Overview
JetBlue’s first-ever airport lounge at JFK Terminal 5 reimagines the premium travel experience through the lens of an art deco New York apartment.
Challenge
As airlines compete for high-value travelers, premium airport experiences have become an increasingly important differentiator.
As airlines compete for high-value travelers, premium airport experiences have become an increasingly important differentiator. Carriers are investing in lounges, upgraded cabins, and hospitality-driven amenities to attract customers who expect greater comfort, flexibility, and personalization throughout their journey. At the same time, travelers are seeking environments that support a range of needs, from remote work and dining to relaxation and social connection. These shifts are transforming airport lounges into strategic extensions of an airline’s brand and business model.
More about this topic
Why this mattered
Maintaining park's history
Managing water flow
Net Zero Carbon and Energy
Quisque rutrum. Aenean imperdiet. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus.
Solution
Gensler designed BlueHouse as JetBlue’s first-ever lounge, creating a uniquely ‘New York’ environment inspired by the city’s warmth, character, and energy.
Spanning 9,000 square feet across two levels, the lounge blends an NYC apartment-style aesthetic with art deco influences, curated local artwork, and subtle references to JetBlue’s history. Flexible seating areas, quiet workspaces, and social amenities, including a game room and locally curated food & beverage offerings, support the varied ways travelers work, relax, and connect before flying.
What changed because of this
01
Honoring Surf Heritage
Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi.
02
Entertainment Venue
Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi.
03
Community Impact
Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi.
Seamlessly integrating a surf lagoon, live performance venue, and pedestrian-focused landscape into a dense coastal setting.
vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, porttitor eu, consequat vitae.
5,000
Seat Live Nation Amphitheater
365
Days of activities
24/7
Mixed Use Spaces
5,000
Seat Live Nation Amphitheater
365
Days of activities
24/7
Mixed Use Spaces
Impact
BlueHouse marks a major milestone in JetBlue’s broader “JetForward” strategy to expand its premium offerings and compete more directly with legacy carriers.
By introducing a hospitality-forward lounge experience at JFK Terminal 5, the airline strengthens its appeal to high-yield travelers while reinforcing its customer-first identity. The project demonstrates how thoughtful, locally rooted design can elevate the airport experience, helping airlines build brand loyalty, drive profitability, and meet growing demand for premium travel amenities.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis.
Recognition
Travel and Tour World
Travel + Leisure
Surf Park Central
FAQ
Quisque rutrum. Aenean imperdiet. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue.
Quisque rutrum. Aenean imperdiet. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue.
Who designed the project?
What makes this building environmentally significant?
When did the project complete?
Related Content
