How will BA react to JetBlue getting LHR slots for S21?
Apr 5, 2021, 6:19 am
#46
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: BA - Blue > Bronze > Silver > Bronze > Blue
Posts: 6,812
It’s definitely a YMMV situation. It’s obviously far easier to get in and out of the seats, and have F&B delivered when facing outward vs the the window situation re looking out and the feeling of space that provides.
Personally I’d take the window option vs the ease of access, ultimately neither is going to have a slight impact on me booking if, assuming all other factors are equal, one is priced £10 less than the other
Personally I’d take the window option vs the ease of access, ultimately neither is going to have a slight impact on me booking if, assuming all other factors are equal, one is priced £10 less than the other
Apr 5, 2021, 6:46 am
#47
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,061
Perhaps going against established wisdom, but I would argue that small, limited competition from B6 at LHR will actually work in BA’s favour. They are constantly trying to demonstrate to competition authorities that London is a dynamic, competitive market and that this means the authorities should look the other way in relation to their legalised cartel (sorry, ‘joint business’). With Norwegian gone, this task has become harder. But if a new entrant can jump in, it suddenly works again.
They’ll only start to properly worry if B6
a) do particularly well
b) grow fast or big
c) have a consistent depressing effect on fares - but not so much that they themselves have to withdraw
I have a suspicion B6 will do quite well - they have a committed loyal following (in the US at least) that should be able to fill a couple of narrowbodies a day. If they can keep their service standards of course, but they’re a very well run airline and I suspect this will be the least of their worries.
To be honest, it’s VS I worry for most with this move.
They’ll only start to properly worry if B6
a) do particularly well
b) grow fast or big
c) have a consistent depressing effect on fares - but not so much that they themselves have to withdraw
I have a suspicion B6 will do quite well - they have a committed loyal following (in the US at least) that should be able to fill a couple of narrowbodies a day. If they can keep their service standards of course, but they’re a very well run airline and I suspect this will be the least of their worries.
To be honest, it’s VS I worry for most with this move.
Apr 5, 2021, 9:46 am
#50
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,351
Good luck to B6 on this route. I've flown MINT a few times NYC-SEA/LAX, and it was superb (especially the food and service).
Apr 5, 2021, 10:04 am
#51
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Around somewhere
Programs: Gold, Some red card and some hotel cards.
Posts: 713
The question still is how long will B6 have these slots for? If its just for S21 then no one will worry as B6 will have to hand them back and pull out or spend a small fortune buying slots.
Apr 5, 2021, 11:22 am
#52
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,190
Many interesting POVs here, some of which I might even agree with. 
I think B6 will do quite well, but I don't see it expanding so much as to be significantly troubling for BA. One of the things against B6 as it expands is lack of alliance membership. That hasn't held them back whilst their service area has been pretty much restricted to North America, but once one starts playing in the global arena it becomes harder to expand without being an alliance member. I'm not saying they won't be the exception that proves the rule, but it's going to be a tough fight to become more of a global airline without that. My 1p/2c worth. YMMV.
rb211.
I think B6 will do quite well, but I don't see it expanding so much as to be significantly troubling for BA. One of the things against B6 as it expands is lack of alliance membership. That hasn't held them back whilst their service area has been pretty much restricted to North America, but once one starts playing in the global arena it becomes harder to expand without being an alliance member. I'm not saying they won't be the exception that proves the rule, but it's going to be a tough fight to become more of a global airline without that. My 1p/2c worth. YMMV.
rb211.
Apr 6, 2021, 3:25 am
#55
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,061
Different strokes and everything... for me, an evening departure from London works very well with a day in the office, flight after work with plentiful drinks (not having to work...), quick LIRR into town, walk to hotel and straight to bed. Similarly, in the other direction, the later the flight from NYC the better, as it helps me sleep on what can be a horribly short flight. I don’t mind landing mid-morning.
Apr 6, 2021, 8:52 am
#56
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: Confirmed
Posts: 1,091
Many interesting POVs here, some of which I might even agree with.
I think B6 will do quite well, but I don't see it expanding so much as to be significantly troubling for BA. One of the things against B6 as it expands is lack of alliance membership. That hasn't held them back whilst their service area has been pretty much restricted to North America, but once one starts playing in the global arena it becomes harder to expand without being an alliance member. I'm not saying they won't be the exception that proves the rule, but it's going to be a tough fight to become more of a global airline without that. My 1p/2c worth. YMMV.
rb211.
I think B6 will do quite well, but I don't see it expanding so much as to be significantly troubling for BA. One of the things against B6 as it expands is lack of alliance membership. That hasn't held them back whilst their service area has been pretty much restricted to North America, but once one starts playing in the global arena it becomes harder to expand without being an alliance member. I'm not saying they won't be the exception that proves the rule, but it's going to be a tough fight to become more of a global airline without that. My 1p/2c worth. YMMV.
rb211.
Apr 6, 2021, 10:45 am
#58
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Spitalfields, London
Programs: BA Gold, KFC 'The Colonel's Club' Palladium tier, Mucci des Visions Célestes du Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Posts: 2,330
Don't they, food in Y served on china! And the mini Maldon sea salt tin in J, Michel Gonet Champagne... 
Apr 6, 2021, 11:50 am
#59
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Programs: BA Gold, Mucci
Posts: 2,071
JetBlue now have a London page on their website here -
https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us/london
The economy class offering ("coach") looks good. Order your food from your screen, free meals, free drinks including booze, free high speed Wi-Fi for the flight, and a Club Kitchen-like thing called the Pantry for the folks down the back to grab snacks during flight. Looks pretty sweet all round, including the sample menu.
With only 114 seats in economy, I'm guessing they will ditch the trolley service, and run service by hand from the orders on the screens. I think it might be a huge shake up which will show passengers what can be done on a flight in economy.
I'm already itching for their pricing to come out
https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us/london
The economy class offering ("coach") looks good. Order your food from your screen, free meals, free drinks including booze, free high speed Wi-Fi for the flight, and a Club Kitchen-like thing called the Pantry for the folks down the back to grab snacks during flight. Looks pretty sweet all round, including the sample menu.
With only 114 seats in economy, I'm guessing they will ditch the trolley service, and run service by hand from the orders on the screens. I think it might be a huge shake up which will show passengers what can be done on a flight in economy.
I'm already itching for their pricing to come out