With Aer Lingus fully moving operations to Terminal 7 at New York JFK later this week, JetBlue suddenly has lounge space from which it could finally create a much-needed airport lounge.
Aer Lingus Vacates JFK T5 Lounge, Providing Opening For JetBlue
Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus is moving to Terminal 7 at New York JFK. It has operated from Terminal 5 for years, where JetBlue is dominant, but the move comes after British Airways left Terminal 7 in order to combine operations with American Airlines in Terminal 8. Along with its gates, Aer Lingus will take over the now-shuttered British Airways Concorde Lounge in Terminal 7.
Now the question comes what to do with the former lounge space in Terminal 5 and I think it marks an excellent opportunity for JetBlue to experiment in its own lounge space.
The real estate is not huge and this likely could not be a general Mint lounge, but it could serve as a lounge for transatlantic Mint passengers (perhaps full-fare only?) and potentially its new top tier Mosaic status (Mosaic Level 4) once it launches it new four-tier status program on May 10, 2023.
What Would A JetBlue Lounge Look Like?
The “coolest” lounge would re-purposing the outdoor terrace, though I doubt JetBlue would take that away from all passengers to enjoy (it currently serves as a pet relief area and waiting area open to all). But the way I picture a JetBlue lounge would just be like any other decent lounge: good coffee, a la carte meals for those who wish to sleep aboard or who are just peckish, and perhaps a nice cocktail bar. Perhaps JetBlue could throw in some moonlighting to match its onboard experience? But it doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional and would need to have strict access rules like the Air Canada Signature Suites to avoid crowding.
CONCLUSION
The move of Aer Lingus at JFK presents an opportunity for JetBlue to open its first lounge space. Whether it is this particular space or not, I am convinced JetBlue needs a lounge product as well to further differentiate itself from its peers and a lounge at its flagship JFK hub seems like a great place to start.
Not nearly enough. What T5 needs is a huge joint JetBlue/American club accessible to Admirals Clubs members, Mint passengers and maybe Mosaic elites. A Mint only lounge would be useful, but first things first. American/JetBlue (useful to think of them as combined for these purposes) run a significant amount of their domestic NYC capacity out of T5 with no lounge. That has to be corrected.
What does transtanticlic mean? Please confirm.
Probably a typo for transatlantic
I wonder if there are not enough passengers flying in mint transatlantic to warrant an entire lounge? It will be interesting to see what happens with the vacated lounge.
B6 has no interest in building a lounge. I expect someone like priority pass to take over the lease
Actually there are plans for a Mint and a potential mosaic lounges.
This would be a golden opportunity for B6.
As mentioned in the article, access would be heavily restricted!!
Now is the time to establish precedence and strictly adhere to it.
Most lounges today are crowded, noisy, daycare centers with PAX holding public forum phone conferences.
I see this as more important than the Spirit merger.
With all the terminal jumping at LAX, is there another opportunity out West for B6??
why not just allow Jet Blue mint pax to use the AA/BA Lounges?
Different terminals (8 vs 5)
JetBlue needs a club, and perhaps a two-tiered one, flying say, transcon MINT and LHR/LGW/CDG/AMS and the rest using a second lounge. Such a set up should also be accessible to AA elites and certain AA cardholders with Admirals Club privileges, given the NEA.
Would think TAP would grab the space as they have no lounge at JFK
TAP operates from Terminal 1 now, not 5.
This terrace is awesome. Hope we see more of these.
1st word from article is spelled wrong
That wouldn’t be the first time.
Didn’t B6 in BOS own the space that at one time EK used for a lounge?
I have to imagine lounges are not high on B6’s priorities though it would be interesting if they pursued the idea.
If they hire capital one to build a lounge, it’ll be three years before they figure it out, if at all.
Curious why EI moving and investing in a lounge at a terminal that is slated for near-term demolition. Also wondering why B6’s partners don’t want to stay at T5. I was hoping FI would move there, not have the others leave.
It’s a good question.
Aer Lingus is moving from Terminal 5 because capacity will be limited at T5 in the future due to the construction going on at JFK. EI moving terminals allows Jetblue to not have to reduce as much flights without having to split operations into another terminal. I believe other airlines at T5 other than Jetblue will also be moving (or will be asked to).
Maybe b6 can use the space to expand their potato farm.
I read on an aerlingus chat board tha the move to T7 is temporary as T5 is undergoing development.
T7 is temporary because it will be torn down. Long-term we will see where Aer Lingus ends up. I’d like to see Aer Lingus join oneworld and move to T8, but there isn’t space.
“The move from Terminal 5 to Terminal 7 is a temporary one, as Aer Lingus is set to move into the new Terminal 6 when it opens in 2026.”
https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2023/04/14/aer-lingus-to-move-to-terminal-7-at-new-york-jfk/