Wednesday
Aug202008
Come Fly the Nickel and Dime Skies
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 11:34PM
JetBlue starts selling blankets and pillows.
Yes, JetBlue.
Although they are new and you purchase, not rent them- JetBlue has already taken a reputation hit. Other major airlines are also charging for items from soda to checked luggage. See Airline Fees: Who's the Stingiest? for a full rundown.
So, why is there a backlash against JetBlue?
Because for travelers, JetBlue represents the non-airline option. And for JetBlue loyalists, who religiously stood by even after their flights were canceled last winter, this latest revenue-generating tactic did not jive with their brand.
JetBlue customers expect the company they rave about to be consistent- in service and brand authenticity. Especially, since charging for pillows is inconsistent with their Happy Jetting campaign which evokes the notion that air travel is glamorous.
JetBlue can increase prices for refundable tickets, just don't charge for DIRECTV next.
Yes, JetBlue.
Although they are new and you purchase, not rent them- JetBlue has already taken a reputation hit. Other major airlines are also charging for items from soda to checked luggage. See Airline Fees: Who's the Stingiest? for a full rundown.
So, why is there a backlash against JetBlue?
Because for travelers, JetBlue represents the non-airline option. And for JetBlue loyalists, who religiously stood by even after their flights were canceled last winter, this latest revenue-generating tactic did not jive with their brand.
JetBlue customers expect the company they rave about to be consistent- in service and brand authenticity. Especially, since charging for pillows is inconsistent with their Happy Jetting campaign which evokes the notion that air travel is glamorous.
JetBlue can increase prices for refundable tickets, just don't charge for DIRECTV next.
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New York Times reporter Michelle Higgins reports what it's like as a flight attendant. Flying the Unfriendly Skies
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/travel/14Airline.html