JetBlue's Newest Plane Makes Flying Economy Much More Comfortable

JetBlue Airways has done it again: The New York–based carrier, known for making flying in economy actually enjoyable, has launched a new plane that is loaded with perks for budget fliers. The airline’s first Airbus A220-300 jet was delivered to its base at New York JFK at the end of December, and its interiors were unveiled on Tuesday. 

One of the most notable things on board the single-aisle plane? Fewer middle seats. The jet’s 140 seats are arranged in a two-by-three configuration, meaning there’s less of a chance fliers will be caught in the dreaded middle spot. Seats on the new jet are also wider—at 18.6 inches across, the seats are the widest coach seats of any single aisle aircraft, according to JetBlue, and the most spacious in the airline’s fleet. The airline also says it has specially contoured the back of each seat to allow fliers to have more knee space.

But it’s not just the seats that have gotten an upgrade on the new jet. The overhead bins and windows are also larger on the plane, as is the lavatory, which is outfitted with a subway tile pattern—a nod to JetBlue’s self-proclaimed status as “New York’s Hometown Airline.”

Additional touches on the new aircraft include mood lighting that will change throughout the day, fuel-efficient engines that are 50 percent quieter, and three types of power outlets at each seat (including USB-C, USB-A, and AC power ports). And of course, classic JetBlue amenities like free onboard Wi-Fi and free in-flight entertainment with live TV are also available.

“With the A220 we’ve taken a state-of-the-art aircraft and added our award-winning touch to bring to life an experience only JetBlue could dream up,” Jayne O’Brien, JetBlue Airways’ head of marketing and loyalty, said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming customers onboard our newest aircraft, with incredible onboard comfort, one-of-a-kind design elements, and unparalleled entertainment and connectivity.”

JetBlue says its new A220-300 will begin flying in the spring and enter scheduled service by mid-June on the carrier’s Boston-Fort Lauderdale route. When it launches, it will be one of the only A220s in operation in the U.S. (Delta launched its first A220-300 back in November.) JetBlue has placed an order for 70 more of the -300 model, which is a precursor to the even larger -500 model that Airbus is building for launch in the next few years.

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