Which is Better Southwest Airlines or JetBlue Airways?

JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines are the two well-known domestic airlines in the United States. These low-cost air carriers offer affordable flight tickets and the best customer service to passengers.

In addition to offering tickets at affordable prices, both airlines offer passengers access to a vast network of worldwide destinations. On the other hand, their business and other services they offer are very dissimilar to one another.

Let’s take a closer look at the difference between two American low-cost carriers: Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways. We hope that the JetBlue Airways vs Southwest comparison will assist you in determining which airline is most suitable for your travel requirements.

JetBlue’s Premium Experience Vs Southwest’s Low-Cost Model

The grand old Southwest Airlines is the more low-cost airline, and the younger JetBlue Airways is known for its premium or luxurious experience. Below, we discuss both airlines with their pros and cons.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways is a 3-star hybrid airline that combines aspects of low-cost and traditional airlines in its operation. It was given its first time to take off and land at John F. Kennedy International Airport just before the year 2000.

The airline offers some services that you might expect from a regular airline, such as free entertainment, snacks, and drinks during the flight, with low fares. The airline recently added a new class called Mint Business Class, which is competitive with most other business classes on long-haul flights.

Southwest Airlines

On the other hand, Southwest Airlines was almost associated with low-cost air travel in the US in the early years, from the 1970s to the 1990s. The airline has been able to grow and thrive over the years cause of its simple business model, which includes free checked bags, flights that aren’t too expensive, and first-come and first-served seating.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines is the world’s largest low-cost carrier.  It is a relatively cheap airline that offers lower fares by cutting out some extras and fees. The airline doesn’t provide many complimentary snacks and drinks compared to JetBlue Airways.

Moreover, both airlines serve over 100 domestic and international destinations worldwide. It has a fleet of 802 Boeing 737 family aircraft, which is significantly larger than JetBlue Airways’ fleet of only 285 aircraft, all of which are narrowbody Embraer E-190s, Airbus A320 family jets, and Airbus A220s.

When selecting between these two airlines, it is essential to take into consideration the type of aircraft you have a preference for, whether it is the Boeing 737s or the A320 cabin family.

JetBlue Airways vs Southwest Airlines Key Factors Comparison

Southwest Airlines is a low-cost carrier that doesn’t offer complimentary in-flight services; on the other hand, JetBlue Airways is a hybrid airline that offers free in-flight services and amenities at higher prices. Here we will compare several factors of both airlines, which include:

Fares and Seats

• JetBlue has higher fares, which count as $217, than Southwest, which includes $142 as per the business statistics database Statista.
• JetBlue Airways has a higher price due to its packed services, in which it provides free in-flight amenities to passengers. In contrast, Southwest Airlines is deeply focused on cost-efficiency and customer satisfaction from its efficient operations.
• JetBlue charges for checked bags and seat selection but offers free in-flight entertainment and snacks. The low-cost carrier Southwest offers low fares with no assigned services.

Route Network

• Southwest Airlines has an extensive domestic network with a focus on Central America. Meanwhile, JetBlue Airways has a strong presence in an international network that provides services on the East Coast and the Caribbean.
• The low-cost air carrier operates domestic flights within the Midwest and West Coast areas. Alternatively, the younger carrier JetBlue Airways handles flights to several cities in Colombia, along with Lima in Peru, Georgetown in Guyana, and Guayaquil in Ecuador.
• Another major difference between these two airlines is that Southwest is the only airline that serves Hawaii.

Customer Service & In-flight Entertainment

Customer service and onboard experience are the essential points to consider to choosing the best airline. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between Southwest and JetBlue Airways in-flight and customer services.

• Customer Service: Southwest Airlines is renowned for its helpful and friendly customer support. The low-cost airline focuses on customer satisfaction and passenger convenience. Similarly, JetBlue Airways also provides the best customer support to passengers with its premium amenities at a high cost. The hybrid airline focuses on the passengers’ premium travel experience. To know more about its facilities and services, go to your closest JetBlue Airways office for premium support.
• In-flight Experience: As Southwest is a low-cost airline, it doesn’t offer any complimentary food or in-flight entertainment to the passengers. To learn more about the customer services of the airline, visit the nearest Southwest Airlines office. On the other hand, JetBlue Airways is a hybrid airline that offers free in-flight entertainment along with snacks & food and more spacious cabins.

Loyalty Programs

Airlines offer loyalty programs to passengers who frequently fly with these airlines. Let’s consider which type of facilities and amenities these airlines will provide you for your loyalty. Here we will discuss the difference between these two airlines’ loyalty programs.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers Rapid Rewards frequent flyer programs for passengers’ convenience. This program is free but also connected to the three different aspects of a VISA credit card.

Moreover, the program permits members unlimited redeemable points for flights and hotels. It offers special services and facilities to the A-list members, such as a 25% earning bonus, priority security and check-in access, and dedicated customer service.

Furthermore, if you are an A-list member with 70,000 qualifying points in a year, then the program will assist you with a 100% earning bonus, free in-flight wi-fi, and a more dedicated customer support line.

JetBlue Airways

TrueBlue is the loyalty program offered by JetBlue Airways, which allows you to redeem points for your flights, hotels, and travel-related expenses. Moreover, the points you earn will not expire.

This card is also free but connected to the three different levels of the Mastercard credit card. This program also provides a points-pooling function that allows up to seven friends to speed up your points.

To reach Mosaic, TrueBlue elite status, you need to collect 15,000 flight points. After earning 15,000 bonus points, you are termed as qualifying for Mosaic.

After becoming a Mosaic member, you will get free cancellation and flight changes with most fares. Additionally, you will receive the benefit of two free checked baggage, early boarding, and complimentary in-flight alcoholic drinks.

Summing Up…

The conclusion is that what makes an airline the best choice depends on your needs, such as premium services with more space and onboard entertainment. Remember that you must pay more for extra luxurious services or a better travel experience. Another point to consider is that JetBlue Airways will be your only choice for an American low-cost carrier if you travel across the Atlantic.

Southwest is the potential airline if you focus on the low prices and flexibility. If you are looking for a premium experience and luxurious in-flight amenities, JetBlue Airways might be the better option. Therefore, the best choice for airlines depends on your preferences and tastes.

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