Originally Posted by sowalsky
The problem that the OP describes is that JetBlue acts like a discount, low-fare airline but more than 1/2 the time, its fares or equal to or higher than many of the major carriers, especially in competetive markets. And on those other carriers there are opportunities for upgrades, real mileage accrual, and elite status.
First off, the OP is over 3 years old.
Secondly, all that you mention has been discussed to death on here and other forums. Sadly, the jetBlue "bashers" have no response to our arugment.
jetBlue is a LCC - that stands for Low COST Carrier. Its fares are very competitive in many markets. They are not always the cheapest. Why? The legacy airlines often beat jetBlue's fares while taking a loss due to their higher costs...all in an effort to maintain market share. In the past, when jetBlue enters a market, fares decline on average by aboout 50% across the board. This is in no way out of good will at the legacy airlines. This is nothing more than a competitve response to jetBlue. Also, jetBlue comes in as a "discount" airline by offering a $399 one-way fare cap on the longest nonstop routes and a simplified fare structure with only $25/$30 change fees.
jetBlue is a MAJOR airline - as defined by the DOT as an airline generating $1 billion or greater in revenue.
Opportunities for upgrades are much harder to come by these days. In addition, elite status means nothing too about 90% or so of the flying public. For those who it does mean something to - many waste time and money just trying to get to the elite level.
Real mileage accrual?? TrueBlue is not for everyone, but I would not call it a "Fake" loyalty program. For me, it is great...especially since I fly about 40 domestic flights a year - 36 or so of which are on jetBlue routes. While points expire after one year, there is a major plus for AMEX JetBlue card holders...they don't really expire. WIth jetBlue, it's 100 points for a free ticket...do the math compared to miles at other airlines, and yoou often need to fly less for an award with jetBlue. In addition, you can book one-way trips using half of the 100 points. And I just love not paying fees last minute and having no blackout dates like at other airlines.
Again, what works for you does not work for others. So please do not criticize jetBlue since your needs/wants differ from others. Thanks!