JET BLUE TERMINAL # 5
AT JFK AIRPORT is a great place
for browsing, shopping, dining
and drinking.
Babbie De Derian, Travel, Food & Spa Editor
JET BLUE'S state–of-the- art terminal # 5 at JFK has changed my travel habits. Getting to the airport early now has its perks. The terminal is a happening destination in its own right, one that offers a wide array of 40+ dining, shopping, drinking and pampering experiences. The restaurants will prepare food to go, including the delectable food court with hot and cold buffets. There are fascinating educational exhibits and a children’s play area to keep kids of all ages entertained, including a fuselage engine that explains turbo energy.
The 360 degree rotating television screens with posted greetings are fun to watch; the Grandstands is a perfect place for relaxing and people-watching with a full view of the main entrance; you can watch planes takeoff and land from the Moroso Lounge; there’s free wireless internet access at all gates; you can check emails, IM your friends and family or surf the web. No special software required just a laptop or PDA … and then there’s a circular stage where concerts are held every two or three months. Jet Blue’s “Live from T5 concert series”, featuring artists from around the world, debuted in May 2009 and was developed in partnership with the Superfly Marketing Group. It has since grown into a venue that transforms the travel experience by producing live entertainment for customers traveling through Terminal 5 at JFK.
The airport ground staff reflects Jet Blue’s high standards. They take the Blue Book of Etiquette and Appearance seriously …from the well-made up and stylishly dressed female staff, with their perky neck scarves, to the handsome ties worn by the men. The airline’s personable staff is also on hand to help with electronic check-ins
Last month I flew non - stop to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Today, I am flying into Jacksonville to reach St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. Once again my Jet Blue flight is convenient, comfortable and reliable with a caring crew.
Flight attendants are happy at their jobs and eager to please. Nick tells me:” I love our terminal; it’s really cool”. Another considers the plane her office and tells me: “I love my office; today’s there’s an amazing sunset on the left side of the plane; I usually take pictures from my office”. In lieu of serving complimentary meals, Jet Blue has an appetizing menu of box menus that can be purchased for the reasonably price of $5.99 plus a wide assortment of complimentary healthy snacks that change every three months.
On my return flight, the Captain makes a “jet blue landing …smooth and skillful”. In the terminal I wander from restaurant to restaurant studying the menus; they are all enticing and fairly priced. I settle into 5ive Steak for a delicious meal and two glasses of a full bodied red wine. The bar scene is pretty active, and I meet a few interesting fellow travelers who have also opted to linger longer.
Helpful and personable is the order of the day, both on the ground and in the air.
As often as I fly, I have experienced 360 degree differences in attitude among airline personnel, both on the ground and in the air. Jet Blue gets my vote for “pleasing passengers”. Next time you fly Jet Blue, I highly recommend a few drinks, or better yet dinner, at one of the truly award winning innovative restaurants; the ethnic menus, created by New York celebrity chefs, will please your palate as they did mine, especially after a long or delayed flight.
Terminal Restaurants
5ive Steak —A meat eater’s paradise, with an exciting bar scene and sidewalk seating.
Aeronuova — Mamma mia! An enticing trattoria features a modern take on classic Italian cuisine.
Aunt Butchie’s Bakery and Cafe — Delicious sweets and bakery items, including “New York’s Favorite Chocolate Mousse Cake”.
Away Café — Jimmy Buffett would feel right at home at this Polynesian-inspired bar.
Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop
Boar’s Head — offers a wide assortment of sandwiches, wraps, and paninis.
Cheeburger Cheeburger — Voted best burger in 28 cities, this popular restaurant offers tasty burgers ranging from seven to 14 ounces, plus their famous fries and rings.
Cibo Express Gourmet Market — Over 40 varieties of sandwiches and hundreds of items for the traveler on the go.
Deep Blue Sushi — Robust Asian menu created by Buddakan’s Michael Schulson.
Deep Blue on the Fly
Dunkin’ Donuts® — Hot regular coffee, iced coffee, donuts, bagels and more from the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world.
Famous Famiglia Pizzeria
Fresh Italian Pasta
Horizon Bakery Café — French-inspired bakery offering a variety of breakfast pastries and artisanal breads.
Jamba Juice — Sun-kissed fruit-filled smoothies and other healthy snack options.
Lucy’s Asian Kitchen — Quick-serve Asian specialties made to order with fresh ingredients.
La Vie — A French café with favorites such as Salad Niçoise and Ratatouille.
New York Sports Grill — Sophisticated sports grill with game-day favorites like burgers, sandwiches and wings.
Philly Cheesesteaks
Piquillo — the first tapas restaurant in a U.S. airport delivers a taste of Spain in New York.
Pommes Frites — Crispy potatoes with a variety of toppings.
Re: Vive — State-of-the-art touch screen monitors to order food and beverages that can be delivered straight to the gate areas.
Revolución - authentic flavors of Mexico
For restaurants menus and the latest
Jet Blue Special Fares and Promotions