JetBlue’s first-ever “lounge” opens on December 18, right in time for the holiday travel rush. Inside, the 9,000-square-foot sanctuary spans two floors, with residential-style seating for up to 140 guests. But don’t exactly call it a lounge, says Marty St. George, president of JetBlue.
“Lounge wasn’t actually the verbiage we wanted to use, which is why we are calling the space BlueHouse—it’s welcoming, playful, and not pretentious,” St. George said Wednesday during a preview of the space at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5.
Playful monikers are ingrained in the JetBlue DNA. More than a decade ago, the airline introduced lie-flat seats on select aircraft. But instead of calling it business class, it was dubbed Mint.
Branding and naming conventions aside, JetBlue’s first foray into airport lounges is a major move for the New York City–based carrier. It’s all part of the airline’s strategy to address growing demand for premium leisure travel, which will also include the introduction of a domestic first-class cabin in 2026. Here’s our first look at BlueHouse, JetBlue’s new airport lounge located at JFK Terminal 5.
JetBlue’s trademark blue colorways appear throughout the various drinking, dining, and relaxation spaces.
Courtesy of JetBlue
What we loved about JetBlue’s new lounge
Every inch of the Gensler-designed space feels like an ode to New York City. Particularly striking was the downstairs “celestial map,” a central ceiling element reminiscent of Grand Central Terminal. “The team wanted the design of the lounge to be a love letter to New York, and to keep it authentically JetBlue,” Siobhan Barry, design director at Gensler New York, said.
That comes through in many of the whimsical artistic features, like a piece of JetBlue decor made entirely out of MetroCards, the city’s soon-to-be-retired public transit passes. Meanwhile, the decorative molding, art deco brass accents, and velvet-lined banquettes deliver an apartment-like aesthetic that feels equal parts homey and luxurious, with many touches in signature blue.
At the bar, the focal point of the bottom floor area, guests can order classic cocktails, mocktails, and artisan wines from New York institution Please Don’t Tell, while Joe Coffee provides barista-made espresso drinks (all free, as are all food and beverages throughout the lounge). There’s also an excellent mix of seating arrangements, with both open social areas and cozier nooks, complete with power outlets at nearly every position.
Dining options in the new JetBlue lounge at JFK are still somewhat limited without a full kitchen.
Courtesy of JetBlue
What we didn’t love about JetBlue’s new lounge
BlueHouse isn’t currently equipped with a full kitchen, which means passengers can’t enjoy made-to-order meals (although some items can be served warm). This was a surprise, considering JetBlue’s Mint experience is known to have some of the best onboard catering in the USA, provided by New York restaurants like Delicious Hospitality Group (Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, Legacy Records) and Dig.
The good news? All items that are available are prepared fresh daily by New York–based Union Square Events and include eats like a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich in the morning or a pastrami on rye in the afternoon. Plenty of fresh fruit and salad are on offer, too. However, the food arrives from outside the lounge and is served in grab-and-go containers. St. George noted that a “phase two” of the JFK lounge will include an in-house kitchen. That likely won’t come until later next year.
Guests will have no shortage of comfortable nooks to sit in at the new JetBlue lounge.
Courtesy of JetBlue
How to access JetBlue’s new lounge
Getting into the lounge won’t be easy for many JetBlue travelers, and St. George acknowledged that it was designed that way. “The most important thing for us is to make sure this does not become a crowded space,” he said. “We are really focused on no lines, and we want to deliver it all the time.”
Mint cabin passengers flying to Europe can enter BlueHouse at no charge (but notably, transcontinental Mint travelers cannot). In addition, top-tier status members in the Mosaic 4 category and JetBlue Premier cardholders are also welcome along with a complimentary guest.
Starting on December 18, BlueHouse at JFK Terminal 5 will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. In February, JetBlue will begin selling one-time access passes, based on availability.
What’s to come
Next up, a second JetBlue lounge is scheduled to open at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) by the middle of 2026. St. George said the carrier is also “eyeing” a third lounge location at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL), although no plans have been confirmed. These spaces are all part of JetForward, a $400 million infusion into premium products taking place now through 2027.
