 5 a.m. ET, this 9,000-square-foot lounge draws inspiration from a classic New York City apartment but offers a more expansive environment. The introduction of BlueHouse marks a significant move for JetBlue as it aligns itself with larger carriers such as Delta Air Lines and various credit card companies in the competitive landscape aimed at attracting customers willing to indulge in premium travel experiences.
The lounge will feature two floors designed in an art deco style, providing free Wi-Fi, open seating, and a menu of local culinary favorites. Patrons can enjoy quintessential New York options, including bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches for breakfast, and pastrami on rye later in the day. Beverage selections will range from gourmet coffee from Joe Coffee to offerings from the beer bar Greats of Craft. BlueHouse has also partnered with the bar Please Don’t Tell to provide a unique cocktail experience, though access will be limited.
Access to the lounge is extended to customers booked in JetBlue’s trans-Atlantic Mint business-class cabin, who can also bring one guest for free, with additional guests subject to a $39 fee. Holders of JetBlue’s Premier Mastercard credit card are similarly welcomed, along with Mosaic 4 elite status travelers from the airline’s loyalty program.
Furthermore, JetBlue plans to diversify lounge accessibility by offering passes to customers with lower loyalty status, those flying cross-country in the Mint cabin, and other credit card holders beginning in February, although it has yet to announce pricing details. Notably, basic economy ticket holders will not qualify for complimentary access or pass purchases.
Despite its smaller capacity of 140 seats—making it less expansive than some rivals—the establishment of BlueHouse signifies JetBlue’s strategic shift toward enhancing the customer experience in line with leisure travel trends and efforts to return to profitability. The airline is also focusing on optimizing its route network, targeting unprofitable routes, and redeploying aircraft to better align with the high-end market.
In addition to the JFK lounge, JetBlue has plans to open another BlueHouse location in Boston next year, reinforcing its commitment to providing premium services to its customers. The new lounge’s establishment not only elevates JetBlue’s service offerings but also catches the eye of travelers seeking comfort and convenience in bustling airport environments.
