New To JB: Questions about different things
 

Looking at flying out of BOS to RSW, PBI or FLL and I have a couple of questions.

I know JB flies two different types of aircraft. Regarding flight number, can I determine which aircraft I will be on? When booking, when does one get a seat selection? Also, how about paying for the "upgrade" to a seat with more legroom? Any other info would be helpful.

JetBlue flies the A320 and the E190. You can't tell what type of plane you will have based on the flight number as they assign planes based on demand rather than route.

After you enter your personal information (but before purchasing) when buying a ticket you will be presented with a seat selection map where you can pick what seat you want. If the seat map is 4 seats across, you will be on an E190. If it has 6 seats across, you will be on an A320.

If you select a seat in the "extra legroom" section of the plane, you will be asked if you would like to pay the upgrade fee.

In my experience, on an A320, any seat outside of 9A/F and row 10 (which don't recline) is equal. Some planes have a small box under the middle seat to handle TV equipment. For EML seats, I prefer row 3 as it has the best aligned window to your seat (IMHO). If you don't mind having the tray table in your armrest and having to look down to see your TV, row 1 gives you extra legroom and is free (though you need to ask for it at the airport when you check in).

On an E190, EML isn't really worth it. Seats in the back half of the plane have one more inch of legroom than those in the front. Row 11 does not recline.

Thanks for the replies and advice. I wasn't sure in the flights with digits were strictly A320's and the four digit flight numbers were the E190. I came to that hopeful conclusion for two reasons: 1) Using "Flightaware" and punching in flights and 2). Legacy carriers for the most part use the four digit flight numbers for codeshares and regional flights.

Silly question, if I book a seat or seats with extra legroom on either aircraft, I am guarenteed that or those seats, correct? Also, why would row 1 on the
A320 be free? In addition, how much extra leg room? JB claims 38" on the A320 which compares to legacy carriers first class? Thanks for the reply

Yes, row 1 really is free. But you generally cannot get those seats assigned until you are at the airport. They are reserved for special needs passengers and if those customers actually need the seats then you won't get one. Also, there is a bulkhead there so they aren't great if you want to stretch you legs out to sleep. Beyond that, however, I do love those seats.

Yes, the EML seats on the A320 really do have that much pitch. It is a lot of space. But on the A320s the "regular" LOL seats also have a pretty good amount of space. I've not felt cramped in those seats.

The E90 is a different beast in that the LOL seats are closer to a normal airline and the EML seats are only the exit row and only 34" pitch. Still, not terrible.

If you pay for EML you'll get EML or you'll get your money back.

At one point the 3-digit=A320/4-digit=E90 thing was true. I'm not sure that it holds any more.

Even with the slightly decreased legroom I really do enjoy the E90s. They are quiet and no middle seats with overheads that still hold a rollerboard bag. What's not to love?

Take a look at, for instance, JB 1133, SYR-JFK. It alternates between an A320 and an E190 depending on demand, though recently has been mostly A320s.

I agree with your comments on the E190 - it's one of my favorite planes. Very very quiet, HUGE windows, and lots of room. I prefer it over the A320 by far. Definitely not a typical regional jet at all.

Thanks for the replies once again. I just downloaded the flight schedule. Stupid question because I have never experienced JB. For example, if I punch in BOS to RSW it will list the flight and the aircraft planned for that route, like every other airline. The schedule is open until October 31st. Will JB use the aircraft listed or are they prone to swapping out for no apparent reason. I understand things going mechanical, weather, etc. Just curious if I book this far out if that can or would happen.

Also, how is the overhead storage and the boarding process. I notice on some of the other forums that, well, the post titles are about "gate lice". Does JB board by zone, seats, rows, etc? Reading into the posts, it appears alot of the issues concern overhead bin space because everyone packs the kitchen sink.

I've never seen them swap out one type for another. The only place I can think of a large number of 190s and 320s being together anyway would be JFK, and they have plenty of aircraft sitting around there that could sub in. If anything, they would sub a 320 in for a 190, which wouldn't be a huge deal (in fact, everyone would probably get an empty middle seat).

Overhead bins on Jetblue are quite larger than what I see on other A320s or 737s. I've never had a problem finding space, though if the flight is full the last few people may need to gate check. They board from the back of the aircraft forward (rows 15-25, 10 and higher, 5 and higher, then the entire plane). Most FAs are pretty good about making sure people load their baggage where they are sitting so I wouldn't be too concerned.

It depends how far out you're talking about. If the flight's in October, it's possible that there will be a schedule change or 2 before the flight, which might involve a change in aircraft type. It doesn't happen that often, but it's a possibility. And if there are irregular ops on the day, then there will sometimes be an aircraft swap. Regardless, though, the experience is similar on both aircraft; I wouldn't worry about it unless there's a particular reason you want one or the other.

Despite boarding last every time I flew, I never had trouble finding OHB space. Of course, YMMV, but it's not usually an issue.