Is JetBlue Planning On Opening Airport Lounges?

Is it possible that the airline is planning on opening lounges? This is being explored according to a new job posting.

JetBlue hiring airport lounge analyst

There is a job posting for a senior analyst lounge product and strategy development The role is described as follows.

The Senior Analyst will play a critical role in developing and implementing strategic GEX initiatives, focusing on those related to forthcoming Transatlantic flights, such as lounge solutions in relevant BlueCities, ground transportation partnerships, and more.

The job description talks about defining the product vision, strategy framework, and roadmap for the lounge experience, as well as collaborating with key business partners to identify lounge spaces and recommended build-out options.

I think it is important to point out that this doesn't mean that it will happen. This isn't a lot to spend to explore the possibility of something for a major airline. It is far from a sure bet, and if it does happen, it will take years.

This is the first time that JetBlue has publicly acknowledged the idea of opening airport lounges.

Why lounges are a complicated matter for JetBlue

Personally, I am not convinced that the opening of lounges will become a reality.

The domestic premium cabin experience was changed by the introduction of Mint class. This product is still an amazing product with attractive pricing. It wasn't necessary to open lounges for these flights since most airlines offer lounge access on domestic flights anyways.

Boston to London flights will begin in the coming months, but initially from New York to London. We can expect to see up to 26 planes on intercontinental flights once the airline has 13 A321LR and 13 A321XLRs on order.

There is an expectation for airlines to give lounge access to long haul international business class passengers. However, it's still possible.

• Finding available lounge space at airports can be really difficult, and I imagine there’s not much space in Boston (BOS) or New York (JFK) for JetBlue to build an impressive lounge
• I suppose JetBlue could try to get contract lounge access at some airports (JFK T5 doesn’t have any options), though realistically I have to imagine that most Mint passengers also have a Priority Pass membership, getting them access to these kinds of lounges already
• Operating lounges is costly, both in terms of airport rent and the operating costs, and without a network scaled big enough, I imagine the economics of JetBlue operating its own lounges would be challenging
• This would likely add quite a bit of inconsistency to the experience, rather than just not making lounge access an expectation; I imagine JetBlue would be unlikely to be able to open lounges in Boston and New York around the same time

We will see what happens. I think the lounges will be top notch, since when JetBlue does something, it does it right (well, other than operating flights on-time), but I don't think it's going to happen in the next five years.

I think it could happen one day. It's not clear what the airline looks like at that time.

Bottom line

The airline is looking to create a lounge experience for passengers from the Mint. Finding airport lounge space888-607-ly888-607-ly is difficult and expensive, only time will tell if this becomes a reality.

I don't think we'll see much happen soon, but I will be watching how this develops.

Do you think the airline will have its own lounges?