JetBlue Bets on Premium Travelers By Launching Its First Credit Card

JetBlue is expanding its footprint in the premium travel market with the launch of its first-ever high-tier credit card: the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard.

Issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank, the new card is designed to offer frequent travelers benefits such as airport lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags, and accelerated TrueBlue earnings.

Lounge Access and Elite Perks

JetBlue’s new Premier World Elite Mastercard will offer frequent travelers perks such as airport lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags, and accelerated earnings on its frequent flyer program, TrueBlue.

The new card carries a $499 annual fee and includes a limited-time sign-up offer of 70,000 TrueBlue points and five tiles toward Mosaic status after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue

Chris Buckner, JetBlue’s vice president of loyalty and partnerships, said the credit card was developed based on input from the airline’s most frequent flyers: “Adding products and perks our customers want is a key part of our JetForward plan, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce the JetBlue Premier Card. Designed with input from our customers and most loyal Mosaic members, it builds on the perks of our TrueBlue and Mosaic programs to deliver more benefits both on the ground and in the air.”

Among the most significant features of the card is complimentary lounge access. JetBlue will open its first-ever branded lounges at JFK’s Terminal 5 in late 2025, with Boston Logan’s Terminal C following soon after.

Cardholders will also receive Priority Pass membership, which grants access to over 1,500 lounges worldwide.

Photo: Mint Classic. Courtesy of JetBlue

Key travel benefits will include priority boarding on JetBlue-operated flights, one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to three companions, $300 in annual travel credits through JetBlue’s Paisly platform, and reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

Additionally, JetBlue is set to launch its ‘Junior Mint’ first class for domestic flights on shorter domestic routes starting in 2026, expanding its Mint brand beyond transatlantic and transcontinental flights.

The new offering will bring a two-by-two first-class seating configuration to aircraft that currently lack a premium cabin.

Photo: Mint Classic. Courtesy of JetBlue

“We want it to be accessible for people who want to fly domestic first and maybe can’t afford to do it on the legacy carriers,” said JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty.

JetBlue has not yet revealed full details about the new seats but confirmed they will provide more width, depth, and deeper recline than existing economy seats. Industry sources speculate that the airline will use the Collins Aerospace MiQ seat, a widely adopted first class product seen on American Airlines’ domestic fleet.

While the full Mint experience, including lie-flat seats and upgraded catering, will remain exclusive to long-haul routes, JetBlue President Marty St. George hinted at additional perks for Junior Mint passengers: “We’re keeping the rest of our ideas under wraps for now while we prepare for a 2026 launch. Let’s keep our competitors guessing,” he said.

Premium Travel Demand Is Rising

JetBlue’s decision to introduce domestic first class seating aligns with an industry-wide trend: passengers are increasingly willing to pay more for extra space and amenities, even on shorter routes.

Alaska Airlines has attributed much of its recent revenue growth to its premium cabin offerings and has expanded first class seating across its fleet.

JetBlue’s Mint product offers enclosed seats in a 1-1 configuration / Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue

Even Southwest Airlines, known for its egalitarian seating model, will introduce premium seating in 2026. Meanwhile, Frontier Airlines, traditionally an ultra-low-cost carrier, is also planning to introduce first class seating.

JetBlue’s expansion into premium travel comes at a critical moment. The airline has reported nearly $3 billion in losses since 2020 and has faced regulatory roadblocks with two major business deals—the failed merger with Spirit Airlines and the court-ordered termination of its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines.

To reverse its financial trajectory, JetBlue aims to generate $800–900 million in additional revenue over the next few years, largely by targeting high-spending travelers who value comfort and exclusive perks.

What’s Next for JetBlue?

Between its new premium credit card, upcoming airport lounges, and first class seating expansion, JetBlue is making a bold push to reinvent itself as a serious competitor in the premium travel space.

JetBlue / Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue

The airline’s first branded lounges will debut at JFK in late 2025, with Boston Logan following shortly after. By 2026, domestic first-class seating will be available across JetBlue’s fleet, offering an alternative for travelers seeking affordable first-class options on shorter routes.

With demand for premium travel on the rise, JetBlue is betting that lounge access, upgraded seating, and enhanced loyalty rewards will help attract high-value passengers and turn the airline’s financial fortunes around.