Completed OLCI which saved some time and arrived at TPA at 0930 for my 1145 flight to JFK. The check agent who processed me and my bag was professional and got the job done, but lacked any real warmth and said even less. V-flyers will know my recent JetBlue experiences have been a little mixed so I feared the worst at this point. She also failed to advise me of the 45min delay which I noticed on the departure board myself after dropping off my case.
After a coffee and saying my goodbyes I made my way across to Airside A at 1045 which is always quiet, but today the line was horrendous and it took over 25mins for me to pass through security.
Once through the aircraft actually arrived earlier than it's new due time so boarding commenced at 1145, as I had booked Even more legroom seats this allows priority boarding which is always useful when travelling in the U.S.A. as you do first go at the overhead locker space. I was in seat 2A.
The flight was full to overflowing. Boarding was complete at 1205 and the First officer came out and spoke to everyone from the galley - a nice touch. He told us we would take a rather strange route to JFK today rather than waiting for a slot to take us the other way - it's what he said! A flight time of 2hrs24mins was promised with a "smooth ride" all the way (that didn't happen either!!)
Take off was at 1232.
Once airborne a left turn out of Tampa had us heading west for 40mins, all the way past Orlando and the space coast and out to the ocean before turning northwards to JFK - never done thast before but got to see Magic Kingdom and the Shuttle launch sites which was pretty cool.
Headphones were offered for $2 but my ipod one's worked fine and direct tv was available, 36 channels to be precise with some movies offered for $5.99.
Meal boxes were offered for sale at $5.99 and I spotted only one been sold through the entire aircraft. Drinks and snacks were offered 1hr into the flight, Blue Crisps and Munchies washed down with a full can of Diet coke - the crew were smiling but were pretty quiet, they got the job done - nothing more and nothing less.
After a bumpy flight most of the way, we circled over Atlantic City for 20mins due to traffic flow restrictions and landed at JFK at 1504- a delay of only 39mins so a little time made up.
Baggage was delivered quickly and I was on my way to Terminal 4.
Would I fly Jetblue again? - yes I would, I had heard great things about them before my flights this month and though I was disappointed with some aspects of the Customer service, the even more legroom seats and the drinks and snacks service are good selling points.
So I'll be back for more........
HF
