JetBlue showcases BlueFirst cabin ahead of Boston–Fort Lauderdale launch
3 min read
JetBlue showcased its new BlueFirst cabin on 11 November, less than a month before the first paying passengers are due to fly in it. The airline has introduced a US domestic first-class cabin with recliner chairs on aircraft not fitted with its lie-flat Mint business class product, giving passengers a premium seat offering on shorter routes.
The first BlueFirst revenue flight is scheduled for 8 December from Boston Logan to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood. JetBlue opened bookings in October on selected flights across more than 30 routes.
“It is very clear to us, customers want premium products,” JetBlue president Marty St. George told the Skift Commerce conference on 11 November, according to Reuters. He said many early bookings had come from members of JetBlue’s loyalty programme.
Recliner seats and ordering from the seatback
JetBlue says the cabin’s recliners offer up to seven inches of additional legroom compared with its Main cabin and up to five inches of recline. The seats use foam developed with mattress company Tuft & Needle, and the 2-2 four-abreast layout gives each passenger a window or aisle seat.
Each seat has a 13.3-inch screen that pairs with passengers’ own Bluetooth headphones. The screen also lets passengers select meals and send a customised cocktail order to cabin crew. JetBlue includes its Fly-Fi internet service and provides AC, USB-A and USB-C power at each seat.
“Domestic first class has become easy to predict. We think it’s time for a fresh take,” said Joanna Geraghty, chief executive officer, JetBlue, in the airline’s announcement of the new cabin. “Customers are increasingly looking for more premium experiences, and BlueFirst gives them an elevated experience that feels distinctly JetBlue, with thoughtful touches, caring service and great value.”
JetBlue’s announcement said flights of 899 miles or more would get a boxed meal with a main course, side and dessert. The airline also plans to serve premium snacks and drinks, and provide a blanket and sleep kit on overnight flights.
All three BlueFirst fares include early boarding and priority security where available. The base fare includes one checked bag and assigns a seat at check-in. The two higher fares include advance seat selection and two checked bags, with the Flex fare offering a refund for cancellations
JetBlue phases in BlueFirst across its Airbus fleet
JetBlue’s schedule lists Fort Lauderdale flights to New York LaGuardia and Washington Reagan National from 12 December. The rollout also extends beyond the US mainland. Fort Lauderdale–Liberia, Costa Rica, is scheduled to begin on 26 December, followed by Fort Lauderdale–San Juan, Puerto Rico, on 5 January.
JetBlue plans to retrofit Airbus A320s and A220s with BlueFirst, with completion expected by 2028, a company executive told Reuters.
JetBlue showcased the BlueFirst seats a day after Frontier opened bookings for its own first class, due to enter service on 5 March 2027.
Frontier will also offer a domestic first-class seat with a 2-2 layout at the front of its aircraft. However, the Frontier first seat is fixed-recline, meaning the back is pre-installed with a slight recline but does not recline further. Its food and drinks will remain available for purchase, while JetBlue includes refreshments in the BlueFirst fare.
BlueFirst is part of JetBlue’s JetForward turnaround plan. The carrier reported a $257 million third-quarter net loss, compared with $143 million a year earlier. It is targeting operating profitability in 2027. The new cabin gives the carrier more flights on which it can charge for a dedicated premium seat.
