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JetBlue and Barclays partner for credit card with these travel benefits

JetBlue and Barclays collaborate on new credit card

By Mark Reif Jan 30, 2025 6:00 AM

jetblue barclays credit card a320 in flight — JetBlue

Yesterday, JetBlue debuted its JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard, providing big value to frequent flyers and regular customers. Barclays US Consumer Bank issued the card, which offers elite benefits like complimentary lounge access. Customers can apply now and there’s a limited-time promotion for those who do.

JetBlue’s new card offers premium travel benefits

JetBlue seatback screens — JetBlue

Chris Buckner, JetBlue’s Vice President of Loyalty and Partnerships, said: “Adding products and perks our customers want is a key part of our JetForward plan, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce the JetBlue Premier Card. As our first-ever premium credit card, designed with input from our customers and most loyal Mosaic members, it builds on the perks of our TrueBlue and Mosaic programs to deliver more benefits both on the ground and in the air. With features crafted to compete with other top-tier travel cards, the Premier Card gives JetBlue fans more reasons to love our award-winning experience, while earning extra points and enjoying exclusive benefits before takeoff.”

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There’s a $499 annual fee for the JetBlue Premier Mastercard (and $150 for every authorized user). It provides a range of benefits that make every flight a premium experience.

Perks include (from JetBlue):

JetBlue Lounge Access:Premier Cardmembers and one guest will enjoy complimentary access to JetBlue’s recently announced lounges arriving at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 in late 2025 and Boston Logan International Airport’s (BOS) Terminal C soon after.
Priority Pass™ Lounge Access: Access more than 1,500 lounges, Minute Suites, Be Relax Spas and more in over 600 airports in more than 145 countries for the Cardmember and one guest.
Paisly® Statement Credits : Earn up to $300 in annual statement credits for Paisly travel purchases, with a $50 credit for each qualifying transaction of $250 or more (up to six transactions per calendar year).
Global Entry & TSA PreCheck®: Receive a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit up to $120 every four years.
Group A Boarding: Enjoy priority boarding on JetBlue-operated flights for all cardmembers and up to four eligible travel companions.
First Checked Bag Free: Premier Cardmembers and up to three companions on the same reservation will receive one free checked bag when JetBlue-operated flights are purchased with the JetBlue Premier Card.
Anniversary Bonus: Receive 5,000 bonus points each year after your account anniversary and payment of the annual fee.
Points Redemption Bonus: Get 10% of redeemed points back after traveling on a JetBlue-operated Award Flight.
Points Payback: Redeem points for a statement credit on purchases of $25 or more.
In-Flight Discounts: Save 50% on eligible food and drink purchases aboard JetBlue-operated flights.
No Foreign Transaction Fees

Beyond that, cardmembers can also rack up TrueBlue points and tiles in the following ways (from JetBlue):

6x points per $1 spent on eligible JetBlue and Paisly purchases including JetBlue Vacations®
2x points per $1 spent at restaurants and eligible grocery stores
1x points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Mark Reif is a storyteller focused on the intersection of outdoor culture, travel, and design. From the peaks of Banff to the… Read Full Bio

These 2026 island getaways are surging in popularity right now

Sandals St. Lucia Grande

Expedia just released its latest set of data: The 2026 Island Hot List, a trending list that compiles the emerging islands travelers are searching for before they become the next big thing. According to the newExpedia data, interest in these rising island destinations is up 55% on average year-over-year, while social media mentions have climbed 20% as travelers look for new experiences, better value, and fewer crowds. If you ask me, this is pretty surprising to hear it’s up 55%, especially when I thought islands were already one of the most popular year-round travel destinations.

Ranked #1 on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is St. Lucia, an island I first fell in love with back in 2023 when I went on my honeymoon there. Once you visit here, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s ranked the best for romantic escapes. This destination has been a popular spot for anniversary and honeymoon trips for a long time now — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As travelers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, many are willing to take the extra trek to destinations like St. Lucia for it’s dramatic scenery, romantic resort options like Sugar Beach, and soft adventure focus.

Six Senses Rome is a peaceful retreat in a beautifully chaotic city

the lobby at Six Senses Rome

Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and by all accounts, it gets crowded. But considering that it’s one of the world’s most important epicenters for history, culture, food and architecture, we can forgive the crowds. After all, complaining about tourism when you’re a tourist is not the way. But booking yourself a peaceful respite to start and end each day most certainly is.

I chose Six Senses Rome as my home base during a recent four-day trip to the city. The property opened in 2023 in the restored 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini. The historic building sets the tone before you even check in, with restored 600-year-old columns in the main entrance, pale travertine floors, a light-dappled lobby overflowing with greenery, and a massive marble staircase that’s almost comically regal. And its neighbor is the gorgeous San Marcello al Corso Church—so you can start your sightseeing by literally going next door.

5 Tips If You’re Traveling With Cigars: I Learned No. 2 the Hard Way

Wood, Hardwood, Accessories

Traveling with cigars can be challenging if you’re not prepared. The lack of preparation can lead to your favorite cigars getting smashed from inadequate storage, or they can peel because they weren’t kept at the proper temperature, among other issues. Sometimes you do all the right things, and still come away shaking your head.

I’ve been smoking cigars for two decades now, and it’s not beneath me to admit that I’ve made plenty of cigar travel mistakes in that span, and as recently as two weeks ago. You live, you learn, and hope you don’t waste a stogie on the next trip. My most recent cigar travel mistake is what inspired me to share these tips. Sure, there are plenty of articles out there offering similar advice. But this list comes from a cigar smoker and writer who has visited six countries and about a dozen states in the last year alone. And in that time, mistakes were made, and lessons were learned.