JetBlue‘s brand new A321LR will be carrying travelers to London in two weeks, but it entered commercial service a bit early. The aircraft will fly from JFK to Los Angeles on 27 July as flight B6 1723, a “surprise and delight” service to help with crew familiarization.
The aircraft configuration is different from any others in the fleet and the crew need to be comfortable working it. The company also needs to work through the new meal ordering process, especially the digital offering in the economy class cabin. The test flights will help to ensure that works smoothly when London service launches on August 11th.
The new meal service – the first hot meals for economy class passengers in the company’s 20+ year history – is a unique offering. Passengers can choose one of three main course options and two of three sides. Orders will be placed via the in-flight entertainment system, a process the carrier hopes will smooth the delivery process.
The menu is being developed in partnership with Boston/New York/Philadelphia restaurant chain Dig. Known for its vegetable-forward options, the Dig menu will feature a seasonal selection of proteins, vegetables and grains mindfully sourced in part from minority and women-run farms, as well as Dig’s own farm, Dig Acres.
Future, similar test flights are expected, though details are not published.
Barring Blue Basic Bags Blockade
Separately, JetBlue is also reported to be delaying implementation of its no carry-on rule for basic economy tickets. Initially slated to take effect on 1 August, sources now tell PaxEx.Aero that the carrier will wait until the 10th to block those bags from the cabin.
No guarantees, but a few folks might get lucky on fees as a result
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