Like everyone else, we've spent the past month screaming about the crimes committed by airlines. U.S. Airways is now charging $1 for coffee! Delta Airlines is levying a $50 fee against passengers check a second bag! And, worst of all, American Airlines is no longer offering free in-flight food (translation: how we used to pass the time more quickly).
Here's where things get interesting though. Yesterday Jet Blue Airlines, an alternative darling among major airline carriers, announced that they'll no longer offer free blankets and pillows to passengers. But instead of framing it as a negative, the airline tried to give the change a positive spin: it's eco-friendly!
Passengers can now purchase a reusable $7 set that includes a 10-by-12 inch pillow, a fleece blanket, and a $5 coupon good at Bed Bath & Beyond. Says a Jet Blue rep (via the New York Times):
"Replacing our old, recycled pillows and blankets with this state-of-the-art, high-quality take-home kit is an eco-conscious, health-conscious and customer-conscious decision."
Okay, so that's a lot of fluff. But beyond that, it seems like they actually did make the cut in the right place—blankets and pillows aren't necessities for most travelers. And frankly, is anyone keen to wrap themselves up in a something that a stranger was likely swaddled in just hours earlier?
While we realize that Jet Blue has effectively pulled off a sleight-of-hand, we don't feel tricked, nor do we [surprisingly] feel any of the outrage we experienced when Delta announced it was hiking the fee for checking a second bag. We're hoping you can answer what gives.
This week's survey question is whether Jet Blue actually found a palatable way to introduce what's effectively yet another new fee for fliers? And if you agree with that, what made the difference? Was it the fine tweak on the way they presented what's effectively a cost-saving measure for them, or was it where they made the cut? Then again, maybe we're just softies for Jet Blue. Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
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I think that the airlines should just tack on the extra fees to the ticket price instead of announcing that they won't serve peanuts or that it is necessary to charge for luggage. I would not even know if my ticket was roughly $50 more at the time of purchase than it normally would have been, especially due to gas prices. It makes sense that tickets might be a little more pricey. It's just easier that way and also will not make people angry about having to pay for something that they never had to pay for before.
—Jess
19:39, August 7th, 2008
Maybe both? I wouldn't call it slight of hand so much as a good idea, packaged well. Pillows and blankets would seem to be a rare place where cutting costs, promoting a green agenda, and addressing a customer concern meet. I think it was a thoughtful answer to a problem that many carriers have taken less delicate approaches to, such as charging for pretzels or checked baggage. It goes without saying, but it's much easier to sell a sensible, well-reasoned idea.
—benpirie
14:25, August 5th, 2008
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