JetBlue Blog

Did you know on an average $300 roundtrip ticket, 20% of the total cost goes to Washington D.C.? Yup commercial air travel is in the same federal tax bracket as “sin goods” like tobacco or alcohol. In total, the aviation industry and its customers are subject to 17 separate taxes and fees, equating to $19 billion in costs in 2012 alone; all this being done to an industry that has lost nearly $50 billion and a third of its workforce since 2001. Now it looks like Washington is looking to increase fees once again, and we think that’s an unfair burden being placed on the traveling public.

As part of a potential budget deal, Congress is seeking to double the current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Passenger Security Tax from $2.50 to $5, and the White House proposes tripling the tax. Our trade organization, Airlines for America (A4A), and other industry partners have joined together to oppose yet another tax grab placed squarely on your back. What is even worse is that this plan will not improve airport security – it simply hikes TSA passenger taxes to reduce the budget deficit.  But it will definitely drive up the cost of your air travel.  Let’s be honest, every dollar counts, and every dollar added to the cost of a ticket, makes it a little harder to travel.

It is critical for Congress to hear directly from you that it’s time to find another way. Enough really is enough when it comes to the air travel taxes you pay.

Go to stopairtaxnow.com to let your voice be heard and stay updated on our progress.

This year’s Swing for Goof Golf Classic and the Bid for Good online charitable auction marked the most successful year to date for our annual fundraising campaign. Crewmembers, customers and business partners joined to raise $500,000 for our non-profit partners – KaBOOM! And First Book. As a result,  each nonprofit partner will receive $250,000 to continue with their youth-focused initiatives.

This year marked the fifth anniversary of The Swing for Good Classic. Since 2009, JetBlue has raised more than $1.5 million for a range of nonprofit partners and charitable organizations.   This event began as friendly competition between JetBlue and its business partners to make a difference for children throughout JetBlue’s network. We then added Bid for Good, powered by Charity Buzz, in 2010 as an extension of the golf outing. Bid For Good provides an online option for those that cannot attend the Golf Classic, providing an invitation to give beyond the golf event.

Every year our crewmembers and business partners come out and have a great time, supporting a great cause. Take a look at all the fun that was had at this year’s event:

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We are committed to both KaBOOM! And First Book beyond the annual Swing for Good campaign. We will continue to work with KaBOOM! to provide a third playground  in an area impacted by Hurricane Sandy to restore play and a sense of normalcy for affected children. We are also working with First Book to provide 250,000 new books to children in need. JetBlue recently began service to Worcester, Mass and will soon launch service in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In partnership with First Book, the airline will provide new reading materials to children in both cities, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy — access to books.

We’re always looking for ways to make our customers’ experience better, and we’ve heard from more than a few savy customers that you’d like to see us participate in TSA Pre✓™. Well, we’re excited to say that we’re launching the TSA’s TSA Pre✓ program in 22 cities today!

“What is TSA Pre✓?” you may ask. Participating carriers may allow certain frequent flyers and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI) to receive faster screening benefits including: leaving on shoes, light outerwear/Jacket and belts; leaving laptops and compliant liquids in carry-on bags. This means fast and shorter lines at TSA for everyone and we’re happy about that too.

(For more information on TSA Pre✓™, including how Customers may apply and which other carriers offer the program, visit TSA.gov.)

TSA Pre Mobile Boarding Pass

JetBlue customers who are members of one of the certified “trusted traveler” programs as defined by TSA may add their “known traveler” number to their reservation, and check in via JetBlue’s mobile app in order to receive expedited screening benefits at any of the 22 JetBlue locations where it is available. In addition, some customers who opt to use JetBlue’s mobile boarding pass, who are not TSA Pre✓ qualified but meet TSA’s low-risk profile, may be randomly selected for TSA Pre✓ expedited screening.

Approved customers then just need to show their mobile boarding pass with the logo at participating cities to move through security with speed. Don’t worry if you’re not part of the known traveler program, we’re still offering our own Even More Speed program as well.

Initially, TSA Pre✓ will be available to JetBlue customers who are U.S. citizens and members of one of the following certified “trusted traveler” programs recognized by the TSA: Global Entry; NEXUS; and SENTRI. Members of those programs may input their “known traveler” number into their JetBlue reservation prior to getting their mobile boarding pass. All U.S. Armed Forces service members are eligible to participate in the program as well, effective Dec. 20, 2013, using their Department of Defense identification number.

JetBlue will expand its participation in TSA Pre✓ to include paper boarding passes printed at home, from the check-in desk, or from the kiosk in the departure lobby by the end of the first quarter 2014. Until then, only mobile boarding passes via JetBlue’s app will be available for the TSA Pre✓ lane.

TSA Pre✓/expedited security screening is available in the following 22 JetBlue locations:

(a) These locations do not currently have a dedicated TSA Pre✓ lane. However, TSA will offer a form of expedited screening to eligible passengers; customers may keep their shoes, belt and light outerwear on, but must remove their laptop and 3-1-1 compliant liquids and gels from their carry-on bags

We’re really excited to be participating in TSA Pre✓, and know that all our customers and crewmembers will ultimately see the benefit of a more streamlined security process at the airports.

Welcome to A Day in the Life, where we take you behind the scenes to learn more about the important jobs that work in concert together to run a major airline. But this time, we want YOU to get a chance to meet and talk to some crewmembers in person.

On Thursday, November 21, JetBlue will host the second annual Veterans Career Expo at our Long Island City Support Center in Queens, New York. This is an opportunity for veterans to learn about careers here and talk to the crewmembers who keep the airline running.

If you are a veteran, don’t miss the chance to talk one-on-one with representatives from JetBlue departments including Finance, Inflight, Training, Marketing, Operations and more.

Participants will also have the opportunity to attend two workshops: Ace the Interview and Sharpen Your Resume.

To register, visit https://vetsafternoon.eventbrite.com

What: Veterans Career Expo
Where: JetBlue Long Island City Support Center, 27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, New York, 11101
Time: 1215 – 1600

To brush up on our jobs before you arrive, check out some of our past A Day in the Life features

Published on Huffington Post on 11/7/13

Family travel is often a launch pad for creating lifelong memories. And with JetBlue’s recent addition of Family Pooling to its TrueBlue loyalty program, traveling with the full clan has more perks than ever before! Still, flying with children – especially the youngest ones – can seem like too much of a hassle to bear. So, as a seasoned traveler who’s vacationed plenty with my own kids and meets new families flying every day, I pulled together some tips that all parents should keep in mind so they can spend less time stressing at the airport and more time relaxing with loved ones.

Packing for your entire flock
A family’s air travel experience should be well planned out, well before heading to the airport. Packing is the first, and most important, step in preparing for a trip. Here are some tips on packing efficiently when traveling as a group:

• Each traveler should have one roll-aboard suitcase and one carry-on that can easily fit underneath a seat (backpacks are ideal and fit Mom’s purse nicely).

• Don’t pack more than you need! We all know that it’s easier said than done, but one great way to cut back is to remember not to duplicate any items that may be provided at your destination. Hotels often have blow dryers, toiletries, beach towels and other items that would otherwise take up space in your suitcase.

• Roll every article of clothing that’s being packed. Make use of all space available to tuck your belongings into (even the insides of sneakers and boots for some of your smallest items).

• Pack baby wipes to go — they aren’t just for the little ones! In fact, they’re perfect for wiping public areas clean of germs, cleaning hands before eating and (little-known fact!) getting stains out of clothing.

Navigating the airport and TSA with a crew
With people buzzing around and lots of protocol to follow, navigating an airport as a family can be stressful. So, do your best to keep cool, calm and collected as you make your way through security and to your departure gate. Use these tips to make the experience a little smoother:

• Get to the airport early! For domestic flights, arrive at the airport two hours before departure, and arrive three hours early if flying internationally. Consider any extra time you have in the terminal before boarding as a bonus – food, shopping and play areas can help parents relax and allow kids to release any excess energy.

• Be familiar with TSA guidelines and restrictions; every time an agent needs to search a bag, the entire line slows. If you’re questioning whether you’re able to bring an item in your carry-on, your safest bet is to simply pack it in your checked luggage. If you’re carrying on any necessary liquids over the TSA 3.4oz maximum, like medicine or breast milk, alert a TSA agent immediately so those items can be screened individually and carried onto the aircraft.

• Be prepared before you enter the airport and the airplane with proper paperwork for all travelers. Have everyone’s ID and boarding passes ready to be scanned at both security and gate entrances.

• Make navigating preflight security checks a breeze by wearing slip-on shoes (or untying sneakers before getting in line) and packing jewelry and belts in your carry-on, to be worn only after you go through screening. Remember, kids under 12 can wear their shoes through security.

Traveling with tots
Air travel can be a little startling and even scary for children who haven’t flown before. So, remember to offer your tiny travelers some TLC if they start feeling overwhelmed, and always be patient with them so they’re comfortable. Keep these family travel tips from JetBlue in mind, as well as some of my own handy advice collected during my many years in the sky:

• Take advantage of family preboarding opportunities so you can get everyone settled onto the aircraft early.

• Anticipate the needs of your children, including entertainment and food.

o A bored traveler is an unhappy traveler, so keeping young passengers entertained is a must. Fortunately, airlines like JetBlue have your bases covered. JetBlue, for one, offers free in-flight DIRECTV and new movies each month on every flight. But for the occasions that you’re flying without seatback TVs, be sure to pack travel-friendly activities in your carry-on. Another perk of getting to the terminal early is having time to browse through stores and purchase books, puzzles and toys to keep kids occupied in-flight.

o No one likes to travel on an empty stomach, especially the littlest fliers. JetBlue offers a variety of kid-satisfying snacks, such as low-fat animal crackers, chips, and chocolate chip cookies, with juice and Kosher options, too. You’re invited to pack snacks, but avoid bringing refrigerated or spillable items onboard.

• If you’re traveling with a car seat, ensure that it is approved for aircraft travel. This will be clearly marked on the seat and flight attendants are aware of what is, and is not, approved onboard.

• If your child starts throwing a tantrum or becoming disgruntled during the flight, excuse yourself from your row (when the seatbelt sign is off) and take a walk together to the rear or front of the aircraft. Knowing that you as a parent, as well as other passengers, are sensitive to traveling with upset children, flight attendants will do virtually anything to resolve a young flier’s woes – just ask!

One thing to always keep in mind is that when traveling, all fliers have the same goal in mind: to get to their destination. And all airline and TSA employees want travelers to get there in the safest and most efficient manner possible. So don’t forget to pack your smile and a little patience. It can go a long way!

Keep these tips in mind whenever traveling as a family, especially during the upcoming holiday season! Share your tried-and-true tricks for flying with children in the comments below and follow me on Twitter (@Wingwoman_Tracy) to learn more.

On October 23, JetBlue held its first wedding at T5 at JFK Airport in New York. The lucky couple, Adam and Shari Greenwald won a wedding courtesy of JetBlue’s “Something Blue” sweepstakes. The grand prize was a wedding in T5 hosted by JetBlue and a honeymoon from our partners at Hawaiian Airlines. JetBlue provided a dress for the bride, tuxedo for the groom, a wedding cake, rings and much more!

Adam & Shari received the most votes and won the chance to celebrate their special day at T5 with 20 of their closest friends, family, and of course customers traveling through the terminal. The Greenwald’s were treated to a ceremony and reception complete with lei and entertainment provided by the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders and a cake new T5 concession partner – Baked By Melissa. Immediately following the ceremony, Adam, Shari and their friends & family flew off to their dream honeymoon in Honolulu.

The couple dated for eight years and coincidentally met in T5 and Shari accepted Adam’s proposal onboard a flight to Boston. So it was only right that they got married at the place where their romance first took off.
Congratulations Adam and Shari!

Something Blue Wedding Contest from JetBlue on Vimeo.

To many New York City is a destination, to us it’s home! As New York’s hometown airline we get to appreciate this amazing city for what it truly is. From the food to the cultures and even the varying architecture, the diversity of our city is our hallmark. The opinions of New York City residents are just as diverse; just try to ask four random New Yorkers where to find the best slice of pizza, you’ll end up with six different answers!

One thing we all agree on though is our pride for New York’s Bravest and New York’s Best, the amazing men and women who make up the first-responders of the FDNY.

We were honored to experience one of our favorite home town memories recently. At 7:24 AM on October 23, our newest livery inspired by the FDNY, and our support of the FDNY Foundation flew along the Hudson. Blue Bravest was introduced to the city with this first flight, and then introduced to those we honor at an event at our JFK hangar later that day.

Like all communities, there have been times when we have come together as one. The dedication and hard work that New York City’s Fire Fighters have put into the community, has truly kept us together in some of the most difficult of times. We are honored to give something back to an organization that means so much. Many of our crewmembers are retired FDNY members and to see how much this meant to them, made the project worth so much more.

But the story didn’t end with that fly-by. Blue Bravest was put into service the very next day, and that’s when we saw you take notice. We’re truly touched by the reception the plane received, and have been honored time and time again as first-responders at airports and communities across our network have come out to acknowledge Blue Bravest, and the their own support for the FDNY and FDNY Foundation.

We hope all our customers get a chance to see Blue Bravest in person and take a moment to think about the city and people we respect so much. If you see it swinging through your city, be sure to grab a photo and tag it, #BlueBravest.

Today we’re kicking off service to our 80th BlueCity: Worcester, Massachusetts. Now that the weather has taken a turn for the chillier, daily non-stop service to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Orlando is looking mighty fine to Worcester travelers.

At Worcester Regional Airport, inaugural festivities are in full force with speakers including Worcester government officials, representatives from Massport, and our Chief People Officer Joanna Geraghty.

P.S: Even More Speed is also launching today at ORH!

The historic “Miss Worcester Diner” (also called Worcester Lunch Car #812) can be found at 300 Southbridge Street. It has been serving up crowd pleasers since 1948 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Meet First Officer Jeremy P., a Worcester native

FO Jeremy (E190 BOS) was born and raised in Worcester, so it’s no surprise he’s excited about our new service. A few months ago, Jeremy sent us the below photo with his nephew, Caleb, at the War Birds Fly-In at Worcester Airport. We got in touch with Jeremy a few days ago to get his thoughts on JetBlue coming to ORH, air shows, and other pilot stuff:

BlueTales: Was this your first time seeing the War Birds?
Jeremy P.: This was my first opportunity to see the War Birds in Worcester since I was a kid. My parents used to take me and my brother and I always thought it was great because we could actually climb into the airplanes.

This was Caleb’s first air show. I got him a size 4 bomber jacket and taped my name tag to it. He was a hit with the pilots, who asked him if he was going to be one when he grows up. His response: “I’m already a pilot, I know how to fly!”

BT: On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about the new ORH service?
JP: I am very excited! In fact, I’m operating the flight from Orlando to Worcester on Sunday! My friends are family in Worcester are also looking forward to the convenience of our new service.

BT: Do you frequently go to air shows? Favorite aircraft? 
JP: “I do! My favorite is the Chicago Air & Water Show with the Blue Angels. The F/A -18E/F Super Hornet is probably my favorite aircraft to watch because of the low-altitude maneuvering the pilots do during a show. Every time the Super Hornet flies over, it makes your chest rumble.

BT: Since you’re from Worcester, tell us some insider info on the airport that Crewmembers may not know.
JP: The airport is actually a popular place to have a wedding. I have a friend who recently attended a wedding which was held in the very terminal JetBlue will be using today. The invitations were pseudo boarding passes. Instead of leaving the wedding in a limo, the newlyweds left in a rented aircraft.

Jeremy in Punta Cana

More photos from Worcester’s launch of service

We see you. We see you sneaking that last minute text message on your phone, hiding your e-reader in a magazine, or pretending to just look out the window on landing while you’re actually recording a video with your camera. But as of last Friday, we’ll now be able to leave you to our own devices.

That’s right, personal electronic devices are now able to be used through all phases of any JetBlue flight, gate-to-gate.

In fact, the first US airline flight allowing gate-to-gate use of electronic devices occurred on Friday when our own JetBlue flight 2302 pushed back from our gate at JFK T5 gate shortly after 4:30 in the afternoon to head out to Buffalo, NY.

We’re really excited by the chance to give our customers more freedom in the cabin to use their devices – and we’ll be excited to see you and smile as you grab that great photo of your destination even as we descend below 10,000 feet. If you have a chance to grab that great photo from the window below 10,000 feet, be sure to post it to SoFly. We’d love to see them!

Flight 2302

Of course, we know this change in policy also raises a lot more questions than the ol’ “turn them off” era, so we’ve put together a few of the more frequently asked questions:

Will cell phone calls be allowed?

Cellular calls will be permitted while the aircraft is on the ground. However, the FCC requires consumers to disable the cellular functionality of their devices before takeoff until the aircraft lands. Putting your device in “airplane mode” is an easy way to do this, but if you wish to use Bluetooth and other functions you may wish to disable the cellular capability manually.

Are there operational situations when PEDs can’t be used?

Yes. During certain low-visibility landings, all devices will still need to be completely powered down when our Inflight crewmembers are preparing the cabin for landing. In these cases, which represent less than 1% of our flights, the pilots will make an announcement to customers from the flight deck to explain the situation.

What about laptops?

Large electronic devices like laptops must be properly stowed before pushback and prior to landing. This is necessary to ensure safe egress of the aircraft in an emergency and is unrelated to the changes in FAA policy.

Will customers be required to turn off devices during the inflight safety briefing?

During the safety briefing, customers are encouraged to put down electronic devices, books and newspapers and listen to crewmembers’ instructions, but turning off electronic devices is not required.

For more information about using personal electronic devices onboard, please visit www.faa.gov