The inside of BlueHouse, which opened at JFK International Airport last year.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
BlueHouse, JetBlue's first airport lounge, opened at JFK in New York in December.
As a JetBlue credit card holder, I decided to pay a visit.
It was spacious and well-designed, but I didn't spend enough time there to justify the $79 cost.
Rejoice, JetBlue lovers: There's now a lounge where you can eat, drink, and be merry while waiting to board your flight.
BlueHouse, the airline's first airport lounge, opened at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City in December 2025, with a location at Boston Logan International Airport coming this year. It's a way for the traditionally low-cost airline to make flying more luxurious, even for budget travelers.
When I fly, it's usually for the cheapest fare. Last year, I finally took the plunge and committed to a JetBlue credit card to try to maximize points. All this to say, I don't typically travel in a way that gives me access to an airport lounge.
So, when I found out about BlueHouse and its many amenities — 9,000 square feet, two floors, food from Union Square Events, cocktails from Please Don't Tell, and coffee from Joe Coffee — I decided to try it out for myself.
A day pass cost me $79 on top of my airfare. For Premier cardholders, Mosaic 4 members (the highest tier of JetBlue rewards), and transatlantic Mint travelers (essentially JetBlue's version of business class), entry is free for the traveler and a plus one. For the other levels of Mosaic, domestic Mint travelers, and people with the Plus card like me, entry ranges from $59 to $79 per person.
I was concerned it might be crowded (hence why some people are sticking with the airport bar), so I was pleasantly surprised to find it basically empty.
What I really appreciated were all the nods to New York City's classic Art Deco architecture. The design was supposed to evoke "an NYC apartment-style aesthetic," which, as someone living in an NYC apartment, I think they nailed.
JetBlue did not respond to a request for comment on its pricing or my experience.
Here's what it was like to visit the inaugural BlueHouse location.
BlueHouse is located in Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
There are clear signs all the way there. It's across from Gate 527, around a five-minute walk once you're out of security.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I was lucky to catch the lounge at an off time, but this queuing area suggests that JetBlue is prepared for crowds.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
BlueHouse spans two floors, with a full bar, a coffee bar, and plenty of seating downstairs, and a quieter atmosphere upstairs.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I paid $79 to get inside BlueHouse, but it's free for Mosaic 4 members, JetBlue Premier cardmembers, and transatlantic business-class travelers. Blue Basic travelers can't get in.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The first thing you see when you walk in is the huge bar. All drinks are complimentary.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
There is plenty of seating throughout the lounge, including booths, tables, bar stools, and individual chairs.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The ceiling takes inspiration from Grand Central Terminal's iconic constellation ceiling mural.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
But, of course, the most dominant color is blue.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I sat at one of the long tables so I could get a view of the entire lounge. Each seat had its own outlet for easy charging access.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
There was a fridge filled with pre-packaged food and snacks. It had yogurt, fruit cups, sauces, and wraps.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Next to it was a hot food area, with soups, sandwiches, and bowls.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
For those looking for something lighter, popcorn, chips, and pastries were also offered.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
There was a full coffee bar with one of the nicest coffee machines I've ever seen.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I got an oat-milk latte and then added vanilla syrup. There was also an ample tea selection.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The coffee was good — I realized it was Joe Coffee, a favorite of mine.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I went for a mini Caesar salad wrap. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either — and it was the perfect size for a pre-flight snack.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I decided to get up and explore. In one corner, there's a photobooth for anyone looking to relive their BlueHouse experience with a souvenir.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
There were multiple single-stall bathrooms, but no showers, which surprised me. Airport lounges in major hubs often do feature showers.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I liked that the doors had lights to let you know if the bathroom was occupied.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I have to admit, the neon "Live, Laugh, Lav" sign did make me giggle.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Two large mirrors can give travelers a full view of their outfits.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I noted the bathroom wallpaper was emblazoned with parking meters and fire hydrants. While I wasn't really sure why, I liked it.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The last area I needed to check out on the first floor was a lounge space with a TV and couches.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
With that, it was time to go upstairs. The stairway featured art inspired by New York iconography.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I had too much luggage, so I took the elevator. Unsurprisingly, it was blue.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The second floor had a smaller, but no less stocked, bar.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The floor had subway tiles, another nod to NYC.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
There were barely any people upstairs, but there was more seating. My favorite was the long booth in the back.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
For more privacy, there were many of these little booths, each with its own table, light, and outlet. I really enjoyed the decor of this nook.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
There were conveniently placed screens throughout, so I could keep track of my flight status.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
There was the same coffee bar, snacks, hot, and cold food available as downstairs, just less of it.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I hung around BlueHouse for around an hour before heading to my gate.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
If I were part of the JetBlue rewards tier where this would've been free, returning to BlueHouse would be a no-brainer. It was well-stocked, spacious, and full of fun design touches.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
However, as a budget traveler, I can't justify the $79 price tag … unless I arrive much earlier to take greater advantage of the alcohol and food.