Originally Posted by
sullim4
Speaking of maximums...
I priced out a ticket for Christmas, SEA-JFK (21 Dec - 1 Jan), and boy was I surprised. $399 each way for both segments, putting the RT price at $818!
For comparable flights, DL wants $468. AA doesn't offer a red eye, but their daytime flights price in at $379. Similar situation at Thanksgiving as well. This is not just peak times either - it's a pretty consistent pattern on this route. It's unfortunate, but as a leisure traveler who mostly flies transcons to NYC I think I'll be taking my business to DL. Sucks to lose the legroom but I'll pack my own snacks to save $375.
Key word: Christmas. This is peak travel season, when airlines make their money. Nearly all seats are going to be occupied either way so this is a chance for them to charge higher fares.
I understand your frustration with jetBlue currently being priced higher than other airlines on NYC-SEA, however, let's keep in mind that jetBlue INTRODUCED low fares to the market. If jetBlue (or other low cost carriers) were NOT in the market, then fares would still be sky high. $399 each way for a transcon is a bit high, but it's the fare cap...remember the days when you were lucky to find something for $399 nonstop across the country at a normal hour, let alone any ordinary non-holiday. Oh wait, you had to book ROUND TRIP, SAT. NIGHT STAY, etc. with other restrictions.
JetBlue is usually lower in price, especially on most walkup fares, and someone else in this thread mentioned how fares usually drop closer to the date of departure. If the flight does not fill, I see JFK-SEA going down to around ~ $299, if not a little less.
I don't blame you for taking the cheaper DL flight, hey, I probably would in thsi particular case. At the same time, though, remember that you won't be able to get the fare difference, should it decrease after purchase - something that I benefit from by staying with Blue.