JetBlue to Offer New Lounges at JFK and Boston Logan
JetBlue has long positioned itself as a desirable airline, especially since the introduction of Mint, its premium business class offering, over a decade ago. However, despite the success of Mint, the airline has never fully rounded out its premium experience. Now JetBlue is set to launch its first-ever airport lounges, enhancing the upscale experience for its customers. These lounges are scheduled to open in late 2025 at two major hubs: New York’s JFK Airport and Boston Logan International Airport.
It’s about time too! JetBlue have a solid product but it was only a matter of time before they announced the inclusion of airport lounges because when the price is often the same as Delta or American Airlines, which both offer lounge entry for premium cabins, why would you choose JetBlue?
In their announcement, JetBlue highlighted their intention to bring the same fresh approach to lounges that they’ve applied to their in-flight services. They have promised to bring the ‘fun in functionality’ to the lounge experience (!) as well as mixologists at a full service bar, a wide range of food options, fast and free Wi-Fi and private workspaces.
JetBlue’s new lounges will be available at no extra charge for certain premium customers. Complimentary access will be extended to Transatlantic Mint passengers, TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members, and holders of a soon-to-be-released JetBlue credit card. In addition, TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members and premium credit cardholders will be allowed to bring one guest into the lounge at no extra cost.
For those who don’t meet these criteria, JetBlue also plans to offer day passes and guest passes for purchase, though details on pricing and which customers will be eligible for these passes are still under wraps.
JetBlue’s addition of premium lounges enhances its offering for travellers and brings it in line with other major airlines that have long provided lounge access with business class.
Thailand Reintroducing 300 Baht Tourist Fee
For many years, there have been talks about a contentious 300 Baht (roughly £7) fee for international tourists arriving by air in Thailand. It was first approved by the Thai cabinet in 2022 and shelved only earlier this year in June 24 after fears it would deter tourists and stop them from spending in other areas such as shopping and dining, which could benefit the economy more significantly. Now, only a few months since being scrapped, the plan is being revived by the new government under Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
In the grand scheme of things, a £7 fee won’t put off many luxury travellers but I think it was worth pointing out the u-turn by the new government. It will be worth keeping an eye out for more changes in the coming months as I know a lot of our travellers travel to Thailand regularly.
The reintroduction of this fee is part of Thailand’s push to boost tourism revenue and reinvest in infrastructure improvements and safety measures. While the 300 Baht might not seem like much, it could be a dealbreaker for budget-conscious travellers or backpackers who are sensitive to any additional costs. It’s a delicate balancing act for the Thai government, trying to enhance the tourist experience while ensuring that the fee doesn’t drive visitors to more affordable destinations in the region. Only time will tell if this strategy will help Thailand remain a top choice for international travellers or push them to explore other Southeast Asian countries.
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If a traveller is put off visiting by a tourist fee equivalent to £7, that is going to be the type of traveller that the Thai government is rightly going to want to deter