Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
TRAVEL TEST
WHAT: JetBlue flight 44, in an Even More Space economy seat.
WHERE: Gatwick to New York JFK, from £741 return. jetblue.com
EXPERIENCE: The major US domestic and regional carrier has entered the transatlantic market from Gatwick and Heathrow, operating new single-aisle Airbus A321neo long-range aircraft and running a slick app for managing your trip.
The airy jet impressed from the off, with greetings from the friendly crew and boarding via the swanky Mint business cabin. Then it was on to the front of economy where the comfortable Even More Space leather seats have up to 38in pitch.
Having put my bag in the large overhead bin, I stored phones, water bottle, Kindle and newspaper in the spacious, thoughtfully designed seat back pockets and fired up the 10.1in HD seatback TV to order food via the touchscreen.
JetBlue is partnering with New York deli Dig for “build your own” meals on US routes and I went for Lemon Coriander Chicken, Kale Apple Salad and Snap Peas with Feta. From the crew, a lager and sparkling water, all complimentary.
It was served with planetfriendly cutlery, plates and packaging, and was fresh and delicious. Top marks for airline economy food.
I could have watched films such as Dune or The Duke but caught up on live Sky News and used the (fast and stable) wi-fi to get in touch with my family and catch up with work on my laptop.
For your devices, there’s AC power plus USB-C and USB-A ports. For your tummy, there’s a pantry with snacks and water, then a service of a giant pretzel (and a lager!) once you’re about 90 minutes out.
The flight passed remarkably quickly (and quietly, the jet is not noisy) and I hit the Big Apple a whopping 40 minutes early.
QUIBBLES: Only two toilets for 114 economy passengers. There can be a bit of queueing, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
VERDICT: One of the best economy flights I’ve had. Great plane, crew, seat and food with free wi-fi. Hugely impressed. 9½/10