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JetBlue finally unveiled its long-awaited BlueFirst domestic first class product today. It will launch later this year and roll out fleetwide by 2028.
A220s and A320s will get 12 BlueFirst seats and A321s will get 16 BlueFirst seats with a 36-37″ seat pitch in a 2-2 configuration.
The seat will have built-in Tuft & Needle’s T&N Flex foam, though I’m dubious about how that will hold up in the long-term. On overnight flights, a blanket and snooze kit will be offered.
You’ll be able to order snacks, drinks, or even create your own cocktail from the 13.3″ in-flight entertainment system, which will feature built-in Bluetooth.
JetBlue will not be adding ovens, so it will offer uncompetitive cold meals, putting it at a pretty big disadvantage compared to American, Delta, and United.
Bento boxes will be offered on flights that are 899 miles or longer. For example, JFK to Orlando clocks in at 944 miles, so it would qualify, while JFK to Chicago clocks in at 740 miles and would not qualify.
We asked about kosher meal availability in BlueFirst, but JetBlue has not yet responded. This post will be updated if the airline responds to our inquiry.
BlueFirst will include Group 1 boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, priority check-in, and access to expedited security lines.
BlueFirst and BlueFirst Flex fares have no change or cancel fees, two free checked bags, and priority baggage, while BlueFirst Base fares will not have those inclusions.
JetBlue has yet to announce how BlueFirst upgrades will work for Mosaic members.
BlueFirst does not include BlueHouse lounge access. You can read about lounge access rules and cost here.
JetBlue won’t be reducing the plane’s capacity to make room for the first class seats. Instead, EvenMore space seats will be removed on some planes, and economy seating will drop from about an industry-leading 32″-34″ pitch to a 30″ pitch.
AA, Delta, and United typically have a 30-31″ pitch in the back of the plane, so JetBlue won’t be much worse off than them, but it will feel much more crowded than it does today.
Allegiant and Frontier have a typically punishing 28″ pitch, so JetBlue will still be more comfortable than those airlines.
Sadly, JetBlue won’t be joining North American carriers like Air Canada, Alaska, American, Frontier, Hawaiian, JSX, Southwest, United, and WestJet in adding high-bandwidth Starlink internet to their fleet. Instead, they will join Delta in rolling the dice on Amazon Leo, which has yet to launch.
There’s nothing revolutionary about this first class cabin, but it’s definitely the right financial move for JetBlue, as more and more passengers are paying for first-class seats. At the same time, it’s sad news for JetBlue fans who currently enjoy the extra legroom in the back of the plane and for the loss of some rows of EvenMore seats on some planes. Then again, JetBlue isn’t commanding a price premium for offering that extra legroom in the back, so it’s not a big surprise to see it discontinued in favor of first class seating.
What do you think of the addition of a first class cabin on all JetBlue planes?
