Semantics: JetBlue denies that its premium economy seats are actually premium economy
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Philosophical wordplay or dadaist corporate speak? JetBlue claims it’s not creating a first or business class cabin on its planes. But it does plan to “offer passengers in the first few rows and emergency exit seats of its larger aircraft additional space for an added fee.”
Hmm. Additional space. Higher price. And yet: “We’re not going to a two-cabin airplane,” CEO David Barger says.
Oh, right. You’re missing the free cocktail. Fine, don’t call it first class, then. Call it premium economy.
Or maybe it’s not two “cabins,” because a carpeted bulkhead divider won’t be introduced.
Or maybe they’re not “going” to a two-cabin airplane because they’re already there, with expensive tickets already getting access to seats with more legroom.
Ooh, Barger, you cunning wordsmith, you’re good! Or is it “bad”?
Related:
- JetBlue increases legroom, creates de facto premium section
- JetBlue introduces premium economy cabin after all
- Wilkommen! Bienvenue! JetBlue to go Euro-style with a first class cabin?
- How do you search for premium economy fares?
- Demystifying premium economy


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March 25th, 2008 at 10:18 am |
Or maybe they’re not “going” to a two-cabin airplane because they’re already there, with expensive tickets already getting access to seats with more legroom.
This is not true. A customer could buy a $149 transcon ticket and pay $20 for seat 2A while another person could buy $549 and get stuck in 25E. Every ticket has an opportunity to pay for more legroom, not just the expensive ones.