JetBlue Squeezes Customers With New Seating Fee

In an effort to maximize revenue, JetBlue is rolling out a new seat-assignment fee that may or may not entice travelers from choosing the low-cost carrier, which is known for offering discounted flights.

For as low as $10, customers can choose "Core Preferred" seating on all JetBlue flights, which provides aisle and window seat assignments in more favorable locations on the plane, such as in the front of the plane and exit row. JetBlue Mosaic elite members will continue to have the ability to assign these seats free of charge.

However, the surcharge doesn't get you anything but closer to the front of the plane and is otherwise no different from the regular JetBlue economy experience. As The Points Guy notes, the only benefits of Core Preferred are being able to choose a preferred location and the ability to deplane faster. Core Preferred seats also come with an average of 32 inches of space between rows and feature seatback TVs, power outlets, and USB ports on most planes.

The New York-based carrier will also continue to offer its business class seating called “JetBlue Mint," which includes amenities such as lie-flat seats, noise-canceling headphones, and gourmet meals. The new fee is likewise separate from JetBlue's existing Even More Space upgrade, which provides up to seven inches of additional legroom, early boarding, and priority security.

In a statement, a JetBlue spokesperson said that "the introduction of preferred seating, in line with many other airlines, allows us to continue to offer our low fares and great service, while making progress toward returning to profitability."

On the other hand, the new fee also runs the risk of alienating passengers who typically book far in advance in order to choose their pick of seats. In a recent ranking of major U.S. carriers JetBlue came in dead last due to factors such as an having the lowest on-time arrival rate of 66.4 percent, the lowest scores in cancellations, delays of more than 45 minutes, and tarmac delays.

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