Jet Blue experience

[juliej2001]

We just got back from DW last night. Flew JB and had a great experience going, but a bit of a problem coming back. Our flight was supposed to be at 10:35 a.m.---but didn't leave until a little after 2 p.m.! It seems that there was a mechanical breakdown, some relay switch. We waited for about 1 1/2 at the gate, then they finally let us on the plane where we waited another 1/2 hour on the plane supposedly for a "fax" from JFK that said it was ok to go. Well, that turned out to be BS. It seems that there was something wrong with the avionics and they were waiting for a new part. They just didn't want to tell anyone that little fact.

So they let everyone off the plane and said to check back at 1 p.m. for an update. Finally a little after 2 p.m. we got clearance to go. This is why I hate to travel. With a fearfull flyer like myself, the worse thing is having to sit at the gate for 4 hours, while they tell you there's a "mechanical" problem with the plane. I almost pulled a Rainman!

That said, aside from the little white lie, the Jet BLue folks were really pretty nice. They did try to update you as much as possible, we had the TVs and air conditioning working, and access to the bathrooms. So it could have been worse. Plus, they're giving everyone free round-trip vouchers. And the flight home was just fine.

Has anyone had ANY bad or semi-bad experience with Jet Blue, or did I just jinx the airline?

 

[mcnuss]

Plus, they're giving everyone free round-trip vouchers.

This is UNHEARD of. I am amazed. Normally, the attitude is SOL. I think this speaks volumes for the airline.

as anyone had ANY bad or semi-bad experience with Jet Blue, or did I just jinx the airline?

There is the possibility of this happening with any plane, just as it could happen with your car. Anything mechanical can break. The fact of the matter is that the pre-flight checks are so thorough so that these problems get caught on the ground, not in the air. That fact makes me feel safe! (Safter than in my car, sometimes, since I don't get to have a mechanic check under my hood before every car trip! )

With JB, the situation is a little aggravated bc they have few planes and a tight turn-around schedule, not to mention that MCO is not a hub for any airline really. This means they can't just swap out a different plane. I think a 4 hour delay is not so bad. I've had worse for less, and I've never been given a free flight for my troubles.

 

[safetymom]

Wow!!! You were treated very well. Usually they just say we are sorry and that is about all you get.

 

[hercamore]

This has happned to us on Northwest and American, too. On American we got a glass of water and a "sorry".
Northing at all fro NW
herc.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Sometimes frustrating things happen when you fly. Sounds like they wanted to make sure everything was safe and nobody got panicked. Sorry you had a delay.

We are flying JB for the first time this weekend. Where can I sign up for a 4 hour delay and free round trip vouchers? I'll take that - especially on the way back since it doesn't cut into WDW time .

 

[vellamint]

I LOVE JET BLUE.....too bad I cant fly them this summer!!!!!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Coming from the Jet Blue perspective, I can totally understand why they said what they did, instead of the real truth. Here at Disney, we do that all the time. We call it "Preserving the Magical Experience."

When you think about it... there are lots of people that are already super nervous to fly... if they find out that there was a mechanical problem with the aircraft, no matter how small, they're going to freak. Not a pleasant situation. Most likely, there was a mechanical problem, and they said they were waiting for "clearance" because they thought they'd be able to fix it on the spot, and continue on thier way...

Like mcnuss said, the pre-flight checks are there so that problems like that are discovered on the ground, and not in the air, when it might be too late. Always better to leave a few hours late, then to arrive not in one piece.

All that said... y'all really got a good deal with the free tickets... Looks like Jet Blue takes care of thier customers... which in the end will work out for them. Brand Loyalty is a powerful thing.

 

[juliej2001]

Yep. After having spoken to folks with similar experiences on different airlines, we definitely got a great deal.

I would absolutely recommend JB without hesitation.

 

[safetymom]

BTW, my flight to Orlando was delayed last week for several hours. They needed to replace the brakes on one side. We of course got nothing for this.

When the pilot made the announcement apologizing for the delay he added at least we can stop now when we get to Orlando. I didn't see any one complaining about needing new brakes on the plane.

 

[prncess674]

Sounds like JB made the most of a bad situation. I am a big fan of Continental Airlines and wouldm't stop flying them because of these types of mishaps but one day I thought I would blow a gasket. They sat us on the plane for 4 hours in the middle of July in Houston, Texas. The airconditioning system when parked on the ground is extremely poor. Atleast they let you off the plane AND offered compensation. They did everything they could do. I am not sure what else you could have asked for. Mechanical issues pop up and most airlines are less than helpful in this situation. They usually see you as cargo not as passengers. They don't care that you are sitting on the plane ready to die.

 

[Jen D]

Wow! Travel vouchers for a four hour delay, that is amazing. We flew US Air over Thanksgiving and were stranded in the Pittsburgh airport overnight because of a broken plane, and they almost made us take a bus the rest of the way (to Cincinnati) and finally got us a new plane the next day. All they offered were hotel vouchers, which few took because even though the flight was scheduled to leave at about 9:45pm, they didn't actually officially cancel it until 1:00am, didn't get around to giving hotel vouchers until 1:45, and told us we needed to be back at the airport at 4:30am for a 6am flight. Oh, and they also said if we went to the hotel we would have to get our bags out and recheck them all over again. It added up to about 2 hours in a hotel total so most of us declined and stayed at the airport.

We got a free breakfast. Anyway, that's what you get for flying a bankrupt airline.

My point is, they don't really HAVE to give you anything, so free vouchers for a 4-hour delay is sort of unheard of in this customer-unfriendly airline market.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Kudos to JB!

With mechanical problems, it's always better safe than sorry!

My parents always insist on flying JB. Mom says she feels much safer. The planes are newer. The planes on the airlines seem much older to her. Dad just likes the increased comfort of the seats and the entertainment on board.