Airline review: Believe it or not, this US budget carrier is excellent

The Airline: JetBlue

• Route San Antonio, Texas, to New York JFK, flight B6 1826
• Frequency Non-stop, once daily.
• Aircraft Airbus A320
• Class Economy (“Even More Space” seat); seat 11C
• Flight time 3 hours, 58 minutes (on time)

JetBlue exceeds expectations for an American budget airline.

Checking in

San Antonio airport is easy to navigate, and I breeze through from Uber drop-off to check-in. At the check-in counter, there’s good news: the airline is looking for upgrade volunteers for the Even More Space seats in the exit rows. It’s a win for me, flying on a Blue Basic fare for which I paid $US123 ($185). I was prepared for the worst middle seat up the back.

Baggage

Passengers on the most basic fare are not allowed to use the overhead bins.

Blue Basic fare passengers are not permitted to bring a carry-on bag that goes in the overhead bin. A personal item (handbag, laptop case, small backpack) that goes under the seat in front is allowed. In the days leading up to the flight, I receive several emails reminding me of the rules and warning that any carry-on bags brought to the gate will have to be checked at a cost of at least $US65. I decide to pay $US35 to check a bag in advance. Several other passengers on Blue Basic tickets who show up to the gate with wheeled carry-on bags are not permitted to board until they pay.

Loyalty scheme

TrueBlue loyalty program is free to join. Members earn points when flying JetBlue and airline partners including Etihad, Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines, but can redeem points only on JetBlue, Hawaiian and Qatar Airways.

The seat

JetBlue flights offer plenty of legroom.

I’m in seat 11C, an aisle seat in the exit row. The aircraft has a 3-3, one-aisle configuration, with 162 seats in total. It’s immediately clear why JetBlue is known as one of the best American airlines for comfort, service and value for money. The grey-and-orange leather seat has an impressive 96.5-centimetre pitch and 45-centimetre width, adjustable headrests, USB and power outlets. Even in a standard economy seat you get 86 centimetres of legroom – five-seven centimetres more than many other airlines.

Entertainment + tech

All seats offer free entertainment and Wi-Fi.

Free, fast Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight gets a big tick. To access it, I’m required to watch a 15-second video ad. There’s a 25.6 centimetre HD touchscreen TV offering more than 100 channels of free programming, including live-streamed TV, latest-release movies and popular series.

As the flight begins, the screen displays a message – “Is that you, Kristie?” I press “yes” and then have the option to set up personal content preferences for next time I fly with JetBlue. I use a USB port to charge my iPhone and a power outlet (US-style, naturally) to charge my iPad.

Service

Friendly, calm and confident. Dressed in stylish navy and orange uniforms, the attendants seem to be having fun and enjoying the work, which puts passengers at ease.

Food

Free snacks! Officially, passengers can have their choice of two of the listed snacks (pretzels, plantain chips, biscuits or chips on this flight), but ask nicely and you’ll likely get more. Complimentary beverages include soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea. Alcohol is available for purchase, as are various boxes ($US10) containing such fare as cheese and crackers, M&Ms, hummus and other bites.

Carbon emissions

0.456 tonnes for one economy passenger. JetBlue has set a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

One more thing

JetBlue is seeking a code share with British Airways, a move that would allow both carriers to expand their networks in the US and Europe. The proposal was filed with the US Department of Transportation in May 2024.

The price

From $US123 economy one-way.

The verdict

Isn’t it great when an airline exceeds expectations? Free Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment, complimentary snacks and drinks, on-time take-off and a bonus upgrade prove you don’t always get what you pay for. JetBlue, I think you’ve just gained a new frequent flyer.

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

The writer flew at her own expense. See JetBlue.com