JetBlue Opens BlueHouse Lounge at Logan Airport

As reported yesterday, JetBlue will officially open its new lounge at Logan Airport called the BlueHouse Lounge on Thursday.

Official Press Release: https://www.news.jetblue.com/latest-news/press-release-details/2026/Welcome-Home-Boston-JetBlue-to-Open-Second-BlueHouse-Lounge-Adds-New-Access-for-Mint-Customers/default.aspx

For those passionate about flying JetBlue, this has been a topic of conversation for many months given the frequency of flights in Boston and lack of an official lounge compared to United or American.   Unfortunately, access for most will not be complimentary - Mint and Mint Flex will have priority and others may be able to access for a fee subject to space availability.

Access to BlueHouse:

Customers	Access Policy	Guest Policy
Mosaic 4 Members1	Complimentary	One complimentary guest $39 per additional guest
JetBlue Premier Cardmembers1	Complimentary	One complimentary guest $39 per additional guest
Mint Customers1 (NEW!)	Complimentary	$39 per guest

Eligible customers and guests may access BlueHouse up to three hours before their scheduled departure and must present a confirmed, same-day boarding pass for travel on a Mint, Mint Flex, EvenMore, EvenMore Flex, Main, or Main Flex fare. Mosaic 1-3 members and JetBlue Plus & Business cardmembers and eligible guests may access BlueHouse by purchasing a one-time pass in person at the BlueHouse check-in desk, pending space availability.

Customers	Access Policy	One-Time Pass Price
Mosaic 3 Members and Eligible Guests	Non-complimentary	$59 per-person
Mosaic 1-2 Members and Eligible Guests	Non-complimentary	$79 per-person
JetBlue Plus & Business Cardmembers Members and Eligible Guests	Non-complimentary	$79 per-person

Experience Using Chase Travel

It was on my list to try using Chase Travel more for flights since the benefit for purchases awards 5x points (since 2021).  My most recent itinerary had a cancelation where I was sent a partial refund, however, after several weeks the refund had not posted to my Chase card account.  I reached out to Chase with the information and was told I needed to contact JetBlue - when I called JetBlue I was told a refund was issued to a card ending in numbers that were not mine.  That's a problem.  

I found out that Chase Travel uses virtual numbers to complete transactions.  Even though I have a receipt showing the charge to my (correct) card number, Chase Travel used a virtual number to confirm the reservation.  My impression is this should be resolved internally by Chase Travel once the refund is issued back to the travel partner.  When I called, the nice agent confirmed they had received the refund but 'hadn't got around to it yet' to process the final.   This seems pretty dubious to me - how long does it actually take them to process these when received?  I asked the agent and was told that eventually they get to them but anyone can call sooner to complete the process.

My recommend: increase awareness when using 3rd party travel sites for both customer service and any reservation issues

JetBlue Changes EvenMore Upgrades

I received this update from JetBlue:

Starting today, you can select EvenMore® 12 hours earlier—beginning 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. That's more time to lock in more space, more speed and more service.

This update to your Mosaic 1 Signature Perks will be available for all eligible existing and future bookings—for you and up to 2 eligible travel companions.1

Thanks, as always, for being a Mosaic member. We look forward to seeing you on board soon.

Not a bad update!

JetBlue Selected to Continue EAS Service at PQI

The Department of Transportation has selected JetBlue to continue Essential Air Service to PQI Airport in Northern Maine.

Link: https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2000-8012-0371

Both American and JetBlue had submitted bids for the service; at the initial filing Jetblue's package was several million dollars more.  However, they were allowed to resubmit a proposal on June 2nd which turned out to be much less and comparable to AA's (revision).   By my initial search it doesn't appear that any media outlets reported this change.

The impression of favoritism set aside, it's disappointing that AA's bid wasn't taken more seriously given it would have increased flight frequencies to 12 a week from what will stay at 7.  While there has been a lot of passion in the local community for JetBlue, a more rational analysis would have been preferred.

JetBlue Introducing BlueFirst

JetBlue shared the following announcement today:

BlueFirst™

Arriving soon, our newest take on premium travel, on non-Mint flights.

More information: https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us/fares-simplified

United/Jetblue Partnership Adds Reciprocal Perks

JetBlue announced that reciprocal perks on United are starting this week for Mosaics:

More information can be found here: https://www.jetblue.com/jetblue-united

JetBlue Updating Boarding Groups

I wasn't expecting to receive this update - they are moving from letters to numbers and still have 8 groups:

We always like to give our Mosaic members first dibs, and want to let you know that starting next week (April 29), we’re introducing a simplified boarding process. All boarding groups will be numbered (Groups 1–8)—with Mosaic 3 & 4 in Group 1, and Mosaic 1 & 2 in Group 2 (both Groups 1 & 2 board through a dedicated lane).

Following is the new boarding order:

• Group 1: Mosaic 3 & 4 members, Mint customers
• Group 2: Mosaic 1 & 2 members, EvenMore® customers
• Group 3: JetBlue Premier Card Cardmembers, JetBlue Business Cardmembers. Blue Extra fares, Early Boarding Perks You Pick® (excluding Blue Basic fares)
• Courtesy Boarding: Active military, Customers traveling with car seats or strollers
• Group 4: JetBlue Vacations customers and general boarding based on seat location
• Groups 5 - 8: General boarding based on seat location

United in the news

I'm always watching for relevant airline updates and the past bunch of days were significant for United:

-Scott Kirby alludes to a merger with American Airlines

-United possibly rolls out free Wifi across their fleet, then clarifies it's not free! (via Live and Let's Fly)

-Will Jetblue merge with United (or other airlines)?

Many of these would have impacts for travelers!

Travel Stats 2025

I can't believe we're already at the end of December - where did the year go??  I feel as though I didn't have as many int'l flights compared to last year but I did make more trips to the north which was needed to take care of outside responsibilities.  

For 2025 I ended with 65,560 miles flown across 73 flights (with 45,745 BIS/37 on United and lifetime count at 990,638).  It was another year of relatively easy connections with no major weather impacts other than one trip through Ohare.   Global Entry is still the best and no luggage problems for those trips.  I was also able to get a year of Mosaic status on Jetblue with 27 flights and 11,525 flight miles. 

I'll get another year of Globalist on Hyatt stays and will enjoy that for a number of trips in the spring including a planned return to the Maldives. 

Happy New Year! 

New Jetblue 25 for 25 Promo

It's been some time since I've seen a great flight promo and Jetblue's announcement today has me very interested!  

As part of their birthday year celebration, Jetblue is offering significant bonus points for visiting airports with a top reward of Mosaic status for 25 years if you visit 25 unique cities between June 25th (today) and December 31st, 2025.

I have a few Jetblue flights already in the queue and may look to see what I can make work for the bonus points!

New United and Jetblue Partnership!

This is a bit of breaking news for a Thursday - Jetblue and United are signing a new partnership!

More details here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-29/united-signs-partnership-with-jetblue-bolstering-nyc-presence  and here: https://www.jetblue.com/jetblue-united

It will be called the 'Blue Sky Alliance' and United will once again have access to JFK.  

One other item to note: As part of the alliance, United plans to move its website and mobile app’s sales of hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel insurance to JetBlue’s Paisly platform.

I will be curious to see how the frequent flyer link occurs for travelers and whether it will bring PQP's for Jetblue flights!

Jetblue to PQI starts today

I knew it would be here eventually and now it is - today begins Jetblue nonstop service from Boston to Presque Isle replacing United service.

The service is only once a day for now since Jetblue was given an exemption from twice daily service.   

Another airline offers an unlimited pass!

I was thrilled to see another airline is offering an unlimited flight pass similar to what Jetblue offered years ago.  While it is not on a US airline, Wizz Air has created an All You Can Fly offering...and it's already sold out!

Pass site

More info

I've always hoped that Jetblue would offer another pass again, though the dynamics in the market have changed considerably since that time.  

Etihad Expands Flight Options to Boston

This is great news! (especially if you have credit card points or specifically Jetblue points):

Etihad is expanding its flight options to Boston and moving to daily flights.  The announcement is here: https://www.etihad.com/en/news/etihad-doubles-down-on-north-america-launching-daily-flights-to-boston-and-bringing-its-a350-to-toronto

Using Jetblue points may be an excellent way to fly business class to the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent - I always like finding great ways to get to the Maldives as well.

Future flights to PQI

These past years I've enjoyed being able to get to northern Maine regularly flying United.  Prior to United being granted the EAS contracts, I recall having to survive small PenAir turboprop planes which wasn't ideal.  Even though the United flights were through Newark (and for some reason occasionally Dulles), they were mostly on-time and also included the customary PQP/PQF which helped for requal each year.

The United contract was due for review and potential new bids by the DOT this past spring.  The major carriers reapplied and for the first time Jetblue made a bid.  The support seen online and in the news was mixed between both United and Jetblue - my hope was that United would get the contract.  

Unfortunately, the DOT decision was released at the end of May and Jetblue was awarded the contract starting September 1st, 2024.  It's important to note they were the low bidder between the applicants.  The City of Presque Isle has the news here.  I'm disappointed since Jetblue is only scheduled to fly one flight a day (United had two) and the times are very late/early.  If there are any operational impacts, passengers could be stuck.  Prices will likely be lower to start - I'm curious how these might change over time.  And, I'll be missing out on United credit for the flights. 

Jetting on the Blue

Today is my first time flying Jetblue in quite some time - in 2011 I was able to take advantage of the Jetblue All You Can Jet program (Blue Pass) which allowed unlimited travel between select destinations for a one time cost over three months.  The locations at that time were amazing and I was even able to schedule a quick run to Bermuda over a weekend!

I'm flying BOS-MKE on one of the newer Airbus 220-300 series and I have to say I'm pretty impressed.  Decent legroom in economy (I didn't pay for more space), seatback system that is new with included wifi and entertainment choices through Directv, and overall excellent cabin service.  I was in one of the last boarding groups but was still able to find a spot for my backpack.

I still have some Jetblue points available though I may need to try and get a few more in the future.

American Airlines and JetBlue New Partnership

I'm always intrigued by new relationships in the airline industry, since it usually affords new ways to accrue points, miles, and status.  AA and Jetblue have recently announced an expanded partnership - some details include (from JetBlue):

• Seamless connectivity — Our partnership will make travel easy between JetBlue's and American's complementary route networks, including integrated website booking capabilities, convenient connections, and an improved on-the-ground experience.
• Expanded network — JetBlue will grow in New York City, adding flights in LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR), while also increasing our presence at JFK. With improved schedules and competitive fares, you will be able to access 60 new destinations across American's global network.
• More options — We are working with American to bring TrueBlue members additional opportunities to earn and redeem TrueBlue points.

What I think interests me the most are the miles earning opportunities through codeshares noted by AA:

Through their integrated networks, JetBlue and American will operate reciprocal codeshare flights, giving customers new options with improved schedules, competitive fares and nonstop access to more domestic and international destinations. JetBlue will gain connectivity to more U.S. destinations, a broad global network and an improved frequent flyer proposition, while American will complement JetBlue’s improved and expanded service with new international routes. JetBlue and American loyalty members will also enjoy new benefits while the carriers are exploring additional premium experiences for customers.

It will be interesting to see how this works in the coming months.  With COVID still affecting air travel, I suspect many of us will have to wait to see how the partnership expands.

JetBlue reducing jobs in Support Centers

Per Travel Weekly:

JetBlue is reducing staffing levels at support centers as part of an effort to bring down structural costs.

"We aren't disclosing a specific number today, but the reductions are a combination of voluntary buyouts, elimination of open positions and involuntary departures," vice president of communications Doug McGraw said in an email on Friday. "While the primary objective is to enable faster decision-making and streamline how teams work together so we can deliver on our strategic objectives, the restructuring also is a meaningful step toward our corporate structural cost goal."
I've been very impressed over the years with the professionalism and availability of JetBlue agents via their customer support lines; I hope this doesn't impact their ability to help us in time of need.

Jetblue fare sale: not worth it

Seems as though Spring is in the air...I keep getting messages and emails about airlines that are promoting spring sales.  Too bad they happen to have the names of Frontier and Jetblue.

Normally I wouldn't rag on Jetblue so much, as they have a pretty decent product.  But seriously...could we get any more stringent on the terms and conditions?  How about making these flights useful for the average consumer (who probably has to work semi-normal hours during a week)?

From the latest:

• Blackout dates of Apr. 11 - Apr. 23 apply.
• 28-day advance purchase required.
• Fare subject to limited availability; may not be available on all flights; does not include fees for oversized/overweight/extra baggage or optional services. Add’l restrictions (incl. change and cancellation fees and policies) apply. Click here for details.

Better luck next time, Jetblue.