The Skies Are Turning Unfriendly

Filed under: Etc.

wenn509000.jpg

With the economy the way it is and fuel prices going through the roof, companies are having to cut corners where they can or face going under.

The latest airline to feel the heat is JetBlue Airways.

In order to save some money and make a little extra they've decided to try something new. Something that SUCKS!

All JetBlue customers will no longer be receiving free pillows and blankets. They also wont be recycling the same ol' blankets and pillows from now on.

Instead, JetBlue will now be offering an "eco-friendly" travel pillow and blanket.

But of course, they won't be free.

On flights longer than two hours, you'll be able to purchase the pair for $7. Oh, and as an incentive each kit will include a $5 coupon to Bed Bath & Beyond.

As of now, they will continue to offer free "Snooze Kits" on all overnight flights from the West. Those include an eyeshade and ear plugs.

JetBlue also has the option to allow customers to purchase "extra leg room" seats for an additional fee.

They are expected to collect about $40 millions for those sales.

As for its $15 fee for a second checked bag, that'll be an extra $20 million in revenue.

Even their ticket change fees have gone up, doubling to $100 if you want to change your flight.

What do U think about all the changes?

[Image via WENN.]

    Posted: Aug 4, 2008 at 3:19 pm / Email this  »

    174 comments to “The Skies Are Turning Unfriendly”

    More comments: « 1 [2]

    1. Alexa says – reply to this


      101

      THATS WHY I FLY SOUTHWEST PEOPLE!!!!!!
      NO BULLSHIT FEES!!!!!!!!!!
      SOUTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHWESSSSST!!



    2. 102

      wait- so if you're tall and you need extra leg room you have to pay more?! what the fuck is that??? these places are retarded. I'm sorry, but if Southwest can afford to STILL do flights for under $100 bucks, so can the other airlines, they are just not managing their money well enough. I always fly Southwest and it's awesome.



    3. 103

      THIS IS ONE OF THOSE INSTANCES WHERE YOU REALLY NEED TO CONSIDER THE QUALIFICATIONS OF WHO YOU ARE VOTING FOR THIS FALL FOR PRESIDENT.
      .
      EVERY SINGLE THING WE BUY OR CONSUME IS AFFECTED BY GAS PRICES.
      .
      EVERY SINGLE ITEM WE CONSUME NEEDS TO BE TRUCKED OR FLOWN FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER, OR AN INGREDIENT IN THAT PRODUCT NEEDS TO BE TRUCKED OR FLOWN FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER.
      .
      MCDONALDS IS NOW RAISING SOME DOLLAR MENU ITEMS STRICTLY BECAUSE OF THE COST OF SHIPPING.
      .
      EVEN MCDONALDS!!!
      .
      EVEN PEREZ WILL HAVE FEWER PICS TO CHOOSE FROM BECAUSE THE GAS COSTS OF THE PAPPARAZZI SNAPPERS IS PREVENTING A LOT OF THEM FROM DRIVING AROUND ALL DAY STALKING CELEBS!! :-)
      .
      THINK ABOUT IT! MORE TAXES/TARRIFFS WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT, ON THE OIL COMPANIES WILL NOT HELP!!
      .
      JUST BECAUSE MCCAIN IS OLDER DOESN'T MEAN HE DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT ALTERNATIVE ENERGY AND HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. HE HAS SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM GOALS TO HELP IN THIS GAS CRUNCH.

    4. Humve says – reply to this


      104

      OMG! 7.OO fucking dollars for a Fucking pillow and blanket?!! OMFG! I am tired of being RIPPED off by these G-D airlines! It is a God given right to have cheap air travel! This is TOTAL BS! I pay a little more to cruise around in my Hummer like a Hollywood socialite, but that is ok. I am seen crusing around looking HOT! I get something out of it! Why does'nt the government start trains back up? LIke high speed rail or something? These airlines are ripping us ALL off. This is why we ALL need to vote for McCain you guys. He will drill! Drill! Drill! and lower the price of oil again so we can all drive around and look truly hot.

    5. s says – reply to this


      105

      It sucks. Everyone loves a pillow.

    6. creat says – reply to this


      106

      You refuel because your aircraft was about to run out of gas. Airlines don't fill tanks up "halfway" not to mention it is incredibly expensive to refuel especially if it is not a city the airline normally generally fly into . I agree it sucks on epic levels but it is due to an intense jet stream or a long taxi due to traffic (regulated by the federal government and not any particular airline) this ultimately exhausted your fuel supply. Aircrafts are equipped with fuel according to the route they will travel. This can always change due to weather which can call for a longer route.
      I fly weekly and am always ready to blow my brains out when I sit next to a whiny passenger . Bring a sweater, blanket and a strong drug to knock yourself out and spare the rest of the passengers the pain of hearing you wine about nasty blankets, delays or how generally miserable your life is.

    7. Me says – reply to this


      107

      Air Canada has been pullin that shit for long time now…wouldn't want to cut into the profit margin and upset the board members

    8. Hardy says – reply to this


      108

      Well, they gotta do what they gotta do. You don't get pillows or blankets or soda or sandwiches on a bus! Plane tickets are quite cheap these days (excluding the last minute purchases but everyone knows those are more money so if you're ill prepared that's your fault) so I think everyone should stop complaining. The more we see go out of business, the less choices consumers will have therefore resulting in more over-crowded flights and THEN we'll really start seeing some sucky changes because the remaining airlines will be free to do whatever the hell they want because there won't be any competition!

    9. LP says – reply to this


      109

      As much as we would like to complain, the fact is that the price of airline tickets has changed very little in the past three decades. Of course, the only way airlines can offset the increase in jet fuel prices is by charging us by these so called "perks" we took for granted. Having said that, I don't mind paying extra for my suitcase as long as my suitcase make it to its destination in one piece, and we know how good they have been at that in the past.

    10. Tony says – reply to this


      110

      This is necessary in order for these companies not to go out of business. If you dont like it, dont fly…

    11. Pam says – reply to this


      111

      All of the airlines are charging extra for pillows and blankets or they have quit having them available for free on board. JetBlue at least has tv and xm radio. Sure the extra, extra leg room costs more, but the regular seats have more space between them than any other U.S. airline, so you still come out ahead.

    12. Tanya says – reply to this


      112

      I already don't have the money to fly or travel, so when I do I'll be very certain that I can go on the dates I choose, etc. Overseas flights will be horrible without a pillow! All of these huge companies are so greedy, the CEOs, CFOs and board of directors need to be taking huge paycuts and live off of the piles of money they already have in the bank. Blame BUSH!

    13. La3me says – reply to this


      113

      I have no idea why this seems like a big issue.. Other airlines are charging WAY more for stuff ex: us airways $5 dollars for headsets when jetblue is only $1 dollar and not to mention universal jack which you can use your own YES your own headsets not like the others that you have to buy theirs. Aside from that $7 bucks which if you look at it is actually $2 bucks with the $5 dollar coupon you get is optional you don't have to buy it. AND mind you JetBlue prices for tickets are still cheaper then others and yes they charge $15 for the 2nd bag American is charging $15 for the 1st and $25 for the 2nd YES they are charging for both bags yet you only complaining about JetBlue.. If your gonna talk bad about this compare the rest of the airlines first and see that in the long run "Who's coming up on top?" JetBlue baby!!! I love you Perez but stick to the facts… Muah

    14. Flybo says – reply to this


      114

      Re: Lizzi – About EasyJet, at least you know up fromt that they charge for everything. The REALLY bad thing is that the airports they use are very very far from the actual city. Like Hahn airport, almost 80 miles from central Frankfurt.

    15. Slurp says – reply to this


      115

      Re: JustSayinThe only thing McCain has a plan for is wiping his butt after his next bowel movement - if he can remember how!! :D :D :D : D :D

    16. Movie says – reply to this


      116

      Re: Mike – go suck an aids infested dick!

    17. **LG* says – reply to this


      117

      .
      .
      LeonA'$ GHO$t, yep, back and BETTER THAN EVER, Biyatches!!! sez…
      .
      .
      Why don't they just suck all the air out of the plane and charge everybody for the oxygen masks?
      .
      .

    18. dusty says – reply to this


      118

      Re: Flybo – HAHHAHA WOW THAT SUCKS WELL AT LAST EUROPEANS AIRLINES FEED YOU AND GIVE U SNAKS AND GOOD FOOD AS WELL AS U CAN CHECK 2 BAGS FOR FREE EVEN WHILE U ARE FLYING WITHING THE COUNTRY THAT IS NON SENSE HOW IS EUROPE AND ASIAN CARRIERS NOT NICKEL AND DIME THEIR CUSTUMERS MAYBE BECOUSE WE HAVE A HIGHER STANDAR OF LIVING AND THRESHOLD OF HOW MUCH U CAN CHARGE FOR GIEVN THINGS

    19. Myron says – reply to this


      119

      Re: Movie – He just did–YOURS!

    20. Royce says – reply to this


      120

      I JUST booked a flight with jetblue. I usually fly southwest but jetblue was some how cheaper. if you call them they also want a $15 fee for talking to them to book your ticket. i got mine waived because the website denied me twice on two different cards. bitches.

    21. Ty79 says – reply to this


      121

      As an airline employee (though not of JetBlue), let me be the first to give you some advice….even if the blankets are free, don't use them. Recycling is a good idea until you think about who did what with that blanket on the flight before you. And you'd be surprised what kind of nasty shit people get up to.

    22. molli says – reply to this


      122

      ha! that stuff in minor…you should visit europe and fly ryanair!

    23. momo says – reply to this


      123

      Keep ticket prices lower, but if they want to charge ala carte, so what??? If you want the pillow, pay! If not, don't!

    24. blah says – reply to this


      124

      Southwest

    25. itali says – reply to this


      125

      It's simple… Corporate America = Greed

    26. LOSER says – reply to this


      126

      Re: Royce – They tried to charge me for the bags under my eyes. :(

    27. cokie says – reply to this


      127

      Why don't airlines start charging those passengers who insist on bringing carry on bags and stuffing them into the overhead compartments making it impossible for the plane to take off on time and harder to find a place to store your coat above your seat?? If you are so important that you can inconvenience an entire plane's population for your own convenience then you should pay an extra fee!! The "I'm More Important than You" fee! I don't mind paying for a sanitary blanket and pillow because I make that choice. I don't even mind paying for a second bag. I HATE to see people dragging two and three bags on a plane trying to jam them all in the overheads.



    28. 128

      Re: Madge – Bitter because you're so fat you get charged for two seats anyway? You wouldn't know irony if it slapped you across your sweaty, meaty face.

    29. Myron says – reply to this


      129

      Re: cokie – I bet the overhead compartment stuffers are the same assholes that go down to the beach at 6 in the morning and put beach towels on the chaise lounges to "Reserve" them.

    30. new a says – reply to this


      130

      Emirates airlines has a new airbus: 380. the co2 emission per passenger mile is less than the co2 emission of a hybrid car.

    31. matt says – reply to this


      131

      I think we should all gang up on the airlines and put them out of business ONE AFTER ONE; here is how: stop flying jetBlue until they go belly up; then we move no to not flying delta, once they FINALLY die we stop flying american (they have deserved to die for YEARS!) and so on… it would work - that would make the remaining companies scared and send a message that we won't take any more shit…. I was on a flight the other day where the space between my seat and the next one was LESS than 8 inches!!! it should be ILLEGAL!

    32. matt says – reply to this


      132

      Re: molli – there is an airline that should be brought to its knees: 35 pounds for the ticket, 35 pounds in taxes, 37 pounds for bringing a bag, checking it in, checking in at the airport (which you have to do when you bring a bag), and for using your credit card to pay for it …… NEVER EVER EVER EVER again!!!!

    33. matt says – reply to this


      133

      Re: Humve – god dammit you are stupid-they should drop you into one of those drilled holes!!!

    34. NcYby says – reply to this


      134

      Re: matt – Hi, I'm NonCYBOy!!!
      What a GREAT idea!!! We need to do this with the oil companies and gas stations, too. Exxon, Valero, and down the line. Oh, I love a SMART man!!! And Matt is such a studly name. What's your story, doll?
      Maybe you'd like to go out for a Vitamin Water–MY treat!

    35. joey says – reply to this


      135

      I think that when people fianlly get fed fucking up with these soaring gas prices things will finally hit the fan… we need to unite as a country and tell all the people in charge to go fuck themselves with these gas prices

    36. jet2 says – reply to this


      136

      did anyone see that the head of the company took a $200,000 paycut (half his pay)? i know CEO's of companies that make waaaaay more then that and he still took a cut. why not talk about the good things about this company.

    37. bad says – reply to this


      137

      bad idea..they will lose millions of dollars over this. Let people go, raise ticket prices, but don't take away customer service. That's what people remember the most. I sure as hell wouldn't consider this airline now.

    38. missy says – reply to this


      138

      That's fine with me…those blankets and pillows are NASTY. Never use them anyway.

    39. Carny says – reply to this


      139

      Re: joey – Right on! Also, no one should vote either until they replace the Muslim and the Idiot–really I think McCan't is possibly dumber than bush even– as the only choices!

    40. Redde says – reply to this


      140

      Maybe when people don't buy anything from them and stop flying with them they'll go broke…….. They can take their pillows and shove them up their ass.

    41. Linds says – reply to this


      141

      Hey Perezzzzzzzzz,

      The reason that JetBlue is charging passengers for all the extras is so that people who dont care about a pillow or a blanket or whatever can just fly for cheaper! Their fares are much cheaper than other airlines. I say YAY! living in Japan has made me realize that airlines are just all poop. I'm for ones that are willing to let me get home for cheaper. Id fly in a toilet if I could afford it, I dont care.

      Ps. Im so broke I can't visit my family this summer. Wanna help me out!?

    42. Missy says – reply to this


      142

      Who cares about the pillows and blankets? I never got a pillow or a blanket on a Jet Blue flight anyway…so whatever. And really, they were much cheaper on their fees then any other airline, so the fact that they've risen the prices really isn't that drastic. Now they're the same price as everyone else…still cheaper. JetBlue is still the best airline.

    43. Lisa says – reply to this


      143

      I think fly Southwest! The only company that hasn't screwed their customers out of any money, still offers flights below $100 and doesn't charge a cent for any checked luggace. Knock on wood.

    44. no says – reply to this


      144

      the u.s is starting to suck, it's no longer the best country in the world

    45. emma says – reply to this


      145

      i work for an airline in australia, with high fuel cost and the economy going to shit not to mention significant decline in both domestic and international travel , unfortunatly its becoming comon practice with airlines to charge extra for baggage, and addons we've been doing it from the get go unless the cost of aviation fuel decreases prices will continue to go up.. the fact of the matter is it cost more to transport one item of baggage than it does to carry a guest atm

    46. Krist says – reply to this


      146

      I fly JetBlue all the time and this doesnt bother me. They still haven't gone to the riduclous extreme of charging for your first bag, or charging for soda. And, you do get the tv for the flight. So what if you have to pay 7 bucks for a pillow/blanket. You get the $5 coupon so, you are really only paying 2 bucks, not to mention the quality will be better than the free piece of fabric you got before. I'd much rather have to pay for that than the other stuff. Also, JetBlue just rocks, so, I'll fly them no matter what.

    47. Shell says – reply to this


      147

      It's not just them, kitten. My daughter flew friday on US Airways. They have changed the unaccompanied minor fee from $40 in May to $100. But they didn't charge a penny for either of her bags. By the way, EVERYONE was rude, hassled, and generally having the worst experience they could have. The skys are SO not friendly these days.

    48. Ni says – reply to this


      148

      Unfortunate….but needed. We are all suffering, if this will help them stay in business then good. I love Jet Blue.

    49. Micha says – reply to this


      149

      I always fly Southwest Airlines.
      It's always easy and the fares most of the time are pretty good.
      Jet Blue does not even travel to that many great places.



    50. 150

      Airplane's, there are alot of people that need their faces slashed.

    51. lovet says – reply to this


      151

      Re: bebe – have you flown lately? All airlines charge for an extra checked bag. If you want a pillow or blankie, bring your own or pay up. some airlines are charging for a beverage. with jetblue you still get competetive pricing, free direct tv and xm radio in every seat, a full can of soda and a good size snack. buck up asswipe! just like you can't find gas for your car for under $3 per gallon..you can't get everything on a flight for free. they are just charging extra for those wimps who need the pampering pillow. besides that…it is more sanitary to have a brand new blanket than a used up one.

    52. PFOP says – reply to this


      152

      www.pocketfullofpaper.com
      www.pocketfullofpaper.com
      www.pocketfullofpaper.com

    53. 12345 says – reply to this


      153

      this is why i fly southwest. it sucks, but at least they let you change your flight for free and they give you your extra money back if the new flight is cheaper.

    54. Jake says – reply to this


      154

      I like TV and the extra legroom is only 10 dollars, and it is substantial . . .fuck pillows. . .bring your own. . .you guys pick the most boring terrible things to talk about. . .TMZ kicks your ass!!

    55. serio says – reply to this


      155

      SIMPLE Solution… take your pillow and covers. and if they begin to charge for food. then, BRING a sandwich.
      OR
      Just dont fly.

      Regards,
      Serious.

    56. serio says – reply to this


      156

      JEE WIZ. who was the asshole who caused the RECESSION. soon we will be a third world country.

      WHAT DO u THINK???

    57. wild says – reply to this


      157

      Bring your own God damned pillow. Fold up a friggin' sweater!

    58. Tiffs says – reply to this


      158

      The airlines are using fuel as an excuse to start jacking up the prices on EVERYTHING!!!

    59. Jakki says – reply to this


      159

      theyre just using the excuse of the fuel hike to cash in imo

    60. hank says – reply to this


      160

      Perez, you are obviously a millionare. Why are you so concerned?



    61. 161

      those blankets are not even thick enough to cover someone who's cold! I always travel with my own pillow and my own blanket… Jet blue sucks!



    62. 162

      Re: tkr
      Amtrack is definetely the way to go… if you really wanna enjoy a nice vacation is really great! really comfortable, huge restrooms and a nice and fun cafeteria! I won't do greyhound though that's shitty!

    63. sabby says – reply to this


      163

      Your complaining about $7 for a pillow you can choose to buy????? You get FREE water, soda, juice and you can't forget snacks!!! AND of course FREE TV!!!! PEREZ, Get your facts straight!!!!! Complaining about not getting a free pillow that probably has someone elses spit on it is lame!!!

    64. D-DAW says – reply to this


      164

      i use to swear by jetblue but these change are fucking wack…

    65. Alisa says – reply to this


      165

      What do U think about all the changes?
      I think I will never again fly anywhere *EVER*. The airlines have really gotten to be *such* bullshit. Between the ridiculous "security" measures that merely hassle travellers and do little to deter terrorists nor protect us from them, being completely hassled about every little thing you might want to have in your carry-on luggage, the outdated planes that they barely maintain etc. I would sooner go by train than deal with that shit.

      I just don't see how this new ploy is going to help the airline's finances. They're deciding to do away with normal blankets and stuff in order to sell customers some disposable blankets and pillows? Soooooo many things wrong here. Aside from creating needless waste in a world that *already" produces way too much I don't see how they expect to get people to pay for blankets and pillows like that's going to save the airline. Uh, no. For one thing, if hell froze over and there were no trains, rental cars or busses to take and I *had* to fly, I would just bring my own fucking pillow and blanket rather than pay to use some wierdo disposable ones. What's next? Will they now ban blankets and travel pillows in carry-on luggage to force to you pay for them? So fucking stupid.

    66. Alisa says – reply to this


      166

      P.S. There's nothing quite so successful as completely *alienating* your customers to drum up more business

    67. Rad says – reply to this


      167

      Hmm, i'll pay for the 2nd bag fee, and then bring a GIANT PILLOW and a BIG FUCKING COMFORTER. Fuck the 7 dollars for those stank pillows and barely there blankets.

    68. Rad says – reply to this


      168

      Re: Me

      Yeah Air Canada blows too, I was stuck on the run way for 3 hrs and then in the airport for an additional 5 hrs. And they didn't feed us lunch on the plane and made us eat in the terminal at our own expense.



    69. 169

      If you like the way things are going Vote 4 McCain, then you probably won't be able to afford to ever fly again.They like to keep us in our place.

    70. Jacqu says – reply to this


      170

      Its a sign of the times. I will still be loyal to Jet Blue as they are far better than the rest. Long live free telly.



    71. 171

      OMG and Micky D is charging extra for Double Cheeseburger!

    72. kb says – reply to this


      172

      Just a reply to your comments about JetBlue. Please get your facts straight before you publish an arcticle. JetBlue has not been offering blankets and pillows for a while. I personally think that I would rather pay money for a blanket and pillow that I can keep, rather than use one that someone else has used. Jetblue has had to raise their prices on changes and cancellations but they are still very competitive with other airlines and in alot of cases still lower. The second bag fee is $20.00 not $15.00. Yes this along with the extra leg room seats will bring money to JetBlue. It is money they will need just to stay in business. The cost of oil is so high that it cannot be offset with fare increases only. JetBlue is a great airline that does care about their customers and is very friendly towards their customers. They are just trying to make sure that they are around to give you that famous JetBlue experience.



    73. 173

      hah. NEVER EVER FLY JETBLUE!
      first off, they delayed my flight from 2 in the afternoon until 2 in the morning. and when i showed up at the airport with my dad at midnight, they had already let security leave for the night, and they wouldnt let me on the plane. and so i didnt get to go on my vacation to florida, and thats very dissapointing to a 15 year old. NEVER FLY JETBLUE!!



    74. 174

      FKIN INCREASED PRICES!!

      Oh and about US air charging $2 for a can of soda!!!!!- i bought one- then after the flight this lady told me that basically you dont have to pay- something with the union- dunno, but worth a try next time to ask if you can get it for free. BUT I WONT be using US air anymore since they charge to check in even your 1st bag!!!

    More comments: « 1 [2]