JetBlue plans to “likely” open its own airport lounges in the future, but initially plans to use contract lounges for its premium cabin Mint customers flying transatlantic.
JetBlue Plans To Open Its Own Lounges…Eventually
A source told Live and Let’s Fly that the lounge issue was discussed on a teleconference with staff last week. Although JetBlue is still withholding details, it did tell employees it plans to use lounges in:
- Boston
- London
- New York
It also mentioned that JetBlue would “likely” have its own lounges in the future. The idea of a network of JetBlue lounges is potentially game-changing if JetBlue takes the same unique approach to lounges that it does to its Mint business class product.
But for now, JetBlue will use contract lounges.
Which Lounges Will JetBlue Use For Transatlantic Service?
With JetBlue planning to use partner lounges when it launches transatlantic service later this year, I have a few thoughts on which lounges will be used. However, at this point this is merely speculation on my part.
- Boston – The Lounge BOS
- JetBlue operates from Terminal C at Boston and this lounge, also located in Terminal C, is part of the Priority Pass network. However, this lounge suffered from severe overcrowding prior to the pandemic and may have to leave Prioirty Pass in order to accommodate JetBlue passengers.
- London – Aer Lingus T2 or Plaza Premium
- JetBlue still won’t say which airport in London it will base its operation in. That said, it has secured a pair of Heathrow slots and my bet is on LHR. While theoretically a partnership with American Airlines could allow T3 lounge access, American Airlines does not plan to re-open its own lounges in LHR. That could still leave the T5 Plaza Premium and Club Aspire Lounge if AA and B6 operate together, but I think the more likely option is that JetBlue will operate from T2. If it does, it is likely it would use the Aer Lingus or Plaza Premium lounge instead of a Star Alliance Lounge.
- New York – Aer Lingus T5
- Aer Lingus opened its own lounge in T5; the only lounge in JetBlue’s JFK terminal. I cannot imagine JetBlue offering any other lounge until it is able to construct its own. The high likelihood of partnering with Aer Lingus in New York makes me think JetBlue might work with Aer Lingus at LHR to create a more consistent customer experience. If JetBlue really wanted to impress, it could strike up a deal with the TWA Hotel to use the Constellation Bar as a lounge for transatlantic Mint passengers. That would be unique! JetBlue also has a beautiful rooftop terrace it could use for a potential lounge.
Again, this is speculation on my part, but I don’t think it is unfounded.
CONCLUSION
JetBlue still will not say which London airport it will operate from. But whatever that airport is, it will contract with a partner lounge to offer transatlantic premium cabin passengers lounge access. Eventually, JetBlue plans to build its own lounges, but it is not yet clear if how far down the line this will come.
image: JetBlue
That’s pretty cool. People seem to be okay without lounge access for their transcon Mint service, but I was wondering if they’d decide it was necessary for international Mint. If they build a dedicated lounge at JFK, I wonder if they’ll open it up to transcon Mint passengers as well? And then the next question is, are they going to treat it as a more exclusive lounge solely for those Mint passengers (i.e. AA Flagship Lounges) or are they going to start selling memberships (perhaps, like AS with a small lounge footprint, at the same time introducing a reciprocal program with AA).
Too bad they don’t partner with QF if they end up moving into LHR T3. That is a very classy lounge with enough space, and the times I’ve been there it was always quite empty, whether it was in the AM before the Perth flight or the PM before the SIN departure.
This way the bad behavior, screaming and hair pulling can now take place in the lounges as well….. one step above Spirit Airlines.
Jetblue sent me an email today promoting flights from NYC to LHR starting in August and to LGW in September. So, I think they are going to be located at both airports. Also, the email shared links to more info about T2, so that is likely the answer about which terminal.
I don’t think London is sustainable for the low price JB is asking. IMHO