V-Flyer

Hi Folks, I don't know if any of you have any more info, but I'm hoping you might.

I want to book a flight from JFK-TPA/SRQ with JetBlue, outbound 11th Feb, returning on the 18th.

The problem is that JetBlue only have flights available to purchase up to 15th Feb. Does anyone know when they'll release flights beyond that date?

I've tried Facebook/Twitter but they haven't responded. A Google FlyerTalk seems to suggest that it's random.

Any help is much appreciated 8D

I assume you have contacted JetBlue already?

clarkeysntfc wrote:I've tried Facebook/Twitter but they haven't responded.

There is a phone number but it's a USA number.

I rather think that they show fares only up to 6 months in advance

I've always found the JetBlue release schedule really odd - it doesn't seem to change daily like most airlines, but rather extends in larger jumps.

I remember looking for JB flights back in January for September and there was a fixed date in July for weeks, then suddenly they extended to beyond October.

If you do find out how their system works, it would be very interesting.

Decided to phone them in the end after looking at flyertalk a bit more. The schedule release does seem to be random in terms of specific dates, but is basically 6/7 months ahead.

Frustratingly, we've got availability on the VS flights in to/out of JFK (PE AMEX rewards), but really want to avoid AA like the plague after the miserable experiences we've had with them before. So the dilemma is whether to book now and slum it in AA, or potentially miss out on JFK rewards (VS did say there is decent availability) by waiting a few weeks for JetBlue. ?|

clarkeysntfc wrote:Decided to phone them in the end after looking at flyertalk a bit more. The schedulereleasee does seem to be random in terms of specific dates, but is basically 6/7 months ahead.

Frustratingly, we've got availability on the VS flights in to/out of JFK (PE AMEX rewards), but really want to avoid AA like the plague after the miserable experiences we've had with them before. So the dilemma is whether to book now and slum it in AA, or potentially miss out on JFK rewards (VS did say there is decent availability) by waiting a few weeks for JetBlue. ?|

I'd go for your VS flights, you'll always get a connection down to MCO.

Just keep an eye on JB website daily! I can't imagine the entire flight will sell out within a week.

If the worst comes to the worst, spend 1 night in NYC and take one of the many MCO JB flights the following day?

2 things with that:

- we want to be all on one itinerary in case we miss a connection in either direction. VS have told us that we would need to buy a new ticket if we missed either onward flights.

- overnighting in NY would be good but we are stuck with half term due to my GF's occupation as a teacher, so maximising Florida time is key!

Not sure if JB are flexible with their returns? I.e could you book a return for the 15th the amend at a later date?

I know you don't like AA (neither do I) perhaps a delta flight instead?

JB website suggests $100 PP to amend flight. How much do you not want to fly AA? lol

http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/we ... obj(383871)

It's very strange that they haven't responded on Twitter. I had a response from them the same day when I asked them a question on there.

Can't you compromise and have B6 on the way down from JFK, which is available - and AA back - rather than fret about losing the PE Amex availability. It would only be one leg

Regards
R3dV

Sorry, an afterthought - you do realise that there are direct Man>MCO>Man PE reward seats available for your dates too -slightly more miles and you would have to connect to MAN but seems less hassle.

Regards
R3dV

I think I should have inwardly digested the contents of the 'grab it whilst it's there' thread.

I was told the other day on the phone that there were 'plenty left' of PE rewards on the VS45 on 11th Feb. Just checked online and now it's not showing any, only VS9 which is no good for connections !

Feeling absolutely stupid for not 'surviving AA' and booking it rather than waiting for JetBlue, as it was only £999 (rtn) for 2 people LHR-JFK-TPA (in PE using AMEX upgrade vouchers) :$

Well, MAN>MCO is still available on both flights out and back. Thought maximising Florida time was the important thing, not connecting through JFK?

Edit - I've realised that JFK is still being sold on the reduced miles of 29500 each so it is quite a few more miles for MCO (41K in total). Theoretically if you use an upgrade voucher it should cancel the "sale miles" and revert to the normal miles, although since this offer has been ongoing we know that hasn't happened.

Regards
R3dV

And to update on the original question, just had an email from Jet Blue to say that this Sunday 17th at 12 noon EDT they will be extending their schedule to cover up to April 30th 2012

Regards
R3dV

Sooo... we've now got the following on hold, £888 plus 79k miles (in PE) all in.

Outbound: LHR-MAN-MCO
Inbound: TPA-JFK-LHR

Slightly convoluted, but could work! The dilemma now is whether to stick with AA on the TPA-JFK (11.45am flight) so effectively lose Saturday, or risk 2 separate tickets by booking the VS10 and a JetBlue flight from Sarasota to JFK when it's available. Currently there's a flight from SRQ that would give us 2.5h leeway at JFK. Risky?!

2.5 hours should be plenty. I think Jetblue have relocated to T5 (from T3) and VA fly from T4. Not sure if there is an interline agreement or if you can stay airside but with the Airtran it should be doable anyhow.

There are no on-time stats for your B6 flight. The earlier one has an on time performance of 74% (which is within 15 mins of scheduled departure - with 12% of flights delayed by 30 mins or more.)

The risk as I see it is not being back on time, as if you were on one PNR you would be put on the next available VS flight, Up to you whether you think an extra half day in FLA is worth it - I would chance it.

Hopefully you'll have these booked by tomorrow. I think you're really lucky to have found availability at half term, even if it isn't perfect.

Regards
R3dV

RedVee wrote:2.5 hours should be plenty. I think Jetblue have relocated to T5 (from T3) and VA fly from T4. Not sure if there is an interline agreement or if you can stay airside but with the Airtran it should be doable anyhow.

Yes JetBlue fly from the newly refurbished T5.

No you don't remain airside at JFK once you have collected bags and cleared customs you are in effect landside so once making the way to T5 you reclear secirity after checking in.

Good thing about that is if you bought any duty free you can put it in your case before rechecking the bags in with Jet Blue.

Thanks for confirming Tonty, I knew there was a DL airside shuttle but didn't think there was one for B6/VS.

Regards
R3dV

you could always drive another hour south and fly JB from RSW -brilliant airport and more flights

Finally the JetBlue schedule was released up to April 2012 today, so we've decided to go for:

LHR-EWR VS17 (10th Feb) and overnight at EWR, before an early flight down to TPA the next morning.

TPA-JFK (17.50 - 20.30) with JetBlue
JFK-LHR on the VS10 at 22.25.

All booked on one PNR (except EWR-TPA).

Well chuffed with that, saves a trek up to MAN and gives us the maximum possible time in Florida. I guess good things do come to those who wait.

Thanks a bunch for the help from V-Flyers on this topic oo)

Great result y) y) y)

Excellent, a great result.

Jetblue are great, don't forget to try the Blue chips or new (as tried last week) Popcorners!

Jon

horburyflyer wrote:
Jetblue are great, don't forget to try the Blue chips

y) y) y) y) y)