Jetblue News Roundup…

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-Jetblue is launching EML, or “even more legroom,” its own version of Economy Plus. Rows 1-5 and the exit rows will now have a 38″ seat pitch and will be considered EML seats, while all other rows will have a 34″ seat pitch. EML seating will cost $20 for transcontinental flights and $10 for shorter flights, each way.

-You are now finally able to see the seatmap of a flight before purchasing your tickets. The seatmap now appears after you type in your personal information, but before the payment page.

-Jetblue will no longer be giving away free headsets on its flights.

-Orlando has been upgraded to a Jetblue focus city (their 7th)

-Jetblue founder and Brazilian native David Neeleman is going to try replicating Jetblue’s success in Brazil. He has already raised more capital than he did to start Jetblue. This is the 4th airline that he is launching. (The others being Morris Air which was bought out by Southwest 15 years ago for $130M, Westjet which is Canada’s 2nd largest carrier, and of course Jetblue.)

-Jetblue’s new terminal at JFK airport (T5) is running ahead of schedule, and should be operational by this September. It had been scheduled to debut next year.

“•It will have 26 gates, vs. 21 at the current JetBlue terminal. The airline will also gain 10 security lanes and two baggage carousels.

•A 900-foot covered walkway will connect the terminal to AirTrain, JFK’s rail link.

•Like many new terminals, it relies heavily on self-check-in. It has 108 kiosks flanking each side of the security checkpoint. JetBlue will have a separate set of podiums for self-service passengers wishing to have their bags tagged by agents without standing in line at the traditional counters.

•The focal point of the Y-shaped concourses after the security checkpoints is designed to have a town-square feel. It has two sets of grandstands where people can sit, eat and relax.

•Each gate will have 100 seats and two TV monitors with DirecTV programming, including sporting events. Agent podiums at the gate will be smaller and are designed to let agents sit while working.”