JetBlue's London service just scored a big win and notable expansion
JetBlue Airways is now in it for the long haul at London's busiest airport.
The New York-based carrier announced a range of updates to its transatlantic service on Monday, which includes the exciting news that the airline has secured permanent slots at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
To date, JetBlue has been operating at Heathrow using temporary slots it received due to the demand downtown and slack in Heathrow schedules during the pandemic.
But now, as the carrier looks to firmly establish itself in the hotly competitive market from the U.S. to London, the airline has now acquired permanent slots to operate at Heathrow.
One slot provides an airline a landing or takeoff spot, while a slot pair is needed to operate one round-trip flight.
It wasn't immediately clear how JetBlue acquired the slots, especially considering that a slot at Heathrow can go for as much as $70 million dollars. Rumors have it that the airline picked up the slots from Moscow-based Aeroflot, after the carrier's slots were seized following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, though there's been no confirmation of that.
"With permanent slots at Heathrow – the highest in-demand slots globally – we’re now positioned to provide long-term service at one of the busiest airports in the world. This is an incredible opportunity for a carrier like JetBlue as we introduce transatlantic travelers to our great fares and award-winning service," said JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes in a statement.
A JetBlue spokesperson told TPG that “we obtained our permanent slot pair at Heathrow through the normal slot allocation process.”
Getting slots to operate at Heathrow paves the way for the carrier to operate service year-round without worrying about the temporary takeoff and landing permission being revoked when Heathrow's operations return (or exceed) pre-pandemic levels.
JetBlue has a multi-airport strategy for its pond-hopping ambitions, and it currently operates service to both Heathrow and Gatwick (LGW) from New York-JFK.
As part of the news, the airline unveiled plans to add a second daily flight to Gatwick beginning in the fall, with the full schedule details available below. Seats on the new flight are available to purchase as of today (June 20).
The airline also reiterated plans to commence service from Boston to London, with the first flight scheduled to take off on Aug. 5. This represents a nearly three-week delay, which the carrier recently blamed on delivery delays of new aircraft from Airbus.
In total, the carrier will operate five daily flights from the U.S. to London come the fall.
Finally, JetBlue will now offer its Mint business-class customers, Mosaic elites and Even More Space extra-legroom flyers access to priority security at both Heathrow and Gatwick.
JetBlue operates from Terminal 2 at Heathrow (the Queen's Terminal), and eligible travelers should look for the "Fast Track" signs when clearing security. Those flying from Gatwick will have access to the "Premium Security" lane at the airport's north terminal.
JetBlue is almost on its second year of crossing the pond, after first launching flights from New York to London on Aug. 11, 2021. The airline deploys the Airbus A321LR, or "long-range," on its transatlantic flights.
The jet is outfitted with two Mint Studios, 22 Mint suites and 114 economy seats, 24 of which are in an extra-legroom Even More Space configuration.
JetBlue has stated that it aims to "reinvent" transatlantic travel with the launch of its London flights. The airline says that it wants to lower fares in the market, especially in the business-class cabin, where legacy carriers usually charge thousands of dollars. The airline also offers an upgraded onboard product in all cabins, which includes create-your-own meals, unique amenities and walk-up snack bars.
London is only the beginning of JetBlue's transatlantic ambitions. The carrier has said that it wants to expand beyond London in the coming years, possibly to cities like Paris and Amsterdam. For now, though, the airline can call London Heathrow one of its permanent homes.
| Route | Outbound | Return | Service schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
JFK-LHR | Flight #007 9:05 p.m. – 9:30 a.m. (+1) | Flight #20 10:45 a.m. – 2:05 p.m. | Existing service |
JFK-LGW | Flight #43 7:47 p.m. – 8:16 a.m. (+1) | Flight #44 12:00 p.m. – 3:04 p.m. | Existing service |
JFK-LGW | Flight #3 9:59 p.m. – 10:22 a.m. (+1) | Flight #4 2:00 p.m. – 5:05 p.m. | Begins Oct. 29 |
BOS-LGW | Flight #2104 6:37 p.m. – 6:35 a.m. (+1) | Flight #1926 12:15 p.m. – 3:02 p.m. | Begins Aug. 4 |
BOS-LHR | Flight #1620 6:45 p.m. – 6:30 a.m. (+1) | Flight #1621 8:25 a.m. – 11:21 a.m. | Begins Sept. 20 |
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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
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- 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.
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- 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.