Upgraded seats in BlueFirst class. Photo: JetBlue American airline JetBlue has unveiled BlueFirst, its new first-class product for domestic flights in the US. The company plans to open reservations for the product in the fall, with the first aircraft in the new class expected to enter service later this year.
BlueFirst is designed to offer passengers a new premium experience, with an emphasis on personal space, technology and in-flight service options. The company has not yet announced the first routes where the new class will be offered, and has said it will provide further details later this year.
The new seats, developed in partnership with Tuft & Needle and featuring T&N Flex foam, will be configured in a 2-2 configuration and offer up to five inches of recline and up to seven inches of legroom compared to the airline's economy class seats.
Each seat will be equipped with a 13.3-inch personal screen, with Bluetooth connectivity that will allow passengers to connect wireless headphones. The screens will be used for both JetBlue's in-flight entertainment system and for ordering services during the flight.
Additionally, each seat will include USB-A, USB-C, and a 110V power outlet. The company's high-speed Fly-Fi internet service will continue to be offered free of charge.
On night flights, BlueFirst passengers will receive a blanket and sleeping kit.
Order a meal and cocktail directly from the screen. Photo: JetBlueOne of the key innovations in the class is a system for ordering directly from the seat screen. Passengers can select meals and products from the service menu, and the order is passed on to the flight attendants.
The system will also include a "Mixologist Mode," which will allow passengers to create a cocktail of their choice, using a combination of an alcoholic beverage, mixer, and different flavors.
In the food sector, JetBlue will launch FirstFare, a menu featuring meals served in a bento-style box. Flights of 899 miles or longer will offer meals that include a main course, side dish and dessert.
Among the options the company lists are sweet or savory crepes and sesame noodles with beef or tofu.
The snack sector is also expected to improve, with a variety of products from different brands, and the offering will change depending on the flight and route.
JetBlue. Photo: ShutterstockThe new department will offer wines selected by a sommelier, coffee from Cometeer and Joe Coffee, and tea from Smith Teamaker.
JetBlue plans to serve the drinks in premium glasses, along with coasters specially designed in collaboration with a New York illustrator.
BlueFirst passengers will receive first-class boarding, a designated space in the overhead bins, priority check-in and a fast track security check at over 30 airports.
BlueFirst and BlueFirst Flex fares will also include two free checked bags, priority baggage delivery and no change or cancellation fees, subject to fare terms.
Upgraded seats in BlueFirst class. Photo: JetBlueThe launch of BlueFirst is part of JetBlue's strategy to expand its premium product offering. The company currently operates Mint, its premium product on long-haul routes, and recently opened another BlueHouse lounge in Boston.
BlueFirst will be offered in markets where JetBlue operates flights and does not currently offer Mint, as the company seeks to create a tier of premium products for domestic and long-haul flights.
JetBlue announced that additional details about the first routes on which BlueFirst will be offered and when reservations will open will be announced later this year.
Recall that at the end of July, it was reported that JetBlue recorded a 14.5% increase in revenue in the second quarter, benefited from high demand for flights and restored its annual forecast. At the same time, it presented a new target for earnings per share over the next two years.