Fly the Blue Skies ......Jet Blue Airways
Written: Apr 18 '02 (Updated Nov 24 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Spiffy, clean planes, novel snacks, perky service
Cons: Narrow seats, no advance selection of exit row seats permitted
The Bottom Line: Jet Blue is a breath of fresh air in the stagnant airline business. Their positive attitude is evident throughout the airline.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: JetBlue Airways |
I was very impressed with my recent trip on Jet Blue from Washington's Dulles Airport to Fort Lauderdale. In nearly every way, Jet Blue offers impressive service for a low-cost airline.
Reservations
I called the toll-free line to book my ticket. As this was a last-minute trip, I was unable to have much flexibility. Their fares are often considered instant purchases, so I would suggest that you book carefully. Their change fee is only $25.00 in addition to any fare difference, which is much more generous than any other airline I can readily think of...Not a bad arrangement.
Also, I did not have to wait very long before a human voice came on the line, always a good sign.
Check-in, Washington, D.C.
I was late getting to the airport, so all of the emergency exit seats were gone by the time I got there. Aside from the seat assignment, there was little need to go to the counter, as I had brought only a small bag to carry on the plane. The service at the counter was efficient and friendly. There were no long lines at all.
The Aircraft
The fleet is new, and appears to be exclusively Airbus A-320's. The planes are new and quite clean. The seating pattern is cramped, though. Six abreast with a narrow aisle down the middle means cramped seating. Fortunately, they have compensated for this with leather upholstery and individual video screens in the back of each seat. The video-addicted can watch any or all of the 20 channels on offer from Direct TV.
Food
Yes, they really do have blue potato chips! These Terra Blue chips are made from blue potatoes and are sweeter than the usual potato chip. The flavor is slightly odd, but the chips are not bad. Other snacks offered were bagel chips, chocolate chip cookies (packaged, not fresh), and animal crackers.
There was a good selection of soft drinks. beer and wine were $4.00 and mixed drinks were $5.00. Of course, they had Skyy vodka in a (what else?) blue bottle. I was surprised that they didn't have Tynant spring water (blue bottles again), but this is pushing things a bit.
The lack of complete meals may be viewed as something of a positive factor here. I did not miss the meal service on these flights, and would be only mildly annoyed on the cross-country flights. Oftentimes, you really are better off without what the airline will throw at you!
Video Entertainment
There are twenty channels of Direct TV available on the small video screen. The offerings include the History Channel among others. The Game Show Channel was amusing. I had forgotten that Paul Lynde even existed. The 1968 Firebirds, atrocious avocado colored kitchens from Magic Chef and other prizes were hilarious. Of course, the clothing was a poignant reminder of just how bad 1970's styling was. Not having a television makes me a bit of an addict when I am exposed to it.....
Service
The service was polite and efficient. All personnel were courteous, but I did not feel the warmth of, say, Southwest. On the plus side, however, there were no corny jokes.
The planes are turned over rapidly between flights, so this means that the passengers get to clean their seats. This is handled efficiently, and really is not too much of a problem. Unless you are really disorganized, you ought to be able to keep your seat clean enough for the next passenger. Normally, this might upset me, but in the interest of lower fares, some sacrifices have to be made......
Luggage
I did not give them the chance to lose my luggage, so I cannot give you an accurate report on this.
Cost
I paid $295.00 round trip, booking the trip just three days in advance. Had I booked the day before, the round trip fare would only have been $212.00. What a difference a day makes! on the whole, their fares are quite reasonable. This was comparable to the fare offered by Southwest.
Jet Blue Airways
Toll free 800-538-2583
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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