The Brief
As part of JetBlue's strategic adjustments going into the new year, they've announced welcomed plans to install a Domestic First class product across their entire fleet. We don't know the actual name, though the commentariat are dubbing it 'Junior Mint' or 'Mini Mint' for now. This means JetBlue's entire fleet will have a premium seat at some point.
So Will You Be Able To Book A Lie-Flat Anywhere JetBlue Flies?
No. This new product won't be the lie-flat Mint seats/suites already deployed, rather a 'big chair' domestic First Class product similar to those used on America, Delta and United narrow-bodies. To make it fit without sacrificing capacity, they're going to reclaim 2" of legroom from most Blue seats, making their legroom basically the same as their competitors.
The Coach legroom change goes against a mainstay of the company's marketing, but it makes sense, given the fact consumers haven't given JetBlue a premium for having better legroom.
Tad's Take
More planes with comfortable seating is a good thing for bougie flyers, especially if JetBlue honors its plan to market this new product distinctly so consumers will know which product/experience they're getting.
JetBlue no longer given above-average legroom for "free" will annoy cost-conscious JetBlue loyalists who were effectively getting something they weren't willing to pay for. But, at least it won't become any worsethan the competition. Sometime fliers may not even notice since it's not like they'll roll out "Average Legroom In Coach" ads calling attention to the shrinkage.
