JetBlue’s Boston BlueHouse check-in desk features the “book leaf” design, a nod to its home state (image via JetBlue)
JetBlue will let a whole lot more passengers into its BlueHouse lounges starting this week, news announced in conjunction with the grand opening of the Boston location. But it will also exclude a chunk of its Mint cabin as the new policy takes effect, aligned with the introduction of the new Mint Base fare family.
In Boston, we’ve created a space that feels distinctly JetBlue and celebrates the city and greater New England.
– Marty St. George, president, JetBlue
The new BlueHouse in Boston ticks all the right boxes, with premium food and beverage, nods to the local culture, and an exclusive access policy. It is also 33% larger than the JFK lounge, clocking in at 12,000 square feet of space.
It also includes a new access policy. All Mint and Mint Flex passengers will now have access to the lounges; previously only transatlantic Mint itineraries. Expanding access to include flights within the Americas (including domestic flights marketed as Mint) finally brings the carrier in line with its main transcon competitors, more than a decade after the launch of the Mint offering.
A nod to the Green Monster in the “Dugout” section of JetBlue’s Boston BlueHouse lounge (image via JetBlue)
But, a month after introducing its new three-tier fare families (and stating “Base fares are not available in Mint” in that release), the company used the opening of the Boston lounge to launch a “Mint Base” fare type. It will not allow complimentary advanced seat selection nor ticket changes. And it does not permit access to the BlueHouse lounge.
Presumably JetBlue expects that most passengers will buy up to the regular Mint fare, avoiding the limitations of the basic business class ticket. After all, that’s why airlines generally have the basic option available: to push travelers into the higher fare of the normal product they used to buy for the same price.
BlueHouse Paid Pass Pricing
Separately, JetBlue also formally published the guest access pricing for BlueHouse access purchase. Mosaic 4 and JetBlue Premier credit card holders continue to get complimentary access for themselves and one free guest, plus additional guests at $39/visit. Mosaic 3 members can purchase access for $59/visit. JetBlue Plus/Business credit card holders and Mosaic 1/2 members can pay $79 for access.
In all cases passengers must be traveling on a regular or flex fare; Base fare travelers cannot buy access nor access with their status benefits. And in all cases the paid access is space permitting. With the carrier opening up access to more Mint passengers that may be challenging, though both are well sized and should be able to handle the loads, especially with the limited TATL bank JetBlue operates.
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Seth Miller has over a decade of experience covering the airline industry. With a strong focus on passenger experience, Seth also has deep knowledge of inflight connectivity and loyalty programs. He is widely respected as an unbiased commentator on the aviation industry.
He is frequently consulted on innovations in passenger experience by airlines and technology providers.
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