This Is JetBlue’s Biggest Problem

JetBlue is the best US airline in terms of in-flight experience for the average traveller–those without status who purchase tickets in non-premium cabins. If you don’t believe me, then please find me another carrier that offers complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary WiFi, complimentary seat back entertainment, 32″ (and on some aircraft, 34″) of seat pitch, and power outlets at every seat (on most aircraft). That’s why JetBlue is my preferred airline, and when they have the lowest fare in my search results, it’s a winning day!

I had about $100 of travel credit on JetBlue due to expire at the end of this year, so when searching for a way to use it, JetBlue wasn’t just my preferred option–it was my only option. Here is where I ran into JetBlue’s biggest problem when compared to those other carriers that charge for soda, don’t have WiFi or seat back entertainment, and cram uncomfortable seats into every last inch of cabin space–its limited timetable. I was hoping to use my travel credit for a quick weekend getaway. I checked cities near where my parents live, as low fares meant taking my daughter to see the grandparents was quite affordable. I also checked other cities with family-friendly attractions, such as a weekend in Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium and binge on fresh Coca-Cola. But for every Friday evening departure, the only option was an early Sunday morning return. For example, Friday’s 9:35 pm departure from FLL to ATL is perfect for leaving after work, but Sunday’s 7:30 am return flight meant only having one day (Saturday) to enjoy the destination. Is it worth flying somewhere and spending two nights in a hotel to create a one day trip? For me, the answer is usually no.

To be fair, this isn’t the case with every city pair. There have been trips in the past where JetBlue’s timetables were perfect for my needs, and a trip to New Orleans (MSY) would have worked well this time, except hotels were sold out on the dates I was looking at. But searching for this weekend getaway reminded me how JetBlue’s limited schedule can be a huge obstacle, whereas other airlines have more options. And, when it comes to irregular operations, flight delays and cancellations can mean longer waits for fewer alternatives when things go wrong.

I ended up applying my JetBlue travel credit to some cheap flights I found to Las Vegas in December. I love every chance I get to visit my former hometown, so it’s far from a total throwaway when it comes to burning that credit. (Three complimentary nights at Conrad at Resorts World didn’t hurt either.) Nevertheless, I still hope JetBlue continues to grow its schedule–their acquisition of Spirit Airlines should help to that end–so there are even more opportunities to fly the best US airline in the sky.

Do you love JetBlue’s product? Have their limited schedules affected your decision to fly them?