JetBlue has announced that its first-ever airport lounge, BlueHouse, will officially open at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on December 18, marking a major milestone in the airline’s push to deliver more premium, customer-focused experiences.
The 9,000-square-foot lounge will open at 5am ET in Terminal 5 and forms a central part of JetBlue’s wider JetForward strategy, which aims to enhance the customer journey both in the air and on the ground. Designed to feel welcoming rather than exclusive, BlueHouse is intended to reflect the energy and character of New York City while offering travellers a calm, comfortable place to work, relax or socialise before a flight.
JetBlue president Marty St. George said the opening would help make the airline’s flagship terminal feel more like home for customers. He described BlueHouse as warm, comfortable and distinctly JetBlue, adding that it reflects what customers have been asking for as the airline looks to bring affordable premium experiences into the airport environment.
Spanning two floors, the lounge draws inspiration from classic New York apartments and Art Deco design, featuring decorative moulding, brass accents and locally curated artwork. The space also includes subtle references to JetBlue’s history and its roots as New York’s “Hometown Airline”.
Stephanie Evans Greene, JetBlue’s senior vice president of marketing and brand, said the goal was to create a space that feels personal and layered with character, much like a real New York home. She added that JetBlue’s identity and local iconography have been woven throughout the lounge to make it feel familiar and comfortable for repeat visitors.
Food and drink play a central role in the BlueHouse experience. Fresh grab-and-go meals are prepared daily and curated by Union Square Events, with offerings inspired by New York favourites such as bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches in the morning and pastrami on rye later in the day. The beverage menu highlights local partners, including Joe Coffee for barista-made espresso, craft beers and cocktails curated by The Greats of Craft and Please Don’t Tell, and teas from Steven Smith Teamaker.
The lounge has been designed to cater to different travel needs, combining open social spaces with quieter areas for rest or focused work. High-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets are available at most seats, while dedicated quiet zones offer a more peaceful environment. A game room stocked with JetBlue-branded games and children’s toys adds a family-friendly element, and a custom photo booth allows customers to take home a souvenir from their visit.
Access to BlueHouse will be complimentary for JetBlue’s most loyal and premium customers, including Mosaic 4 members, JetBlue Premier Cardmembers and transatlantic Mint passengers. The airline said access would be carefully managed to avoid the overcrowding and long queues often associated with airport lounges.
Ed Pouthier, vice president of loyalty and personalization at JetBlue, said BlueHouse represents one of the most significant enhancements ever made to the TrueBlue loyalty programme, offering a new level of recognition for frequent flyers and premium cardholders.
With the launch of BlueHouse at JFK, JetBlue is taking its first step into the airport lounge space, signalling a broader ambition to redefine premium travel in a way that remains accessible, relaxed and closely tied to the airline’s brand and New York roots.