AirSpace Lounge at JFK's T5

The Independent Lounge for T5 Customers

Last week I was able to check out the AirSpace Lounge at JFK which opened up this summer. The lounge is independently owned and operated so anyone can purchase a day pass ($20-25, or free for Amex Platinum cardholders) that allows them to use any of the locations during a single day. In total, the off peak morning pass ran me about $27 after all was said and done. Sometimes passes may be more, as the cost is tied to how crowded the lounge is at any given time to prevent overcrowding and maintain a nice atmosphere.

The main lounge area

Upon arriving I gave my name only to find out that I needed to have my reservation number in order to check in. Somehow I had never received the email with the number and could only log in to the site and show a less than useful order history page to the two young ladies working the counter. They sympathized with me and after a call to their manager let me in despite the lack of official confirmation number. 

Although I was short on time and didn't get to spend more than a few minutes in the lounge (thank you, NYC subways) it was a pleasant experience. I was one of only two other people there at 9AM on a Saturday morning and was able to quickly secure my much needed screwdriver and chex-mix snacks at the bar once I was inside. The overall size of the lounge is smaller than most, but comes equipped with a usual fruit/tea/coffee station, tables, two laptops for use, a meeting room off to the side, and comfortable seating spread throughout. 

The entry to the lounge includes a $10 credit for any extra food or drink beyond the complimentary snacks. While I spent mine on a cocktail ($8), there are plenty of reasonably priced options on the menu that were also tempting - and may have won over if I didn't have a flight so soon.

Overall it was a positive experience, though I do wish I skipped going inside and instead opted for the opportunity to use my already purchased pass anytime in the next 3 months instead of my original reservation date. This isn't a lounge that is worth the cost unless you're going to be there at least an hour or more due to the cost, but it's a great option if you need to kill some serious time.

 - John

Blue's News - Oct. 16

What's New with JetBlue - Oct 16

• J. Crew Factory and JetBlue's promotion is still going on through October! Enter up to once per day to win any JetBlue Getaway destination including:
• Roundtrip airfare on a JetBlue getaway
• Hotel Accommodations 
• and a $2,5000 J.Crew Factory shopping spree

• Gizmodo shares how to find if your Jet Blue seat will have an outlet for most airlines.

• Add Detroit, MI to the list of cities you can Jet on Blue to!

• WhereTraveler Books + More opens in T5 at JFK to offer travel tips, souveneirs, eco-friendly products, and more while waiting for or arriving from your Jet Blue flight.

Free Even More Speed® to Help Washington's Bills

Free Speedpasses for Bills of all kinds!

JetBlue has announced that they have a strong desire to see some bills passed in our nation's capital, Washington D.C. That's why they've put out a promotion that specifically applies to those flying out of the D.C area airports - DCA, IAD, or BWI.

Anyone with the legal first name of Bill (or a variant, i.e. William, Billy, Willa, etc.) can get a free Even More Speed® upgrade when going through a DC airport. Anyone traveling with said Bill can take advantage of the promotion as well. Just show your government ID to the agent at the check in desk upon arrival to the airport and get the instant upgrade.

What is Even More Speed®? It's JetBlue's fast track option to get you through the airport quick and easy by utilizing special queues to usually get through security and other processes more swiftly. Normally at a cost of $10-$15/flight, this nice add-on can make a big difference, especially in airports that are highly traveled and often crowded like DC's.

I don't know any Bills unfortunately, but hopefully you do and can take advantage of this offer, which lasts until October 31st 2013.

Gilt Trip Badge

Shop with Gilt City and Earn Points

One of the affiliate badges that you can earn through JetBlue's TrueBlue program is through Gilt City, flash sale site that is marketed as a high-end version of Groupon for mostly apparel but also city-specific experiences and random lifestyle items as well. 

As with many sites of its kind, the value in items for sale can vary and such things as shipping and returns can often be nebulous ventures. However, I recently saw a deal for a restaurant I had been planning to visit with the misses and took an opportunity to grab the deal - and the badge. The dinner for two deal to Essex in NYC was just too good to pass up!

I'm still waiting for my badge to validate, but the Gilt Trip badge necessitates that you sign up for Gilt City through JetBlue's link and spend a minimum of $50 on a purchase which will net you 1,000 TrueBlue points. In addition to that, each dollar spent will earn five TrueBlue point for the next six months.  If the site turns out to be useful, it's a really great deal considering you don't need a branded credit card to be receiving 5pts/dollar after you sign up with the affiliate link.

This will be my first partner JetBlue badge that I've targeted specifically, have you gotten the Gilt Trip badge yet? How long did it take to validate? JetBlue has stated it can take well over a month but I'm hoping for it to come through a bit sooner than that. I'll be updating once the points come through.

 - John