JetBlue secures permanent Heathrow slots, expands London operations

JetBlue will operate up to five daily flights to London from this Winter. And, perhaps more significantly, the carrier secured its first permanent slots at Heathrow, ensuring that flights can continue there.

With permanent slots at Heathrow – the highest in-demand slots globally – we’re now positioned to provide long-term service at one of the busiest airports in the world. This is an incredible opportunity for a carrier like JetBlue as we introduce transatlantic travelers to our great fares and award-winning service.

– JetBlue CEO Robin Hayesv

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The permanent slots will be allocated beginning in the Winter season. The first flight under the new slots will depart JFK on 29 October, returning from 30 October. With the permanent slots the airline also sees more efficient turn times at Heathrow, allowing the plane to head back to JFK after just 75 minutes. Previously it could sit for up to three hours.

Prior Heathrow operations for JetBlue were based on temporary slot allocations. They became available during the pandemic as other carriers trimmed their operations.

In addition to the JFK-Heathrow permanent slot, JetBlue will also expand its Gatwick operation with a second daily flight from JFK.

Those two flights will be joined by one route to each of Gatwick and Heathrow from Boston starting later this year. The Boston-London routes are slightly delayed from their prior planned launch dates, owing to delays in A321LR deliveries from Airbus.

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JetBlue also confirmed access to expedited security lanes at both Heathrow and Gatwick for premium passengers. The airline’s Even More Speed option is now automatically included for Mint® customers, Mosaic customers and Mosaic companions traveling on the same reservation, customers who have purchased a Blue Extra fare and for customers who have purchased an Even More® Space seat. To take advantage of this new benefit, customers at Heathrow should follow signs for “Fast Track.” At Gatwick, customers should follow signs for “Premium Security.”

Opening that access for Even More Space passengers in particular is unique relative to other US carriers’ offerings from London. It also addresses one of the shortcomings to the overall premium offering; lack of lounge access for Mint customers remains a gap.

Read more:

• JetBlue delays Boston-London launch
• JetBlue snags slots for London-Boston flights
• JetBlue’s Mint Studio to London: Most of the premium, none of the crowd
• JetBlue across the Atlantic: A compelling coach offering to London
• JetBlue’s London launch brings an unexpected disruption to fares