TL;DR: Leg 4 of my JetBlue 25 for 25 challenge was packed with lounges, security loops, and a bit of déjà vu. Over two days, I hit three destinations, racked up 3,700 miles, spent 9h 59m in the air, and added $680.50. Highlights included multiple on/off plane hops, getting upgraded by my “toxic ex” American Airlines twice, and seamless hotel shuttles.
Day 1: DCA → JFK → PWM → JFK → ORD
Once again, the Metro didn’t open early enough, so I had to Uber to the airport. I decided to take a non-JetBlue flight to JFK because it was very cheap. And true to form, American Airlines upgraded me. A little bittersweet, like an ex giving you a gift while you’re trying to leave.
From there, I spent four hours in the lounge, meaning I had to exit security, take the train, and re-enter security multiple times. The lounge offered food and work space, so the loops were worth it. Next up was Portland. In Portland, I got on and off the same plane along with a bunch of other travelers. The plane was only a third full, but half of those people were clearly doing the same challenge. Most didn’t even have bags, proving this is a popular route for JetBlue 25 participants.
Back in JFK, I had another five hours to kill. Lounge loops, train loops, security loops, rinse and repeat. Finally, I flew to Chicago, where the hotel shuttle was waiting for me as promised. Zero wait time, small victories matter.
Day 2: ORD → JFK → JAX → DCA
After roughly five hours of sleep, I took the shuttle back to the airport for the next set of flights. A quick hop back to JFK gave me about an hour and a half layover, not enough time for a full lounge visit, so I made the most of the outdoor patio.
Next up was Jacksonville. I had a short, relaxed 45-minute layover before catching the final flight back to DC. And yes, once again, American Airlines decided to upgrade me to first class, my “toxic ex” showing off their generosity.
Looking Back on Leg 4
Leg 4 was a whirlwind of lounges, security loops, and on/off plane antics. Between the multiple airport circuits and two surprise upgrades, it was a reminder that patience, humor, and a little chaos are all part of the JetBlue 25 for 25 challenge.
Next up: Leg 5, where the final stretch begins.
Stats
| Airports Visited | 8 |
| Unique Destinations | 3 |
| Segments (Individual Flights) | 7 |
| Newest Aircraft Age | 0.7 |
| Oldest Aircraft Age | 24 |
| On and Off the Same Airplane | 2 |
| Aisle Seat Count | 5 |
| Middle Seat Count | 0 |
| Window Seat Leg | 2 |
| Total Distance (miles) | 3,700 |
| Total Time (Air + Taxi) | 12:42 |
| Total Air Time | 9:59 |
| Time Saved (Early Flights) | 1:49 |
| Time Lost (Delayed Flights) | 0:09 |
| Times Through Security | 6 |
| Times Randomly Selected | 0 |
| Times Bag Pulled | 0 |
| Lounge Visited | 3 |
Costs
| Planned | Actual | Difference | |
| jetBlue Flights | $382.29 | $382.29 | +/-$0.00 |
| Other Costs | $281.15 | $298.21 | +$17.06 |
| Total | $663.44 | $680.50 | +$17.06 |
| Avg | $221.15 | $17.06 | +$5.69 |