The head of JetBlue Airways Corp. says the low-cost carrier expects to boost its noncore revenue by 60 percent this year, in part by charging passengers extra for more legroom. “What we want … is the ability to upsell,” Chief Executive David Barger told the Associated Press. JetBlue’s share price was pummeled in recent weeks as crude oil prices surged to all-time highs, according to the report. Tough competition has made it difficult for domestic airlines to raise fares fast enough to keep pace with rising fuel costs, leaving carriers scrambling to find additional cost savings and new sources of revenue. But Barger stopped short of saying JetBlue would go to a two-cabin configuration. So now the “haves” and the “have-nots” will still be able to see each other when they fly. Meanwhile, the Orlando Sentinel reports JetBlue will announce a major expansion today, and is expected to add several international routes.
Update: JetBlue has responded to this posting.
I wanted to clear up some misconceptions about our Even More Legroom program. We offer customers roomy 34-inch pitch with the price of their ticket – along with free TV, unlimited snacks, and as many Cokes as you can drink. For an extra $10, $15 or $20, you can choose a seat assignment that offers 38 inches of legroom. JetBlue offers the most legroom throughout coach of any U.S. airline, even if you choose not to purchase an Even More Legroom seat.
Our customers tell us that low fares are really important to them, and this is a way to help offset the rising cost of fuel, and keep our fares competitive.
We designed JetBlue to purposely avoid the “haves†and “have-nots†sections that other airlines created. JetBlue – no first class, no second class citizens.
Jenny Dervin
