JetBlue's CEO Rides in the Back of the Plane
It's generally expected that an airline's CEO would fly up front in business class. But, as we learned at the APEX Expo in Long Beach today, JetBlue's Chief Executive Robin Hayes leaves the carrier's tremendously popular Mint cabin open for fare-paying customers.
"This thing’s been flying around three and a half years," Hayes told hundreds of conference attendees. "On transcon, I’ve only gotten on it once, because it’s always full."
How did Hayes manage to eventually get on board? "I got on it recently only because there was a no show at the gate, and I was able to get in it. I have no issues sitting on any jump seat or in the back of the airplane when Mint is full, because it’s full of fare-paying customers."
Of course, passengers aren't exactly slumming it in the back. Every economy seat has a 10.1-inch HD screen and at least 33 inches of pitch — with up to 41 inches in Even More Space.
Currently, JetBlue offers Mint on 31 of its Airbus planes, and Hayes suggests that more routes could be on the way. As for what's next? We should be hearing more about JetBlue's potential entry into the transatlantic market — a decision is expected by the end of this year.
Would you turn down a guaranteed seat in first class?
