JetBlue Airways has opened its first airport lounge, BlueHouse, at JFK’s Terminal 5. The 9,000-square foot space is inspired by a New York City apartment and features free Wi-Fi, open seating, and grab-and-go New York food standards. The lounge is designed in an art deco style with beverage providers like Joe Coffee and the Greats of Craft beer bar chain.
JetBlue joins larger carriers like Delta Air Lines and credit card companies like Chase, American Express, and Capital One in the battle for customer loyalty through airport lounges. Southwest Airlines is also looking to establish a network of airport lounges. JetBlue plans to open another BlueHouse lounge at its hub in Boston next year.
Customers eligible for access to the BlueHouse lounge include those booked in JetBlue’s trans-Atlantic Mint business-class cabin, Premier Mastercard credit card holders, and Mosaic elite frequent flyer status holders. Passes will be sold to lower status-tier members, Mint cabin travelers, credit card holders, and lounge members starting in February. Basic economy ticket holders are not eligible for complimentary access.
BlueHouse has a capacity for 140 people and is smaller than some of its rivals’ lounges, but it has a smaller network. JetBlue has been focusing on high-end leisure travel and profitability, pruning unprofitable routes and redeploying aircraft. The airline recently partnered with United Airlines, which operates a massive hub in Newark, New Jersey.
Read more at CNBC: JetBlue unveils first ever airport lounge, BlueHouse
