JetBlue is launching a new fee, $7 for a pillow and an allergen-rebuffing blanket. It comes with a $5 coupon to Bed Bath and Beyond. It’s all part of what JetBlue describes as a “basket of fee changes” which they project will rake in an additional $50 million this year. I guess that’s someone’s idea of targeted marketing. “Guys, we need to figure out a way to hone in on this lucrative “buys blankets” crowd…”
JetBlue to Start Charging for Pillows [NYT] (Photo: Lil Erna)
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I like this. Don’t want the blanket, don’t buy one. I’ve always enjoyed flying JetBlue. I used to be a really nervous flyer and their TV helped me sort of zone out, and then I discovered the competative trivia game and it changed my flying life for ever.
I look forward to flying, now, because it gives me a chance to show up all of the other passengers in high-stakes trivia. The stakes? If they lose, I throw them out of the plane. If I lose… I throw myself out of the plane.
I flew Jet Blue on July 12 from Las Vegas to JFK. Two days before my flight, I called customer service and asked them if they supplied pillows and blankets for their overnight flights. The customer service rep assured me that they did. She said, “We’ve started a new program in cooperation with Bed Bath and Beyond. You can purchase a pillow and blanket for $7, and you get a $5 coupon for the store.”
So, we get on the plane, and I ask the flight attendant for a pillow and blanket and she gives me a blank stare. She’s like, “We don’t have those on board anymore.” And I’m like, “Not even for sale?” “Um, no. But I can get you a sleep mask and ear plugs.”
The thing is, I tried to be proactive! I called to find out whether they offered these items, was assured they did, only to find out, once on board, that they do not.
So now I’m like, “Well, if I can’t sleep, I’ll watch TV.” But no. My armrest control doesn’t work. I point this out to the flight attendant and she’s like, “This is a full flight, so I can’t move you, but if you call Jet Blue they’ll issue you a credit.”
So, I get back home, and call Jet Blue to complain. The customer service rep is all, “Oh, um, hmmm. No pillows and blankets? Let me check with my manager.” She puts me on hold for a good 5 minutes and comes back and says, “They should have been on sale at the gate.” There was nothing for sale at the gate except earphones. I ask her about the credit for the tv and she’s like, “Oh, we have to wait for the crew to put in a work order for that seat’s armrest in order to give you a credit.”
So, Jet Blue can suck it.
Just flew Jet Blue cross-country with husband + 3 kids. We also asked about blankets and were told they were not available, nothing about this program. I had our hoodies stashed in the carryons anyway. They are very accommodating and there are plenty of free drinks and snacks to go around. Like others here, I like the idea of buying/keeping if it’s something you really need – though I haven’t seen them so I can’t vouch for the quality. Anyway, for me Jet Blue is great, especially when flying with children.
Why don’t the airlines just grow a pair, drop the nickel-and-dime routine and charge everyone $200 more for EVERY ticket. This will not only cover more than their expenses but generate additional revenue to spend on things like, oh, I don’t know … customer service training.
if i get to KEEP the blanket, and i KNOW that they’re clean, i’m down for a $7 fee.
but if i have to pay $7, and it’s covered in someone else’s drool and dander, i’m not up for it
@CapitalC: because you would see an article on the consumerist 10 minutes after blaming the airlines on charging $200 more to consumers….
Most of the consumer goes for the cheapest price available. Whoever charges $200 more as you suggest is a death sentence. You dont want a pillow? Dont ask for one. Problem solved.
@Michael Belisle: But they’ll often still accept them after the expiration date, AND they’ll accept them for past purchases.
Sure, the $7 blanket/pillow fee is a bitch, but 1) it’s a new, sanitary set that you get to keep, and 2) it’s not like you’ll die without a blanket and pillow. What’s with acting like they killed your father and raped your mother?