JetBlue TrueBlue - Hey Forest Hills - Some EML Observations

I have flown B6 about a dozen times this year, each time, except for one short flight it has been in the EML seats.

I have no problem paying extra for them (let's not debate that in this thread please). What is annoying me is the people who are sitting in the rear of the plane, getting on first and placing their bags in the overhead bins at the front of the plane.

B6 needs to make an effort to stop this if you want us (the EML paying patrons) to observe your desire to board from rear of the plane to the front.

Want some ideas?

Make announcements before boarding and while boarding that carry-on luggage must be placed in the bins over your seat.

Place stickers stating the same on each storage bin door.

And when they can, have your flight attendants watch for this as the passengers board.

Until you do something about this, I will continue to pre-board to make sure I have a place for my carry on bags.

You have somebody on your side. If I am upfront I watch the overheads in the front like a hawk! Many of my fellow Boston flight attendants are the same way. I think like you, use the space over your seat. If there isn't space over your seat then you have a legimiate reason to move to another overhead bin.

Thank You for the information and taking the time to share it.

Agree completely. I have noticed on some flights that the IFC actually close the forward overhead bins, which seems to help free space in the front during boarding.

Policy is for the first 5 bins to be closed so they stay available for those seated in the first 5 rows.

I have a minor bone to pick. What is the policy with open EML seats? I was jetting back from CUN and seated in EML and while we were boarding the people seated behind us all started trying to get dibs on the open EML seats. Turns out they didn't move up. But is their a policy to keep those seats unoccupied during the flights?

This is certainly not a Jetblue-specific problem, but I'm glad to see out Jetblue FAs here put in the effort to try to help folks out.

My question is that when the non EML seats fill up during the reservation process are those trying to make reservations offered the EML seats without the up charge?

I have a minor bone to pick. What is the policy with open EML seats? I was jetting back from CUN and seated in EML and while we were boarding the people seated behind us all started trying to get dibs on the open EML seats. Turns out they didn't move up. But is their a policy to keep those seats unoccupied during the flights?The FA's who post on this board have indicated that they're instructed to keep the seats unoccupied.

My question is that when the non EML seats fill up during the reservation process are those trying to make reservations offered the EML seats without the up charge?

I do not believe so. You won't be able to pick a seat assignment and some folks will possibly get the seats for free but they will continue to try to sell them up to the end. But during the reservation process they won't give them away for free.

Make announcements before boarding and while boarding that carry-on luggage must be placed in the bins over your seat.

Place stickers stating the same on each storage bin door.

And when they can, have your flight attendants watch for this as the passengers board.

Until you do something about this, I will continue to pre-board to make sure I have a place for my carry on bags.

Very rarely have I encountered problems with running out of overhead bin space believe it or not. It happens more so on the 190 than 320. We are always able to find space for it. As my colleague pointed out the first five rows are closed for this reason. We actually appreciate it when only those who absolutely need preboarding, preboard. And as for those placing bags in front and then seated 20 rows back, whenever I work I catch them almost every time and inform them of available space down the plane.

Additionally, due to the various sizes of bags (I know we could REALLY work on screening those "should have been checked yet got through security bags"), some customers bags may not go immediately above their assigned seat.

You have somebody on your side. If I am upfront I watch the overheads in the front like a hawk! Many of my fellow Boston flight attendants are the same way. I think like you, use the space over your seat. If there isn't space over your seat then you have a legimiate reason to move to another overhead bin.

Thank You for the information and taking the time to share it.

I noticed this on my FLL-LGB flight last night. The overheads in the front were closed when I boarded. When I opened the one over my seat, it was empty ^ (unlike last week, where all the overheads in front were full by the time I got on).

How about letting EML's board first? (after pre-boards)

I run into this problem frequently. I'm on B6 probably 2-3 times a month, and have been "ponying-up" for he EML seats (which are great) But, I always wind up sweating it out as to whether there will be OH space available when my row boards. On more than one occasion, I've had to go back several rows, only to wind up doing the salmon maneuver at flight's end. Somewhat annoying.

Seems like if you're going to spend the extra $$ for a more comfy seat, you shouldn't be penalized on baggage storage. Would love to know that I'll get a great seat, AND have no problem stowing my bag above (or fairly close to ) my seat. Maybe it's my bad luck, but I don't see the "bins closed in the first 5 rows" policy being adhered to with any regularity. Again, love the seats, dislike this part of it.

Very rarely have I encountered problems with running out of overhead bin space believe it or not. Sorry, I don't believe it as I see it happen all the time. No one sittiing in row two wants to put their bags over row eight and then have to wait for the entire plane to get off to be able to go back and get their bags. Part of the EML "experience" is getting off the plane first.

It happens more so on the 190 than 320. We are always able to find space for it. As my colleague pointed out the first five rows are closed for this reason. Yes, sometimes they are and sometimes they are not. But what does this do? People open them and see if there is room inside.

We actually appreciate it when only those who absolutely need preboarding, preboard. I know you do. I don't want to do it but until there is a system that assures me I can board when my row number is called and I know I will be able to put my carry on over my seat, you leave me no choice.

And as for those placing bags in front and then seated 20 rows back, whenever I work I catch them almost every time and inform them of available space down the plane.

Additionally, due to the various sizes of bags (I know we could REALLY work on screening those "should have been checked yet got through security bags"), some customers bags may not go immediately above their assigned seat.

I have flown B6 four times in the last few weeks. Only once did a flight attendant say something to someone she saw doing this.

How about letting EML's board first? (after pre-boards)


You mean like a first class cabin?? ;)

We can only say so much to the company. They need to hear all about this from "you" the customer, so if it happens again send a quick email to JetBlue via the Speak Up button and let them know! They do read the Speak Up emails and change policy or procedure based on what you say. I've found the the OHBs over Row 1 and 2 fill up ultra quick. Mainly because row 1 has no where to place their stuff besides the overheads. While it is not your experience, I have had several overheads completely empty on my last several flights, which have been completely full. I'm averaging about 148 customers on my past few flights.

If I am upfront I watch the overheads in the front like a hawk!... use the space over your seat.

I have noticed on some flights that the IFC actually close the forward overhead bins, which seems to help free space in the front during boarding. I have noticed this happening on both JFK and BOS departures and really appreciate it. ^