JetBlue TrueBlue - Details on the new pillow/blanket kits

Some quality co-branding with Bed Bath & Beyond on the new pillow/blanket kits. They are going to sell for $7 and include a $5 BBB coupon.

The World's Cleanest(tm) travel pillow features an advanced technology called MicronOne(tm), a fabric that blocks all micro-toxins larger than one micron in size, such as dust mites, mold spores, pollen and pet dander. Using this technology, the airline's new in-flight pillow and blanket kit provides peace-of-mind and allows the health-conscious traveler to rest easier in flight. The take-home travel kit includes a 10" x 12" size plush pillow, as well as a 39" x 51" fleece blanket. Both items fit neatly back into the enclosed carrying case for use on future trips.

"Replacing our old, recycled pillows and blankets with this state-of-the-art, high-quality take home kit is an eco-conscious, health-conscious and customer-conscious decision," said Brett Muney, General Manager of Product Development for JetBlue Airways. "We are constantly seeking ways to enhance the in-flight experience for our customers, and providing them the option to purchase The World's Cleanest travel pillow and a fleece blanket at an affordable price delivers on that promise."



Press Release here (http://investor.jetblue.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=131045&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1182805&highlight=).

The dimensions seem small for the blanket. At 51" long it would get from my toes to my torso, but not all the way to my shoulders. I guess tall people need to buy two kits.

And, yes, like every other cost-cutting initiative, this one too is primarily "eco-friendly." :rolleyes:

The dimensions seem small for the blanket. At 51" long it would get from my toes to my torso, but not all the way to my shoulders. I guess tall people need to buy two kits.

And I guess some people just like to complain.

I am guessing the assumption is that you'd use the blanket in a mostly seated position , so that you would cover your shoulders, but then let the blanket drape down, and not necessarily hugging your body at every angle.

So lets say that you were 6 tall (72").
Typical proporion for that person is
Head 9"
Torso: 27"
Thigh: 18"
Lower Leg" 18"

reference: http://www.realcolorwheel.com/human.htm

27sqared + 18squared = 1053
Square root of that is 32-33" (This is the distance from shoulders to knees in a seated position.
Add to that the lower leg distance and you get 51.

If you pull the blanket closer to your body, you might lose some inches, but I think common sense says you'd lose them on your lower body, not your upper body as you seem worried about, since you'd be wearing shoes on the plane. And even then, most people under 6 feet would be fine.

And I guess some people just like to complain.

I am guessing the assumption is that you'd use the blanket in a mostly seated position , so that you would cover your shoulders, but then let the blanket drape down, and not necessarily hugging your body at every angle.

So lets say that you were 6 tall (72").
Typical proporion for that person is
Head 9"
Torso: 27"
Thigh: 18"
Lower Leg" 18"

reference: http://www.realcolorwheel.com/human.htm

27sqared + 18squared = 1053
Square root of that is 32-33" (This is the distance from shoulders to knees in a seated position.
Add to that the lower leg distance and you get 51.

If you pull the blanket closer to your body, you might lose some inches, but I think common sense says you'd lose them on your lower body, not your upper body as you seem worried about, since you'd be wearing shoes on the plane. And even then, most people under 6 feet would be fine.

That only works at a right angle. Odds are the angle will be somewhat obtuse since you'll be reclining. And gravity will make it sag a bit, not to mention that most people don't plan to build a tent out of their body. You'll also need a couple inches of material to go over your shoulders to tuck in to create the tent. I think that you'll lose at least 6" if not more between tucking it in and the sag, so it will be short for many.

And I take my shoes off when I sleep, on a plane or otherwise.

I'm not complaining about the product offering; I don't think I'll ever use it. But I do think that the blankets seem short. Next time I'm on a flight that has them still (CO does, I know) I'll measure and compare, but it seems smaller. I prefer a blanket that covers me top to bottom and I do not think that this product will meet that need.

On the plus side, they'll be fleece which has to be better than whatever material the other carriers use, since those are pretty bad.

the guy beside me last night asked for a blanket and the flight attendent hesitated for a moment before she let him know about the charge. He did not seem to care since it was for his wife. Another guest asked and the flight attendent did mention the coupon but the guest still declined. I think it seems to be an uncomfortable situation for them right now.

WN must be so happy to see B6 zigging and zagging like this, and looking more like everyone else as each day passes.

Still consider their in-flight product one of the best but no way I'd invest in them, Barger has no vision.

With the transcon being cut and redeyes reduced, there will just be less demand for blankets. So it is a bit weird that JBLU tries to monetize on it. At the same time, those who would request blankets and pillows will be the ones that truly need them. It is going to create a situation where "you either cough up 7 bucks or you freeze" situation.

In addition, whats up with all those branded products? That is going to create dilution to the JBLU brand by making people feel that they are paying for focus groups on certain cheese, certain drinks and certain blankets. A tad desperation in my view.

I just take my nice cashmere blend blanket and make everyone jealous.

The $7 is a purchase, not a rental. You keep the blanket kit. Just like selling headsets and reusing them on your next flight. $7 with a $5 credit at BB&B is not too bad.

I wasn't sure about the purchase versus rental, but I heard it on the radio that it was a purchase you could keep.

On US - some years back US started a disposable blanket on it flights. A new blanket for each flight that is throw away. When I took my throw away blanket with me off the US flight - the FA looked at me like I was taking something I was not supposed to be taking - but it was considered a onetime use blanket.

The $7 is a purchase, not a rental. You keep the blanket kit. Just like selling headsets and reusing them on your next flight. $7 with a $5 credit at BB&B is not too bad.

I wasn't sure about the purchase versus rental, but I heard it on the radio that it was a purchase you could keep.


It is definitely a purchase, but that still doesn't make the blanket big enough to be useful. ;)

As for the $5 BBB coupon, is there really a shortage of those in the world? BBB has one of the most prolific coupon printing organizations and lax policies (they accept expired competitor coupons without batting an eyelash) out there.

Still consider their in-flight product one of the best but no way I'd invest in them, Barger has no vision.

I agree. I fly jetblue for the product, but no one had the gusto of Neeleman, and Barger seems like the CEO for a legacy operation instead of a low-cost one.

I don't know why this addition being eco-friendly gets the eye roll in the OP. As discussed in another thread, anything in marketing can be viewed as a spin. But, in this green world every little bit helps.

The pillows are very comfortable. Blankets look nice as well. I happened to be on a flight today, first day of selling these and they were sold out quickly. The lady next to me bought 2!

That would support sbm12's point that the blanket is too small.

The lady next to me bought 2!

That would support sbm12's point that the blanket is too small.

Actually, she only opened and used one. We were talking and she said she's buying another one for her husband to use on his flights. Most of which are on another airline for business.

How dare he! flying another airline?

Actually, she only opened and used one. We were talking and she said she's buying another one for her husband to use on his flights. Most of which are on another airline for business.

How dare he! flying another airline?

You beat me to it...:rolleyes:

Some quality co-branding with Bed Bath & Beyond on the new pillow/blanket kits. They are going to sell for $7 and include a $5 BBB coupon.



Again, JetBlue holds a much higher class of standard than SkyBus. JetBlue is not a legacy and not an LCLF; it is a value airline that caters to affluent markets. The brand image of JetBlue is priceless, and that is to be preserved forever. I agree that advertising can be very lucrative, but the costs of losing the few travelers with enough disposable income left for feeling that they are on a subway in the air don't justify selling ad space on the aircraft. It just won't happen - at least not for the next 10 years.
Post 19 (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=820927&highlight=priceless)

So, would you say that a BBB coupon would constitute advertising?

Post 19 (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=820927&highlight=priceless)

So, would you say that a BBB coupon would constitute advertising?

If you read all of my posts in that thread, you would notice that I am speaking of advertising on the overhead bins, seatbacks, aircraft exterior, etc. In other words, I am predicting that JetBlue would not introduce advertising visible in such public areas. Sure, there is captive-audience advertising, such as the BBB coupon which is in a pre-packaged item being sold onboard. I always discuss the already-existing advertising on channel 13, as well as in the Times On Air brochure in each seatback. But, where do you see advertising plastered as suggested by a poster in that thread?

The $7 is a purchase, not a rental. You keep the blanket kit. Ooh, great, just what I need to haul around the country under my arm: a small, cheap blanket. I'm not Linus. Linus has left the building.

WN must be so happy to see B6 zigging and zagging like this, and looking more like everyone else as each day passes. You know it. When I hear news coverage of the deterioration of the airlines, JetBlue today is lumped in with all the legacies because of stuff like this. What ever happened to zigging while the others zag?

I'll keep my $7 and the airline can keep its blankets.

The pillows are very comfortable. Blankets look nice as well. I happened to be on a flight today, first day of selling these and they were sold out quickly. The lady next to me bought 2!

How many are generally stocked on a flight? Are they restocked at outstations or only at hubs? I'm just curious how many are actually selling. If they sold out a stock of 10 that is way different than selling 100. Of course if this is considered competitive intelligence information I won't expect an answer.

How many are generally stocked on a flight? Are they restocked at outstations or only at hubs? I'm just curious how many are actually selling. If they sold out a stock of 10 that is way different than selling 100. Of course if this is considered competitive intelligence information I won't expect an answer.

All I know is that since the onboard sales of pillows/blankets started yesterday, it is WAY too early to determine any sales figures.

I don't think you will see any public info on details, but I would expect to hear it touched upon in the next conference call.

I agree. I fly jetblue for the product, but no one had the gusto of Neeleman, and Barger seems like the CEO for a legacy operation instead of a low-cost one.

Gusto, as you put it, is magic for a start-up but, and I think Neeleman proved this, is naive and short-sighted for an established player.

That being said, I am withholding judgement on Barger, barring some major exposed flaw, through the current industry downturn.

There's a picture of the new product on this link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/business/05pillow.html?em

I can't make it out from the picture. Is the pouch reusable?

All I know is that since the onboard sales of pillows/blankets started yesterday, it is WAY too early to determine any sales figures.

I don't think you will see any public info on details, but I would expect to hear it touched upon in the next conference call.

I was just trying to figure out what "sold out" meant when you said it in terms of volume. If they are only stocking 5 on each redeye then it isn't a surprise that they'd sell out. If they are stocking 100 I'd be quite surprised.

As for the green/$$ analysis, the NYTimes is on my side in the above linked article:
JetBlue tried to put a green spin on the move, portraying the kits as environmentally friendly.

“Replacing our old, recycled pillows and blankets with this state-of-the-art, high-quality take-home kit is an eco-conscious, health-conscious and customer-conscious decision,” the general manager for product development, Brett Muney, said.

But in the end, the decision was driven by economics, the latest move by airlines to find revenue wherever they can to combat record prices for jet fuel, which is up 71 percent from a year ago, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Also, in looking at it (specifically the size), how many regular travelers really want to carry their own pillow with them every time? My wife carries a large scarf/shawl/blanket think that she knitted and it works great as she uses it more than just on the plane, but I cannot imagine adding a pillow to my regular kit of gear. I understand that a big part of the marketing is that they are reusable, but I probably wouldn't carry it around with me, and almost certainly would have lost it by the time I went back to the airport for my second trip with it.

JetBlue tried to put a green spin on the move, portraying the kits as environmentally friendly.

“Replacing our old, recycled pillows and blankets..."Indeed - brilliant marketing spin.

Replacing recycled pillows and blankets with ones that probably will get left on the plane and/or thrown away - that's environmentally friendly... :confused:

Replacing recycled pillows and blankets with ones that probably will get left on the plane and/or thrown away - that's environmentally friendly... :confused:

People who pay $7 for things generally don't leave them behind to be thrown away. They'll either take it with them and throw it away, or keep using it. You could see this with the $1 headsets, even -- people are leaving far less of those onboard to be trashed, and in many cases, people are bringing them back with them if they don't already own headsets.

People who pay $7 for things generally don't leave them behind to be thrown away.What do you mean? You've got a $5 B/B/B coupon as well. That blanket potentially cost you $2.

The point is, they previously re-used blankets. They got rid of that, and call the new system green. That is retarded.

Indeed - brilliant marketing spin.

Replacing recycled pillows and blankets with ones that probably will get left on the plane and/or thrown away - that's environmentally friendly... :confused:

Since we started selling the headsets I have seen a dramatic decrease in headsets left behind and more and more people bringing them on from a previous flight.

I sold one today!:p

On Friday start my next trip. I'll be in the F2 spot (cabin bi*ch as we call it :D) The F2 usually does the selling of the headsets and blankets. It will also be a trip with some transcon flying including a redeye home so I'll report on the response to the pillows and blankts as well as the new mixed drinks.

On Friday start my next trip. I'll be in the F2 spot (cabin bi*ch as we call it :D) The F2 usually does the selling of the headsets and blankets. It will also be a trip with some transcon flying including a redeye home so I'll report on the response to the pillows and blankts as well as the new mixed drinks.

Can't wait for the report, cabin bi*ch. ;) :D

What do you mean? You've got a $5 B/B/B coupon as well. That blanket potentially cost you $2.

The point is, they previously re-used blankets. They got rid of that, and call the new system green. That is retarded.

Agree, 100%. But do you really expect differently from these guys?

I predict a plentiful supply of $5 Bed, Bath and Beyond certificates for sale on eBay very soon. :p

Ok so i switched onto a different trip last minute but I do have a bit of a report. So far i've flown BOS-MCO-CUN-MCO-JFK-BTV. On average we've sold 5 pillow/blanket kits. Some people snickered and groaned when we told them we had a packet for sale and it was $7. Some that groaned ended up buying them anyway. Everybody that bought them where glad they bought it and found them quite more than they expected. While I haven't sold any of the premium beverages the F2 and F3 have sold several of the vitamian waters. We have 3 flavors I believe not exactly sure. The wording on the PA is a bit off in my opinion as it makes it sound like we are charging for all drinks (IE USAirways) which we are not. Soda/Juice/Water/Coffee/Tea are all still free.

On these 6 flights so far we have an average load of 148! ^

Also we ran into Mr. Barger in Burlington and it was nice to chat with him for a few minutes as we waited for the hotel van.

So they loaded the new beverages, as I stated before on my 8/3 flight no new drinks available.

So they loaded the new beverages, as I stated before on my 8/3 flight no new drinks available.

Huh? Are you asking if the new beverages are loaded or saying one way or the other that they are not? And what does it have to do with pillow/blankets?

Also we ran into Mr. Barger in Burlington and it was nice to chat with him for a few minutes as we waited for the hotel van.

Must have just missed you! We worked Barger's flight up from JFK as he was going to a charity event.

Must have just missed you! We worked Barger's flight up from JFK as he was going to a charity event.

We worked flight 52 MCO-JFK-BTV on Saturday and he was taking the flight back to JFK.

IAD-OAK-BOS today. We sold several pillows and blankets. I sold a few "sugar waters" and some rockstar's, no mixed drinks though.