JetBlue’s blanket blues

Low-cost darling JetBlue has been singing the blues lately as it struggles to return to profitability (here are its latest numbers). But now it seems to have found the antidote to its earnings malaise: blankets and pillows.

Charging for them, that is. My friends over at Reuters (where I spent the happiest summer of my life as an intern) reported today that David Neeleman is considering charging a fee for “fluffier blankets and pillows” as it tries to catch up to competitors in generating side revenues from its passengers.

“We’re trying to figure out what’s a value add to our customer,” Neeleman is quoted as saying.

Now, as far as airline CEOs go, Neeleman is known for keeping the corporate double-speak to a minimum. But adding value? David, how could ya?

Already, JetBlue is offering a souped up headset for $1 (the lesser ones are free). Will people be put off by the fact that their pillows and blankets aren’t as good as the super-duper ones that cost money? Who knows. JetBlue probably has conducted passenger surveys to find out.

Personally, I think these changes take away something away from what has been a sterling brand and a second-to-none flying experience. JetBlue should make money by selling airline seats, not taunt its passengers with better pillows, blankets and headsets.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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