Jet Blue Seating

[peimikes]

Does anyone know if you can pick your seating when booking with Jet Blue? Or do you have to pay extra to arrange to sit together as a family. We're trying to decide between them and South West, and as I understand SW charges to prebook your seating.

 

[Denise W]

I booked our December trip the other day and picked the assigned seats during the booking process. The first few rows and the exit rows cost extra, so we always end up in row 7 for no extra charge.

Southwest does not have assigned seating, you can pay $12.50 extra for EBC which will check you in 36 hours before the flight. If you do not purchase that you can't check in until 24 hours before the flight. When you check in you are given a boarding number, not an assigned seat number. You pick your seat when you board the plane.


Denise

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Go to your airline's website. All of them explain their seat selection process.

 

[herb102211]

You can pick your actual seats on JetBlue when you order. We fly them all of the time and love the airline. I've never flown Southwest but I believe you can pay extra for earlier boarding time, but you aren't guaranteed a specific seat like you are on JetBlue.

 

[N365PA]

jetBlue - You choose your seats. The seats have 34in pitch which is 1-3in more than average. They have extra room seats that you can pay for (I think 38 in pitch?). Pitch is the space from one point on a seat to the same point on the next row. So a higher number = more space between you and the seat in front of you.

Southwest - You "free board" via boarding groups. No assigned seats. They have A, B, and C groups further broken down by numbers. So your family may be in the B group. You walk down the jetway, on to the plane, and jump in the seat you want that's available.

I've flown southwest extensively and jetBlue twice. They're both good carriers with good service. If you want to select your seats and the price is close, go with jetBlue. If you want to then figure out which seats are best for you needs etc., check out www.seatguru.com

Clint
Former Pilot / Flight Attendant

 

[Candlelady]

I've switched from SW to Jet Blue and have been extremely happy with that decision.

We always flew SW and were happy with their policies, flight times, and cost. What used to give me panic attacks was the open seating. Never bothered my husband, but I would be a nervous wreck not knowing where we were going to be seated. I hated the cattle call at the gate and everyone jockeying for position and saving seats. Even with EBCI, you never knew what you would end up with.

Once JB came to our airport, I booked and never looked back. No more worries or nervousness prior to boarding.
If we need to fly SW we will. But if I had to choose between the two, it will always be JB.

 

[goofy4tink]

I fly both...usually choose JB over SW based on ability to use those nifty little tv's.
But in all reality? It's just not a big issue to fly SW and get seats you'll be happy with. Granted, we don't fly as a large group..usually 3 or fewer, but we've never ever had a problem.

Now, I base my airline choice on flight times and fares. If I'm flying across the country I'll choose JB just because I can book extra leg room seats for my long legs!!

 

[pooh2001]

Bring your own ear plugs for the TV when you fly Jet Blue
They will charge you for a less quality pair if you do not have your own.