One of the best not-so-hidden secrets to elevating one's airport experience is to gain access to a lounge.
Instead of crowding around the gate, one can enjoy drinks and a buffet of foods through either status with an airline or a high-earner credit card.
While the latter’s Amex (AXP) Centurion lounges are the most well-known in that regard, airlines such as Delta (DAL) , American Airlines (AAL) and United (UAL) all have their own lounges for their most dedicated flyers.
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JetBlue Airways (JBLU) , launched in 1998 by longtime airline investor David Neeleman, is still often seen as one of the low-cost or “starter” airlines that characteristically do not offer lounges.
That's about to change.
These cities will see the first new JetBlue lounges
Last week, JetBlue said it would be opening its first airport lounges. The first will open at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 5 in late 2025 while the second will come to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C shortly after.
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Each will be what the airline classifies as a "relaxed retreat to play, work and lounge." While JetBlue has not yet released any specific details, this typically means larger seats with outlets, a full bar and food options, as well as certain fun details like a piano with rotating live players or showers and sometimes even spa options.
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'Lounges have become an essential offering'
"Customers have asked for a JetBlue lounge for years and we can't wait to unveil our take in New York and Boston," JetBlue President Marty St. George said in a statement.
"Lounges have become an essential offering for the growing numbers of customers seeking premium experiences, and JetBlue's lounges will further boost the value of our TrueBlue loyalty program as we expand our portfolio of JetBlue credit cards."
The lounges will be available only to customers with the highest Mosaic 4 loyalty program status and those traveling on transatlantic flights in JetBlue's Mint business class. Access can also be gained by holders of a new credit card that JetBlue is launching with Barclays. It will soon announce the details of how to apply.
"Understanding that airport lounges have grown in popularity, which has resulted in overcrowding and long lines at other airline lounges, access to JetBlue's lounges will be reserved primarily for its most loyal customers and premium credit cardmembers," the airline says.
Airlines focus on top customers
The latter refers to the fact that more people are flying and airlines have had to take unpopular steps like raising the requirements for gaining access to their lounges.
In September 2023, Delta said it would give access to its SkyClub lounges only to holders of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and American Express (AXP) Platinum credit cards who've spent at least $75,000 within one calendar year. The airline also limited the number of annual visits to 10 for the former and six for the latter.
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Previously, a Delta flyer needed just to hold the credit cards, which have annual fees of hundreds of dollars.
After an outcry from customers, Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian backtracked and said the airline "probably went too far" in instituting the changes. The updated requirements limiting access were still pushed forward although the numbers of visit were raised.
