August 09, 2005

Is JetBlue 'just another airline' these days?

Travel site Jaunted declares it's "time to classify Jet Blue as just another airline," now that the New York-based airline has ended its honeymoon with travelers in love with its low fares, Direct TV, and efficiency that expected travelers to bring their own food and pick up their own trash (before the majors started doing that to stay out of bankruptcy.)

Januted makes note of the airline's tardiness, inconvenient schedules, poor flight-change policy, cruddy frequent flier benefits, dirtier planes and the fact that it's no longer the low-price leader in many markets.

Personal exerience with JetBlue confirms that for me as well. Their much-anticipated new flight to Burbank, Calif. isn't cheap unless you like the redeye. And redeye is all they have leaving Portland, Ore. (launched along with Burbank service in May;) - a once-daily 11:59 p.m. departure.

Moody's isn't so hot on JetBlue either, adjusting its debt rating to negative from stable just last week.

JetBlue is currently running an "Everyone Must Go" sale with fares to/from New York advertised from $59 to Florida, $74 to the Bahamas and $109 to San Diego, Phoenix and Seattle. Maybe just not anywhere near the dates you hoped to fly. Like Jaunted said "just another airline," but with DirectTV.

Earlier: JetBlue Airways to start service from Newark
JFK concourse hotspot charges $6.95 for access
Jet Blue forgot to change the clocks?
JetBlue plans NY-Boston shuttle for $100 roundtrip
JetBlue to add routes to Burbank and Portland in May
JetBlue guiding passengers to AirTrain
JetBlue's no bargain in frequent flyer category - USA Today
JetBlue to revive historic TWA terminal at JFK

August 9, 2005 10:00 AM in Arrivology

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