JetBlue's Comfy New Place to While Away the Hours

The airline's $743 million Terminal 5 at JFK is designed to provide passengers a stress-free and stylish experience, even if they're stuck there

by Ernest Beck

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JetBlue (JBLU) built its much vaunted reputation for service on the concept of a high-value carrier, one that has retained its designer perks, such as leather seats and snazzy graphics, as well as good prices, even in an age of diminished passenger expectations. So when JetBlue realized in 2004 that it needed more space at its New York City hub, the carrier embraced the idea of a flagship terminal at JFK International Airport behind the iconic, Eero Saarinen-designed TWA building, using Saarinen's winged structure as a focal point and inspiration.

Conceived at a time when the future looked brighter for the industry, officials decided to carry on building Terminal 5 even when high oil prices sent airline fortunes, including JetBlue's, into the tank. "It is certainly a tough economic environment," acknowledges Todd Burke, a spokesman for the airline. "But there was no hesitation to go ahead, because this building is an investment in our future." T5, as it's called, is set to open on Oct. 1.

On a recent sneak preview of T5, there was no evidence of difficult economic times—but clearly still a lot of work to be done. JetBlue kicked in $80 million of the $743 million cost, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey covered the rest. The 635,000-square foot building, designed by the architecture and design firm Gensler, will accommodate 20 million passengers a year, 30% of JFK's total annual number, from 26 gates. It includes a 55,000-sq.-ft. retail and food area known as the Marketplace, based on a design concept by David Rockwell of Rockwell Group. The airline, in which Lufthansa holds a 19% stake, has 600 daily flights to 50 cities in five countries.

Countering Rage

The terminal is a matte grey metal-and-glass structure that isn't likely to win awards for architectural daring. But it is the first terminal built from the ground up in the U.S. since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and it incorporates efforts to minimize passenger rage due to delays and overcrowding. A spacious, 30-ft.-wide curbside allows easy unloading of luggage and kids, while inside are 20 security lanes. Passengers will find free wireless throughout the building, and food can be delivered right to the gate, ordered from concessions that include Deep Blue Sushi and The Loft, as well as more upscale restaurants, such as La Vie, a brasserie to be run by the executive chefs of Balthazar and Pastis, two acclaimed Manhattan restaurants. Each gate has a roomy seating area designed to accommodate all passengers comfortably. These elements, says Bill Hooper, a Gensler architect and T5's project manager, "allow passengers to move at their own pace, decompress, and reduce stress."

A walk through the new terminal, even before it teems with people, suggests that JetBlue and the designers do want to relieve passenger anxiety. While many airport terminals are "mean spaces" with narrow passageways, too few seats, and crowded restrooms, T5 boasts high ceilings and abundant natural light, even in the baggage claim area, which is usually a dark, cramped cave. A wide, 225-ft.-long bench will adorn the security area so passengers can put their shoes back on easily and collect belongings. Tables and chairs by Moroso in the gate and food areas will please design aficionados, as will sweeping views of the 1962 Saarinen building (which is not currently being used) from a 800-ft.-long elevated walkway to the building from the air train.

Notoriously raunchy airport bathrooms have also been given a once-over: They are generously sized and easily identifiable, with stainless steel wall panels. Half of the space can be closed off for cleaning while the other half remains operational. And to hustle JetBlue planes out of the gates faster—to meet the airline's vaunted 30-minute turnaround time—maintenance closets are located at each gate to speed cleaning.