It’s difficult to beat JetBlue’s comfort. For many frequent business travelers, they prefer JetBlue over some of the First Class offerings (and coach) on other commercial airlines, not to mention the cost savings. Now JetBlue and Lufthansa have partnered to offer the costs savings and comfort for loyal “Jetters” to more international destinations.

Advantages of the Partnership

Normally the problem with flying two different airlines to save money is the baggage transfer problem, i.e., your bags are not transferred through to your final destination between two separate airlines. Not to mention customs and security. With the new JB/LH alliance, you can take advantage of single itineraries and bag transfers by booking your combination flight at www.lh.com. JetBlue will serve as your state-side airline, with Lufthansa taking you to your international destination. One ticket + One automatic baggage transfer = Seemingly one airline.

Two Airlines, One International Trip

JetBlue is known for its comfort, convenience, friendly service and great fares. They coined the term ‘every seat is first class’. With more room than any other airline in a coach cabin (34-36 inches between rows, which is more than some first class cabins), free help-yourself-snacks for the duration of the flight, and free Direct TV at each seat, it is a favorite amongst business travelers. JetBlue has over 60 destinations including Latin America and the Caribbean.

Similarly, Lufthansa has a reputation of comfortable international travel with hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Both hubs are favorites amongst international travelers for ease of navigation and in-between-flight shopping. Lufthansa is one of the largest international airline carriers with flights from 21 North American cities to approximately 200 cities in almost different 80 countries. Lufthansa is known as an innovator in the aviation world with an early focus on environmental concerns resulting in progressions towards sustainability and fuel-efficiency.

Transfers to Lufthansa International Flight Segments

With the new partnership, the transfers from JetBlue to Lufthansa (and vice versa) take place at one of two of JetBlue’s hubs: Boston or JFK. Your baggage will be transferred automatically to your Lufthansa flight in accordance with your itinerary.

For JFK, you will most likely arrive at the ultra modern and comfy Terminal 5 (“T5”). Follow the signs in T5 to the complimentary AirTrain towared Terminal 1. Follow the signs for the “Departures” level and check in with the Lufthansa counter. If you have time for a bite to eat between flights, it is preferable to dine or snack in T5 with the multiple selections of fine dining to “screen food”.

At Boston - Logan, once you’ve landed, follow signs to the MassPort shuttle and take it to Terminal E. Similar to JFK, you will need to find the departures and check-in with Lufthansa.

Returning to the U.S. and Connecting to JetBlue Domestic Flights

At JFK, your Lufthansa flight will arrive at Terminal 1. Follow the signs to baggage claims and then to Customs/U.S. Immigration. After clearing customs, check in at the JetBlue counter and check your cleared baggage at the dedicated Lufthansa transfer counter, then follow the signs to the AirTrain. JetBlue flights depart from Terminal 5.

At Boston - Logan, your Lufthansa flight will arrive at Terminal E. Follow the signs to baggage claims and then to Customs/U.S. Immigration. After clearing customs, check in at the JetBlue counter and check your cleared baggage at the dedicated Lufthansa transfer counter, then follow the signs to the MassPort shuttle bus to Terminal C where you will board your JetBlue flight.

As always, please check the latest TSA and international security rules and requirements since the December 25, 2009 attempted terrorist bombing. Changes are at hand, but still seem in flux and unpredictable by design.

As they say, “Happy Jetting”.