A JetBlue airplane is seen parked on the tarmac at...

A JetBlue airplane is seen parked on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in New York. Credit: AP/Julia Nikhinson

JetBlue Airways will open its first airport lounges next year in New York and Boston in a bid to compete with larger airlines for premium travelers.

The airline said Thursday that it will open an 8,000-square-foot lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York late next year, followed shortly by an 11,000-square-foot one at Boston Logan International Airport.

JetBlue said the lounges will primarily be for top-level members of its TrueBlue frequent-flyer program and those who get a new, premium JetBlue-branded credit card that is not yet available. The airline will also sell day passes if space is available.

Jayne O’Brien, head of marketing and customer support for the New York-based airline, said the lounges are part of building stronger service for premium leisure travelers on the East Coast.

“The lounges are something we have been looking at for a while, and now is the right time to put in these extra benefits for our most valuable customers,” O'Brien said in an interview.

JetBlue declined to say how much it will cost to build and operate the lounges, which are a staple at key airports for American, Delta and United.

Delta and United have reported that revenue from premium passengers is growing faster than other segments.

O'Brien said JetBlue will consider whether to open lounges at other airports after it sees results from JFK and Boston.

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Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.

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