Jet Blue Experts, SWA junkie going to switch teams

[bluenosemickey]

I'm just looking for tips for flying JB. I've only ever flown SW because I know all the ins and outs. Lets face it, life with kids has enough stuff to know and learn, my internal hard drive only has so much space!

But I'm seeing march 2014 flights with JB for such a good price that I think I need to expand my horizons. From what I understand, here's the differences:

JB- you get to pick your seats for no extra charge, unless you want more space seats (not an issue for us) vs. SW you can only pay for EB check in at $12.50pp to get a higher boarding number (theoretically).

JB- you get one free checked bag vs. SW you get two (again, with five of us, we don't even use the extra bag)

JB- you pay $50 to change flights vs. SW you can change for free (pay the difference if the flight is more)

JB- you get credit if the flight price goes down (not sure how to get this) vs. SW you can rebook the flight and get credit for the difference. Both give you a year from date of first purchase to use credit.

If there's anything I should consider when booking JB, I'd really appreciate any pointers from Team JB.

 

[JaneSparrow]

I just booked JB flights PVD to MCO for the first time and you are right on all points.

I just want to add that they only have 2 flights a day for both depart/return portions of our trip. So if there is an issue we have least chance of getting on any other flights.

 

[goofy4tink]

The change fee depends on the price of the flight. I usually end up paying $100 to change or cancel a flight!!
But, if you book a flight, and the fare goes down, you can call them, and they will redo your reservation, giving you the lower fare. then, they put the credit into a special account for you that you can use to book subsequent flights with. It's a great perk.

I love JB. Just got a JB rewards card through Amex. I held off since I was flying other airlines as well. But for the past year or so, it's been pretty much JB all the way!!!!

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I think the flying experience is nicer on JB, with everybody having a TV.

Another difference is that JetBlue operates two types of aircraft: an Aribus 320, which is quite comparable to SWA's fleet, and an Embraer 190, which is a 2X2 jet. I prefer the Embraer...seats are wider at 18.25 inches (vs 17 for Southwest) plus the same if not better leg room.

Southwest's fleet has from from 31 to 33 inches of pitch/legroom, whereas JB's Airbus have a minimum of 34 inches and the Embraer a minimum of 32 inches.

 

[bluenosemickey]

Ya, I pulled the trigger and booked PVD-MCO too. Five of us $1038 all in. Can't beat that. I've gotten spoiled with knowing that I can change my flights for free with SWA, but really, it's unlikely we will need to change these. And I can shop at the outlets on the way home to NS. So much for saving money! But I'd rather take it back home in my suitcase then pay it over to an airline.

One clarification for those reading my list:

JB- charges between $75-$150 to change flights and if you cancel, they charge you $100 and give you credit for the rest vs. SWA with $0 change fee and $0 cancel fee, you get full amount of flight for credit.

Will be a new adventure flying with JB, I'm sure we'll like it.

 

[ProudMomTo3Boys]

I've never flown SW, only JB. JB has a tv in the back of each seat and its free. Bring your own headphones to use so you don't need to buy them. This helps with the kids not being bored on the flight.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

....

Will be a new adventure flying with JB, I'm sure we'll like it.

You're going to wish that you made the switch years ago!

 

[deb010305]

You'll love Jet Blue. We fly them from BOS, have never flown them from PVD because as an earlier post said they have limited flights from PVD.
The TVs at each seat are great, but bring your own headphones so you don't have to purchase theirs.
The only problem we ever has was in August 2011 when a hurricane hit New England. We were stuck (not that Disney is a bad place to be stuck) at Disney for 3 extra days, and the first flights they offered us were through Texas ! Hmmmm Orlando to Texas to Boston...no thanks !

 

[lindanj]

Hi....sorry to hijack your thread, but i have a question re: what was said about giving you the lower price if it goes down. Does that mean they will credit the difference to your cost or only put it in a special acct for you to use on other trips?
Really thinking about using JB this time too but afraid to book for April now if the flight prices will go down.

Thanks
Linda

 

[Best Aunt]

JB - they serve bottled water on the planes. When I flew SW, I did not have time to get a drink in the airport, and I needed to take Dramamine ASAP. They did not have bottled water on the plane, they had CANNED water. It was disgusting.

PP, if the price goes down, you can call and have the difference put in a travel bank. You can use it to book another JetBlue flight. There is a time restriction but I can't remember what it is. You do not get the money put back on your credit card.