JetBlue announced Thursday that it will open airport lounges for the first time at its main hubs in New York and Boston, as the airline company steps up its luxury amenities to compete with its larger rivals.
The company said it will launch late next year, with the first being an 8,000-square-foot lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport, followed by an 11,000-square-foot lounge at Boston Logan International Airport.
“Customers have been asking for a JetBlue Lounge for years and we can't wait to unleash our idea,” JetBlue President Marty St. George said in a statement.
According to JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty, the lounges will be “custom-crafted,” and are being designed with a more premium experience in mind.
“It will be different. It will be unique,” he said.
“So when we think about the lounge, we’re dipping our feet in the water, trying to get it right, trying to make sure it doesn’t impact fares, because we really want to make sure that JetBlue remains accessible as a low-fare carrier.
The upcoming lounges will be open to JetBlue credit card holders. Mint Category Customers On transatlantic flights and some other top-class frequent fliers.
Some “eligible” customers will be able to purchase day passes, and all customers will be able to purchase annual passes, depending on space availability, JetBlue said.
The airline did not say how much the pass would cost.
JetBlue's highest-tier loyalty customers will be able to bring one free guest to the lounge.
JetBlue said the lounge will include cocktail and espresso bars, complimentary food and beverages, and work spaces with charging stations.
The Queens-based airline said it is partnering with Barclays on a new “premium” credit card — similar to credit card deals from similar companies such as Delta and United.
Reasons for oversupply in the airline industry cutthroat price warBudget airlines are luring cash-strapped customers with the lowest possible ticket prices.
Mid-range airlines such as JetBlue, Delta and United — which are unable to offer ticket prices competitive with budget airlines such as Spirit — are now focusing on their upper-end passengers.
The company is promoting its Mint cabins, which include amenities such as comfortable seats and better food, to attract higher-spending passengers.
Other airlines are also renovating their airport lounges with the same goal in mind.
Delta unveiled its first Delta One lounge at JFK in June — meant for customers staying in its most expensive cabins and invite-only members.
United and American, as well as credit card companies like American Express, Chase and Capital One, also have lounges at the airport for loyal customers.
