Jet Blue Begins Priority Seating For an Extra Fee

Budget airline Jet Blue has started dangling a carrot in front of their passenger’s collective faces by offering a priority screening option for an extra fee. Dubbed “Even More Speed,” the new option joined the “Even More Space” option which provided extra legroom for taller passengers willing to pay.

Both “conveniences” will be bundled together and will cost anywhere from $10-65 depending on how long the flight is. Later in the year, Jet Blue plans to spin off the “Even More Speed” option as it’s own amenity. Jet Blue is certainly sweetening the pot with the pair of options, but let’s face it, having more legroom is the king in the ring. You have a ticket, you’re getting a seat. But that legroom? Now that’s money.

Jet Blue, in instituting the new fee, joins United Airlines in charging an extra fee for expedited boarding. And it reflects the latest trend in air travel, which is to offer what used to be traditional services for an extra fee over and above the cost of airfare.

Other fees that have popped up lately in airlines have included in flight meals, blankets, second bags and beyond, booking fees for using an airlines website to book airfare, and even a fee for printing a boarding pass. Next thing you know, they charge an extra fee baggage check.

Hat Tip – USA Today Travel