Last year at this time, a JetBlue flight was practically a carnival in the clouds. Whatever you wanted to drink, eat or watch could be done, and only a credit card was needed for those premium beverages and snacks. Wearing a mask? Unthinkable. A half-full plane? Impossible. Sanitizing wipes distributed at boarding? Whatever for?
But that was in the “before” times. Today, masks are now a nationally mandated requirement for travel on buses, trains and planes. The number of passengers traveling this January is down roughly 75 percentfrom last January. And the biggest priority airplanes are making for passengers is frequent sanitizing sessions and powerful HEPA air filters.
Economy Just Got Some Major Upgrades on JetBlue’s Newest Plane AFAR 1/14/2021
Courtesy of JetBlue
Flying economy doesn’t have to be miserable.JetBlue pulled back the curtain on the interiors of its new Airbus A220-300 aircraft this week, revealing a focus on comfort, design, and tech.
The airline has ordered 70 of the new planes, which have been outfitted with a unique two-by-three seating configuration a first for JetBlue. The carrier was already known for its roomier economy seats, on average 18 inches across the fleet (most carriers provide seats in the 17- to 18-inch width range), and legroom. But JetBlue pushed them a smidge wider on the new aircraft, to 18.6 inches, and the seats also have better cushioning and adjustable headrests upholstered in a breathable vegan leather material, according to JetBlue.
A refreshed first class or business class cabin always drew attentive excitement in the carefree days of aviation, but now as the pandemic slogs on, new inflight perks are scrutinized in a different manner. Passengers eyeing a return to air travel, and even those who have been flying throughout the past year, will be curious as to how the new amenities will address our changed reality.
For JetBlue, the refresh-Mint (wink, wink) of its Mint Cabin which first debuted in 2014, has sought to double-down on both luxury and wellness in an age of flying trepidation. This comes as the airline continues to expand service to sun destinations, and eyes transatlantic service to London this year.
Seth Wenig/AP
JetBlue Airways is expanding in 2021 with 24 new routes across the US and Central America.
Four new cities will be added to JetBlue s route network including Miami; Key West, Florida; Guatemala City, Guatemala; and Los Cabos, Mexico.
Mint business class will also be expanding to its 19th destination, Miami, with two daily flights to Los Angeles.
JetBlue Airways on Thursday announced a 24-route expansion for 2021 that sees the airline grow into new cities, expand traditionally smaller markets, and build its West Coast presence to help bolster recovery efforts in the new year.
Four new cities are being added to JetBlue s route map in the expansion, with Miami being the most notable. JetBlue has long avoided the South Florida destination in favor of nearby Fort Lauderdale, but the airline will now fly directly into Miami International Airport with service to most of its bases on the East and West Coasts.