JetBlue to offer free COVID testing as it looks towards more travel returning in 2021
JetBlue Airways will begin offering free COVID-19 testing at its New York-JFK terminal as part of its focus on the safety of flyers and staff as it looks to the new year.
The hometown carrier will offer any travelers and staff — not just its own — free tests at new site in Terminal 5 at JFK airport, JetBlue president Joanna Geraghty told TPG in an interview as part of Airlines Week at the 2020 TPG Awards. Walk-in testing will be available, though results will take up to 48 hours.
This is only the latest in JetBlue's coronavirus pandemic response. The airline has doubled down on its "safety from the ground up" initiatives keep travelers and employees safe even as it moves towards selling all seats again on Jan. 8.
Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG's free new biweekly Aviation newsletter!
"We know there is a lot of pent up travel demand," said Geraghty. "As case counts get under control and people get more comfortable flying, we want to be there."
And the focus on local case counts is important. While some people are willing to visit relatives or go on holiday, many others are not as COVID-19 infections hitting record levels around the U.S. New cases nearly topped 200,000 on Nov. 12 — a national record — and the seven-day moving average stood at 157,112 daily infections and rising on Nov. 15, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
Many corporations are holding off on allowing the majority of their staff return to the road until case counts come down again. This will put a damper on airlines' recovery — including JetBlue — for some years to come.
Related: JetBlue extends seat-blocking policy one last time, covering the December holidays
But Geraghty believes the airline has positioned itself well for that recovery.
Free coronavirus testing is just one thing JetBlue flyers can look forward to into 2021. Cleaning and mask requirements will remain in place, and so will travel flexibility after the airline dropped change fees, said Geraghty. In addition, inflight service on both its posh Mint flights and on its standard, all-economy seat flights will slowly return.
But JetBlue has more up its sleeve for the new year, even with safety precautions in place. The carrier will debut its all-new Airbus A220 sometime early in 2021 after the first jet arrives in December. Geraghty was mum on where the plane will initially fly, though she did say the aircraft could help restore some of the suspended routes it previously flew with Embraer E190 jets — albeit at a lower frequency.
Prior to the pandemic, JetBlue concentrated its E190s at its Boston (BOS) base, according to Cirium schedule data. The jets also flew up and down the East Coast on thinner routes from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), New York-JFK and Orlando (MCO).
Related: Why the new Airbus A220 is popular with airlines during the coronavirus pandemic
The carrier plans to replace its 60 E190s with A220s. However, the timeline remains in "flux," said Geraghty.
The Airbus A321LR is another new jet that will join the JetBlue fleet in the new year. An extended range version of the A321neo that the airline already flies, three A321LRs are due in 2021. The jets will allow JetBlue to add London to its map by the end of the year.
What London airport JetBlue will serve was another topic Geraghty was mum on — except to say that flights will begin in the "back back half" of 2021.
Related: JetBlue says likelihood of London Heathrow flights has improved because of pandemic
London is not the only addition flyers can expect for JetBlue's map next year. The airline plans to implement a new partnership with American Airlines that, according to Geraghty and JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes, will create a strong third competitor to Delta Air Lines and United Airlines for travelers in the Northeast.
While details of the new tie-up are scarce until the airlines receive sign-off from U.S. authorities, the pact will include a codeshare covering at least 60 American routes and 130 JetBlue routes — primarily from Boston and New York-area airports. Executives have mentioned the possibility of shifting slots at JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) so JetBlue flies more shorter flights — like ones to Pittsburgh (PIT) or Richmond (RIC) — and American longer international flights.
In addition, the pact is expected to include reciprocal frequent flyer benefits for members of both airlines' loyalty programs. And on Tuesday, American chief revenue officer Vasu Raja teased the possibility of reciprocal upgrade benefits for elite flyers as well.
"We'll really be able to leverage having a robust legacy carrier partner," Geraghty said about the benefits to JetBlue.
Related: Register now for this Friday's TPG Talks on the TrueBlue loyalty program
The partnership complements the more than 60 new routes that JetBlue plans to launch this year. The focus of those additions are new bases in Los Angeles (LAX) and Newark (EWR), as well as new seasonal service to Montrose (MTJ) near Telluride in Colorado and a greatly expanded presence in Hartford (BDL).
The additions come even as JetBlue flies significantly less than it did before COVID. The airline plans to fly just 53% of its 2019 schedule in November and roughly 63% in December, Cirium shows.
Geraghty said more out-of-the-box route additions are likely where JetBlue sees "customer demand" in 2021. However, she stops short of saying the airline aims to resume its 2019 schedule by the end of 2021, citing the many uncertainties that remain in the recovery.
Related: Colorado braces to wave of new winter flights as Americans flock to ‘snow and sun’ destinations
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.