A Major US Airline Is Introducing Its First-Ever Premium Airport Lounge In 2025
Lounges are true safe spaces amid the chaos of airports. They're quiet, clean, and relaxing. Whether you're popping in for a quick free snack or seeking refuge as you figure out how to navigate busy airports during the holidays, lounges are a must for luxury travel. For a while, the lounge game had been dominated by the Deltas and Uniteds of the world, but soon, a popular airline known for some of the most budget-friendly flights will enter the scene.
In September 2024, a JetBlue press release announced plans to open the airline's first-ever lounge in late 2025. The proposed lounge will debut in John. F. Kennedy International Airport's (JFK) Terminal 5, with another addition following closely in Boston Logan International Airport's (BOS) Terminal C. These spots represent the airline's "two largest focus cities." JetBlue explained the JFK lounge will span a total of 8,000 square feet, while the one in BOS will be 11,000 square feet. Travelers will find the company's iconic blue branding interspersed throughout the space. The design will also feature works by local and regional artists, plus amenities such as private workstations, free WiFi, comfy seating, and complimentary food and drinks.
What to expect from the new JetBlue lounges
To avoid crowding issues, JetBlue lounges will only be available for select customers. Complimentary access will go to travelers who are either a TrueBlue Mosaic 4 member (the highest tier in the airline's loyalty program), a transatlantic Mint customer (business class passengers on long-haul international flights), or a holder of the newly launched premium JetBlue credit card. TrueBlue Mosaic members and premium cardholders may also bring a guest into the lounge. Mint customers flying within the Americas will not get lounge access. Certain eligible travelers will have the option to purchase day passes and guest passes, though these are contingent on availability. All customers will have the option to buy an annual pass.
This new step is part of JetBlue's JetForward initiative, which seeks to improve efficiency and add more premium experiences for customers. JetBlue president Marty St. George says he expects lounge access to add value to the TrueBlue loyalty program.
Will this addition hold up to JFK's current lounges?
JFK services 70 domestic and international airlines and serves as a hub for major U.S. carriers such as Delta, American, and JetBlue. The airport also houses about 20 lounges travelers can access through first and business class tickets, priority passes, credit card memberships, and single-day entry passes. These lounges include heavy hitters such as the Delta Sky Club and Delta One Lounge, Turkish Airlines Lounge, Emirates Lounge, Alaska Lounge, and Chase Sapphire Lounge. So, the question is: How will the new JetBlue lounge compare to existing options?
A Reddit thread in the JetBlue community shows customers expressing mixed reactions. Some appreciate the proposed lounge's exclusivity, mentioning crowding problems at other JFK lounges. Other customers are disappointed that complimentary lounge access isn't available to more travelers, like those on domestic Mint flights. As these lounges won't make their debut until late 2025, only time will tell if they can truly compete with some of the best airport lounges in America.