JetBlue Airways has announced plans to introduce its first airport lounges in New York and Boston next year, marking a move to attract premium travelers and compete with larger airlines. The airline will unveil an 8,000-square-foot lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York late in the upcoming year, with an 11,000-square-foot lounge to follow at Boston Logan International Airport shortly after. These lounges are primarily designated for top-tier members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue frequent-flyer program and individuals who acquire a new premium JetBlue-branded credit card, soon to be released. Day passes may also be available for purchase if space allows.
Jayne O’Brien, the head of marketing and customer support at JetBlue, emphasized that the lounge openings are part of the airline’s strategy to enhance services for premium leisure travelers along the East Coast. O’Brien highlighted, “The lounges have been under consideration for a while, and the timing is now right to introduce these additional benefits for our most important customers.” JetBlue has not disclosed the anticipated cost of constructing and operating the lounges, which are common amenities at major airports for competitors such as American, Delta, and United.
Reports from Delta and United indicate that revenue from premium passengers is rising at a quicker rate compared to other customer segments. O’Brien mentioned that the airline will evaluate the possibility of opening lounges at additional airports based on the outcomes from JFK and Boston.
