JetBlue mint service coming to Seattle - reduced fares for Alaska (and Delta)?
Jul 17, 2017, 9:18 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 599
JetBlue mint service coming to Seattle - reduced fares for Alaska (and Delta)?
So JetBlue just announced Seattle to BOS/JFK in lie-flat mint class starting Feb 2018 (their schedule just opened), where one-way non-stop fares are about $550 if I check on google flights.
This is a route where Alaska typically charge over $700-900 one-way in first class. Delta inexplicably charges $2000 one-way (who buys that?). Even United to EWR charges high.
Really excited that given a lie-flat option for $550, this will force Alaska and Delta to bring down their NYC and Boston fares also for their non-lie-flat seats.
This is a route where Alaska typically charge over $700-900 one-way in first class. Delta inexplicably charges $2000 one-way (who buys that?). Even United to EWR charges high.
Really excited that given a lie-flat option for $550, this will force Alaska and Delta to bring down their NYC and Boston fares also for their non-lie-flat seats.
Jul 17, 2017, 9:22 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,068
If the Seattleites prefer a lesser product for more money but from a local business, AS may be able to still command a premium and not lose too much business.
Jul 17, 2017, 9:22 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 493
So JetBlue just announced Seattle to BOS/JFK in lie-flat mint class starting Feb 2018 (their schedule just opened), where one-way non-stop fares are about $550 if I check on google flights.
This is a route where Alaska typically charge over $700-900 one-way in first class. Delta inexplicably charges $2000 one-way (who buys that?). Even United to EWR charges high.
Really excited that given a lie-flat option for $550, this will force Alaska and Delta to bring down their NYC and Boston fares also for their non-lie-flat seats.
This is a route where Alaska typically charge over $700-900 one-way in first class. Delta inexplicably charges $2000 one-way (who buys that?). Even United to EWR charges high.
Really excited that given a lie-flat option for $550, this will force Alaska and Delta to bring down their NYC and Boston fares also for their non-lie-flat seats.
Jul 17, 2017, 9:27 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,633
It is not only a nice seat, but a lovely service. The only reason to fly AS, fares equal or similar, would be if I needed EQMs. (Also note that those B6 fares aren't "last seat" fares, so your lie flat seat could cost over double that.)
Jul 17, 2017, 10:53 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
This is as good a place as any to mention that if you head over to the Jet Blue form, you will see a thread with a link to request Mosaic status if you are Alaska Gold or 75K (2017 instantly, with a 2018 challenge available).
Jul 17, 2017, 11:05 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Hilton/Marriott Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 2,036
What's frustrating about that is that they'll match DL or UA Silver, but not MVP or AA Gold. Might give it a shot anyway.
Jul 17, 2017, 11:56 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 493
Jul 17, 2017, 12:02 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,371
Jul 17, 2017, 12:31 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,621
Hi -
I would not pay a premium for AS F vs lie flat B6.
Also, B6 is bringing MINT to SEA-JFK as well as SEA-BOS.
B6 was successful in bringing down premium fares on the legacy carriers out of LAX and SFO, so I suspect it will be the same in SEA also.
I would not pay a premium for AS F vs lie flat B6.
Also, B6 is bringing MINT to SEA-JFK as well as SEA-BOS.
B6 was successful in bringing down premium fares on the legacy carriers out of LAX and SFO, so I suspect it will be the same in SEA also.
Jul 17, 2017, 12:44 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,643
This is good news for transcon premium travel. The more options in this area that B6 is willing to offer and the more pricing pressure they can provide, the better IMO.
In addition for those travelers who continue to stick with AS for these routes, I suspect B6's introduction of a better premium product at a lower price might enhance upgrade opportunities as less inventory gets sold to folks who are buying F outright.
In addition for those travelers who continue to stick with AS for these routes, I suspect B6's introduction of a better premium product at a lower price might enhance upgrade opportunities as less inventory gets sold to folks who are buying F outright.