The American Express Platinum card was first launched in 1984, to celebrate the 40th anniversary there are a number of limited time AmEx offers for Platinum cardholders:
Hilton: Spend $180, get $40 back. Valid until 7/31/24
jetBlue: Spend $200, get $50 back. Valid until 8/6/24
Delta: Spend $180 via Amex Travel and get $40 back. Valid until 7/5/24
Hertz: Spend $150 and get $40 back. Valid until 6/30/24
Some nice deals above, as always can be stacked with other offers to make it even better.
JetBlue is giving away free trips to Bermuda which include accommodations and airfare. These free packages will go out to 5 lucky winners, but you need to be in NYC tomorrow to participate.
A larger-than-life hourglass will take over the Meatpacking District’s Chelsea Triangle next week as part of a day-long event. Every 90 minutes, when the last grain of pink sand lands at the bottom, JetBlue will give away trips that include JetBlue roundtrip flights to Bermuda for two and a hotel stay. Those who participate can also get other prizes such as JetBlue TrueBlue points and JetBlue Vacations certificates.
In order to participate and win one of these trips, you need to answer one trivia question via a QR code onsite. Every 90 minutes, there will be a new question to answer, so you can go back and rescan for a chance to win every time. There will also be Bermuda beach lounge chairs and a soundtrack of waves and AR sunshine.
The event takes place from 12:30pm to 7:30pm on Thursday, May 2.
May 2, 2024, 12:30 p.m. ET to 1:59 p.m. ET
May 2, 2024, 2:00 p.m. ET to 3:29 p.m. ET
May 2, 2024, 3:30 p.m. ET to 4:59 p.m. ET
May 2, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET to 6:29 p.m. ET
May 2, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET to 7:59 p.m. ET
You need to be a legal residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania in order to participate, and also be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of entry. You can see full details here.
Two passenger jets came within 400 feet of each other before controllers took last-minute evasive action and immediately stopped the two planes at Reagan National Airport on Thursday.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed to WTOP it is investigating a near collision that occurred Thursday morning at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.
Two passenger jets came within 400 feet of each other before controllers took last-minute evasive action and immediately stopped the two planes. It’s not clear why the jets were authorized to be on the same runway at the same time.
At 7:41 a.m., one controller frantically yelled, “JetBlue 1554 stop! 1554 stop!” This took place 30 seconds after JetBlue flight to Boston was cleared for takeoff and was on Runway 4, beginning its movement down the runway.
The plane was gaining speed when a controller frantically radioed to the crew of nearby Southwest Airlines Flight 2937 to immediately stop its movement. The Southwest flight bound for Orlando was moving close to the runway, and it appears the two planes were on a collision course.
“Southwest, stop! Southwest 2937, stop!” a controller yelled.
Air traffic control audio can also be heard of the moment the JetBlue flight was cleared for takeoff.
“JetBlue 1554, traffic holds off your right. Wind calm, Runway 4, cleared for takeoff,” another controller said. The JetBlue pilot acknowledged the air traffic controller and began the flight.
“Cleared for takeoff, Runway 4, JetBlue 1554,” the pilot replied.
Radio traffic then shows another unidentified voice urging an air traffic controller to stop the Southwest Airlines flight, after the JetBlue flight is moving and just before the controller issues her urgent call.
“Tell Southwest to stop,” the transmission states.
The Southwest flight had crossed what is called a “hold short line,” and the pilots stopped the plane before it crossed onto the runway. It ended up facing the oncoming JetBlue plane at an angle at the intersection.
The Southwest pilot replied: “We stopped. We were cleared to cross Runway 4.”
“We’re stopping, JetBlue 1554,” the pilots of that plane said.
“An air traffic controller instructed Southwest Airlines Flight 2937 to cross Runway 4 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport while JetBlue Flight 1554 was starting its takeoff roll on the same runway,” the FAA said in a statement emailed to WTOP. “The FAA will investigate.”
“This is very worrisome”
John Nance, an aviation analyst for ABC News and Good Morning America, joined WTOP to talk about what may have happened at DCA earlier Thursday
“This is unacceptably close,” retired Alaska Airlines captain and aviation safety analyst John Nance told WTOP. “We have a dichotomy between two controllers who did not have situational awareness of exactly who was doing what. This is very unusual, because they usually coordinate as seamlessly as possible.”
Nance said the JetBlue flight was moving at an estimated 34 knots, or 39 mph, before it stopped. The plane would become airborne at about 135 knots, about 45 seconds after first beginning its acceleration.
“This one is going to take some study. We were out of options in this case. The crew had minimal time,” he said.
Both the JetBlue and Southwest flights taxied back to different runways and, a short time later, departed to their respective destinations.
Nance emphasized that the system worked in preventing a collision. However, there were several breakdowns.
“There was no margin left, if there had been a failure to communicate to JetBlue and they were on a high-speed portion of their take off, they would not have been able to swerve, more than likely with someone entering the intersection at exactly that point,” Nance said.
“Had the controller failed to issue the warning, you might have easily had a collision. We have backup systems, sometimes they’re human and sometimes they’re mechanical, but when you run out of backup systems and one more problem is going to give you the high likelihood of a major collision, this is very worrisome,” he added.
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JetBlue is increasing bag fees and making the cost more difficult to understand with peak/off peak pricing as well as differences on when you book. You’ll need to navigate to the JetBlue site to see all of the fees, but for flights within US, Latin America, Caribbean and Canada are as follows:
Personally I don’t think you should need a spreadsheet to try and determine how much a bag should cost but I’m not surprised JetBlue is increasing fees as United & American Airlines have also increased fees.
JetBlue Launches Dublin Service from Boston and New York
JetBlue has expanded its transatlantic offerings with new, nonstop flights from New York and Boston. Daily summer-seasonal service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Dublin Airport (DUB) will operate through September 30, 2024.
JetBlue first entered the transatlantic market with flights to London in 2021. Since then, JetBlue has expanded its portfolio to include Paris, Amsterdam and now Dublin, and will continue its growth in Europe with seasonal flights to Edinburgh and additional frequencies to Paris later this spring.
JetBlue wills service the new route with its Airbus A321neo with Mint aircraft. The airline’s Mint premium experience offers customers fully lie-flat private suites with a sliding door and a custom-designed seat cushion developed by innovative mattress company Tuft & Needle. In addition to countless intuitive design touches, every customer will feel at home in the air with the newly launched Mint amenity kits.
JetBlue’s industry-leading core experience offers a new level of service to customers who generally fly “coach” but still want a great experience at an attractive fare. Core customers enjoy the most legroom in coach as well as innovative, fresh meals crafted specifically for the A321neo with Mint aircraft.
JetBlue worked with NYC-based culinary partner DIG to design an innovative and high-quality menu that more closely aligns with the beloved culinary experience on JetBlue’s A321 Long Range transatlantic routes. Upon launch, options for core customers will include crepes with smoked turkey, brie and caramelized onion jam; herb and cheese frittata; pesto pasta salad with grilled chicken; and sesame noodles with ginger garlic tofu, carrots and daikon.
Fare Sale
To celebrate the launch, seats on the Dublin routes are on sale starting today with low fares for U.S.-originating travelers starting at $399 roundtrip from Boston and $499 from New York for the airline’s award-winning core experience and starting at $1999 and $2499 for JetBlue’s premium Mint experience.
Ireland originating travelers can enjoy special introductory roundtrip fares starting at €399 ($439) to Boston and €499 ($549) to New York for core and €1999 ($2179) and €2499 ($2729) for Mint available only on jetblue.com (c).
Schedule between New York (JFK) and Dublin (DUB)
Daily seasonal service starting March 13 (Eastbound) & March 14 (Westbound) (through September 30, 2024)
JFK- DUB Flight #841
DUB – JFK Flight #842
8:47 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. (+1)
10:45 a.m. – 1:22 p.m.
Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Dublin (DUB)
Daily seasonal service starting March 13 (Eastbound) & March 14 (Westbound) (through September 30, 2024)
BOS – DUB Flight #353
DUB – BOS Flight #354
8:42 p.m. – 8:20 a.m. (+1)
10:55 a.m. – 12:57 p.m.
Flights to Dublin will operate daily on JetBlue’s Airbus A321neo with Mint aircraft with 16 redesigned Mint Suite® seats, 144 core seats and Airbus’ Enhanced Cabin with XL Bins. The A321neo with Mint features a 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency and up to 500 nautical miles in additional range.
JetBlue is offering a 20% discount on award flights.
Book by March 13, 2024
Fly May 1 – June 12, 2024 (with blackout dates 5/23-5/27)
The Fine Print
Select fares must be redeemed using TrueBlue points only on jetblue.com (or the JetBlue app) between now and 3/13/2024 (the earlier of 11:59pm EST or local) for flights between 5/1/2024 and 6/12/2024.
Blackout dates: 5/23/2024-5/27/2024.
TrueBlue point redemption prices displayed reflect the discount applied to the base fare, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees.
Discount ratio may vary due to rounding.
Fares are subject to availability; may not be available on all flights; may change without notice; must be purchased at time of reservation; exclude Mint; and are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Points redemption is not available for Blue Basic fares.
Offer is limited to registered TrueBlue members in good standing redeeming Award Flight fares using TrueBlue points for new bookings only; offer is not valid in connection with monetary flight fares, purchases on partner airlines or code share or interline flights, JetBlue Vacations packages, previously booked Award Flights or any other product or service.
Offer cannot be partially redeemed, is not redeemable for cash, and has no cash value. Government taxes and fees apply to Award Flights, are the responsibility of the passenger, and will vary based on your departure and destination cities.
Our Verdict
Doesn’t work on existing bookings but you can cancel for free and then rebook, but always a risk price will change I guess. Always nice to see an airline wide sale like this.
Save 20% When You Book with JetBlue TrueBlue Points
JetBlue has launched a new promotion today, offering a 20% discount on select flights when you book with TrueBlue points. In order to take advantage of this promotion, you must book your flight by March 13, 2024 and travel between May 1 and June 12, 2024.
Blackout dates are 5/23-5/27/24. Other terms and restrictions apply, and the discount is available on select routes only.
Offer Details
Book an award flight by March 13, 2024. Valid on new bookings only & cannot be applied to existing bookings.
Fly May 1 – June 12, 2024 (with blackout dates 5/23-5/27)
Excludes travel in Mint®
When you search for an eligible award flight, the base fare you see will automatically include the 20% discount.
Select fares must be redeemed using TrueBlue points only on jetblue.com (or the JetBlue app) between now and 3/13/2024 (the earlier of 11:59pm EST or local) for flights between 5/1/2024 and 6/12/2024.
Blackout dates: 5/23/2024-5/27/2024.
TrueBlue point redemption prices displayed reflect the discount applied to the base fare, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees.
Fares are subject to availability; may not be available on all flights; may change without notice; must be purchased at time of reservation; exclude Mint; and are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Points redemption is not available for Blue Basic fares.
Offer is limited to registered TrueBlue members in good standing redeeming Award Flight fares using TrueBlue points for new bookings only; offer is not valid in connection with monetary flight fares, purchases on partner airlines or code share or interline flights, JetBlue Vacations packages, previously booked Award Flights or any other product or service.
Guru’s Wrap-up
Seize this opportunity to make the most of your TrueBlue points and book your next trip for the spring or early summer.
If you don’t have enough points, you can transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Citi ThankYou and American Express Membership Rewards.
JetBlue is offering $25 off one way flights or $50 off round trip flights when you use promo code SPRINGTRAVEL
The Fine Print
Promo code: SPRINGTRAVEL
Book by 3/6/24 (11:59PM EST)
Travel 3/19-6/12/24 (Excludes Friday and Sunday travel)
$25 off each one-way segment with a min. spend of $50+ per segment (excl. taxes & fees) or $50 off roundtrip with a min. spend of $100+ (excl. taxes & fees)
Discount applies to base fare
Valid on nonstop flights only
Not valid on transatlantic flights or Mint
Not valid on previous bookings
Redeemable only on jetblue.com
Our Verdict
Friday and Sunday exclusion is annoying but hopefully still helpful to some readers.
JetBlue Airways is ending its quest to buy Spirit Airlines more than a month after a federal judge blocked the $3.8 billion deal because of antitrust concerns.
The carriers agreed to scrap the merger after determining they were unlikely to secure the mandatory legal and regulatory approvals in time proceed with the deal, JetBlue announced on Monday. It will pay Spirit $69 million to resolve any remaining matters related to their failed merger.
“Given the hurdles to closing that remain, we decided together that both airlines’ interests are better served by moving forward independently,” JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a statement.
Confirming the development in a separate news release, Spirit CEO Ted Christie said the airline continues to be “confident in our future as a successful independent airline.”
Shares of JetBlue edged higher in early Monday trading while Spirit shares plummeted nearly 14%.
The deal has been considered dicey after a federal judge in January ruled that JetBlue’s purchase of Spirit would weaken competition by eliminating a major discount airline, potentially resulting in higher airfares for travelers. In siding with the Biden administration in opposing the proposed takeover, Judge William Young found the deal would “harm cost-conscious travelers who rely on Spirit’s low fares.”
The airlines agreed to a deal in July 2022 after JetBlue made an unsolicited offer for Spirit, weeks after it struck a deal with competing budget carrier Frontier.
NEW YORK — JetBlue and Spirit Airlines are ending their proposed $3.8 billion combination after a court ruling blocked their merger.
JetBlue said Monday that even though both companies still believe in the benefits of a combination, they felt they were unlikely to meet the required closing conditions before the July 24 deadline and mutually agreed that terminating the deal was the best decision for both.
“We are proud of the work we did with Spirit to lay out a vision to challenge the status quo, but given the hurdles to closing that remain, we decided together that both airlines’ interests are better served by moving forward independently,” JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a statement.
“We are disappointed we cannot move forward with a deal that would save hundreds of millions for consumers and create a real challenger to the dominant ‘Big 4’ U.S. airlines. However, we remain confident in our future as a successful independent airline,” Spirit CEO Ted Christie said in a statement.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above is from a previous broadcast and will be updated.
JetBlue will pay Spirit a $69 million termination fee.
The Justice Department sued to block the merger last year, saying it would reduce competition and drive up fares, especially for travelers who depend on low-fare Spirit.
In January, a federal district judge in Boston sided with the government and blocked the deal, saying it violated antitrust law.
The airlines had appealed the ruling. The appeal hearing had been set for June.
New York-based JetBlue had argued that the merger would help it compete more effectively against bigger airlines. But there were continuing losses and other problems at Spirit, which is based in Miramar, Florida. Last week JetBlue had previously warned that it might terminate the agreement.
Shares of JetBlue Airways Corp. rose more than 5% before the market open, while Spirit’s stock slipped more than 13%.
JetBlue is celebrating its 24th birthday and that means 5 days of travel deals for you! This week, JetBlue is celebrating with different travel deals each day beginning today’s one-day fare sale with fares from $49 one-way.
Check the sale page every day this week to see what exciting travel deals travelers can enjoy, ranging from low fares, vacation packages, TrueBlue points, and even special promos from Paisly.
Monday – February 5th
JetBlue is kicking off its anniversary sale-ebration with a 1-day sale. Fares from $49 one-way.
JetBlue has a promotion for those looking to buy or gift points. You can get a bonus of up to 90% on purchased points, and you need to buy just 3,000 points to get this bonus. Buying points in general is not a good idea, but this is the best offer we have seen from JetBlue. It could even make sense for some people.
The Offer
Bonus point offer valid for point purchases between now and March 31, 2024 11:59pm ET. Purchase 3,000 or more points in a single transaction and get a 90% bonus. This is an exclusive, non-transferable offer for select members only and may not be forwarded. To receive the bonus, a minimum purchase of 3,000 TrueBlue points is required. Bonus is incremental based upon the amount of points purchased. These TrueBlue points can be used towards award redemptions but do not earn tiles toward qualification for Mosaic status.
If you want to buy the maximum of 100,000 TrueBlue points for example, it would cost you $2,513.35. That’s a cost of 1.32 cents per point.
Important Terms
Bonus point offer valid for point purchases between now and March 31, 2024 11:59pm ET.
Bonus points are incremental based upon the amount of points purchased.
Must make minimum purchase of 3,000 TrueBlue points to receive bonus. Bonus points earned do not count towards maximum calendar limits stated below.
Minimum point purchase per transaction is 1,000 points; maximum point purchase per transaction is 100,000 points.
Members may not purchase more than a total of 120,000 TrueBlue points in a calendar year (regardless of whether the points were purchased for a member’s own TrueBlue account or as a gift). Bonus points earned do not count towards maximum calendar limits.
These are not Mosaic Qualifying points.
lease allow 72 hours for purchased points to post to the applicable TrueBlue account.
Guru’s Wrap-Up
This is the highest bonus JetBlue has ever offered for purchasing points. With that said, you still need to figure it out for yourself if it makes sense for you. That cost of 1.32 cents per point, is still a bit higher than what I would value them. But it could be useful if you’re in need of some points towards a redemption, or if you’re getting some good value for your points, maybe in Mint. Additionally, you can now use JetBlue TrueBlue points for Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways flights as well.
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A federal judge’s ruling this week blocking JetBlue (JBLU) from acquiring Spirit Airlines (SAVE) has raised questions about what’s next for the carriers — particularly Spirit, whose clock is ticking with $1.1 billion in debt due in September 2025.
On Thursday, Spirit stock sank as much as 20% after a WSJ report that the Miramar, Fla., company is exploring options to refinance its debt following the merger’s collapse.
“We think they’re going to shop themselves around,” TD Cowen senior research analyst Helane Becker told Yahoo Finance on Thursday.
The analyst thinks the ruling will dissuade other airlines from stepping up, forcing Spirit to restructure.
“We think a Chapter 11 filing is more likely than unlikely,” said Becker.
Becker said if the airline is unable to lower its aircraft lease costs and the company is forced to liquidate, JetBlue could acquire some of the assets.
“For JetBlue, we think this is actually not a bad outcome because we think they’ll be able to get those assets in a liquidation of Spirit,” she said immediately following the ruling.
Frontier had made a bid for Spirit almost two years ago but was later outbid when JetBlue came in with an all cash $3.8 billion offer.
If Frontier were to emerge as a buyer again, Susquehanna analyst Christopher Stathoulopoulos says the airline would have a better shot at obtaining regulatory approval than JetBlue did.
Spirit stock has dropped roughly 60% since Tuesday when a federal judge blocked its merger with JetBlue. (Charles Krupa/AP Photo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
“While the operating landscape for US airlines is clearly different today … a merger of two ultra-low-cost carriers could (in theory) have a less onerous regulatory approval process,” the analyst wrote in a note on Wednesday.
Spirit is exploring the option to appeal this week’s ruling but hasn’t announced any formal next steps.
On Thursday afternoon, a Spirit spokesperson told Yahoo Finance, “Spirit is not pursuing nor involved in a statutory restructuring.”
In a separate statement the company spokesperson said,“While we are disappointed with this outcome, we are confident in our strengths and strategy…Spirit has been taking, and will continue to take, prudent steps to ensure the strength of its balance sheet and ongoing operations.”
Several analysts downgraded the stock this week amid concerns over the company’s ability to turn itself around.
Spirit’s market cap, which hovered at $6 billion in 2014, was sitting just below $600 million on Thursday.
“We believe SAVE has a difficult path ahead to return to its historical level of growth and profitability,” Bank of America analyst Andrew Didora said earlier this week.
Spirit shares have fallen about 60% since Tuesday’s decision.
Ines Ferre is a senior business reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @ines_ferre.
Spirit Airlines shares continued their descent after a federal judge this week blocked its acquisition by JetBlue Airways for $3.8 billion.
The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Spirit is exploring its strategic options following the legal setback, including ways of dealing with a $1.1 billion debt pile coming due in 2025.
Spirit didn’t respond to a request for comment.
U.S. District Judge William Young on Tuesday ruled in favor of federal antitrust enforcers who had sued to stop the deal on grounds that it would hurt airline industry competition and raise prices for budget-conscious travelers.
JetBlue and Spirit contend a merger would allow the enlarged carrier to offer low-cost fares in more markets around the country and help it compete with the largest U.S. airlines. The companies said they they are assessing their legal options.
Spirit’s stock price fell 19% in early afternoon Thursday to roughly $5 before rebounding slightly to $5.72. The shares have plunged roughly 68% since Young blocked the deal.
Spirit, based in Miramar, Florida, saw its revenues plunge in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic crippled air traffic, and continued to struggle the following year. Although the airline’s top-line results have rebounded since then as travelers returned to the skies, its financial losses have swelled.
For the company’s most recent quarter, Spirit in October reported a net loss of $157.6 million, extending a string of losses dating back to 2020.
The downturn comes as bigger carriers like American Airlines, Delta and United increasingly compete with discount players in key markets.
Spirit’s downbeat financial results have stirred speculation about its long-term prospects, with some Wall Street analysts saying the airline could be headed for bankruptcy.
Although Spirit could seek a deal with another buyer, “a more likely scenario is a Chapter 11 filing, followed by a liquidation,” Helane Becker, a veteran airline analyst with financial services firm Cowen, said in a report. “We recognize this sounds alarmist and harsh, but the reality is we believe there are limited scenarios that enable Spirit to restructure.”
The proposal of a merger between JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) and Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) initially sparked a great deal of interest among investors and industry observers. It promised to create a major player in the transportation sector, potentially offering benefits such as cost savings and an expanded range of route options. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over this merger as a federal judge has issued a ruling that effectively blocks the deal. This decision raises hopes among consumers for a more competitive airline industry.
DOJ’s antitrust concerns
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been a strong opponent of the proposed JetBlue-Spirit merger, and their arguments against it are complex. Their primary concern is that the merger would harm competition and lead to higher airfares.
The DOJ argues that the merger would result in a significant reduction in competition in the airline industry. They have presented data showing that the merger would create overlapping routes and substantially increase the combined entity’s market share. This dominance in specific markets could give the new airline significant pricing power, leading to higher ticket prices for consumers.
The DOJ has also thoroughly analyzed the market share the merged JetBlue-Spirit entity would control in various regions. This analysis shows that the combined airline would have a dominant market share in several markets, which could stifle competition and leave consumers with fewer choices.
A key argument put forth by the DOJ is that consumer interests must be protected. They contend that allowing this merger to proceed could result in passengers facing higher fares and fewer options, undermining the principles of affordability and choice that are vital for air travel consumers. To emphasize the importance of preserving competition for the benefit of consumers, a high-ranking DOJ official stated, “Competition is the lifeblood of the airline industry, and we must ensure it thrives to protect consumers.”
JetBlue and Spirit’s Defense
JetBlue and Spirit Airlines have vigorously defended their merger proposal, emphasizing several potential benefits they believe it could bring to both airlines and their passengers. The airlines argue that merging their operations would result in significant cost savings through synergies in various areas, including maintenance,
operations, and administrative functions. The combined entity could pass these savings on to consumers in the form of more competitive fares. One of the key selling points of the merger is the promise of expanded route options for passengers. By combining their networks, JetBlue and Spirit aim to offer a broader range of destinations, potentially opening up new travel opportunities for customers.
To counter the DOJ’s claims, the airlines presented evidence such as simulations of fare changes and analyses of the potential benefits to passengers. They assert that the merger is in the best interest of both their companies and their customers. A representative from one of the airlines expressed disappointment with the court decision, stating, “We firmly believed that this merger was in the best interest of both our companies and our valued customers.”
Court’s Ruling and Reasoning
The pivotal decision regarding the fate of the JetBlue-Spirit merger was entrusted to Judge Young, whose ruling profoundly impacted the merger’s progress. Judge Young’s decision was based on a careful study of the case’s complex details and focused on the expected consequences of the proposed merger.
A central aspect of Judge Young’s deliberation was his deep-seated concerns regarding the potential negative consequences the merger might have on competition within the airline industry. Rather than relying on vague notions, he identified specific, measurable elements. For example, he emphasized the dominant market share the merged entity would hold in some geographic regions.
Judge Young’s ruling underscored his conviction that preserving competition within the airline industry is paramount. This foundational belief guided his decision-making process throughout the case. He firmly believed that the risks associated with the proposed merger, such as the potential escalation of airfares, far outweighed any purported advantages or efficiencies it might bring.
Implications and Outlook
The court’s decision to block the JetBlue-Spirit merger reverberates through the boardrooms of these two airlines and across the entire airline industry. The implications are twofold, encompassing both immediate and long-term considerations.
For JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, the immediate aftermath of the blocked merger necessitates a careful reevaluation of their strategies. This introspection is crucial as they confront the reality of the merger’s cancellation. It may involve a profound reassessment of their business models, operations, and growth trajectories. The airlines must weigh their options meticulously, considering various avenues to advance their corporate objectives.
JetBlue and Spirit may explore alternative paths to chart their courses forward. This could encompass revising their existing business strategies to adapt to the changing landscape. Without the merger, they might seek new partnerships, alliances, or acquisitions to achieve their growth targets. Furthermore, an examination of potential expansion plans may be on the horizon, considering routes, markets, and fleet developments to enhance competitiveness.
Beyond the immediate impact on JetBlue and Spirit, the court’s ruling may signal broader shifts within the airline industry. It could mark the emergence of a trend characterized by stricter antitrust enforcement as regulatory bodies become increasingly vigilant in preserving competition. This, in turn, could have far-reaching effects on the industry’s dynamics, potentially fostering a more competitive landscape as airlines recalibrate their strategies in response to heightened scrutiny.
The court’s decision to block the JetBlue-Spirit merger has significant implications for the airline industry and the millions of passengers it serves. The ruling underscores the vital importance of competition in ensuring affordable air travel for consumers. As we look to the future, the direction of competition in the airline industry remains uncertain, with the potential for appeals, negotiations with the DOJ, or the emergence of alternative merger plans. One thing is clear: the consumer’s voice in advocating for competition has been heard, and the outcome of such high-stakes battles will shape the industry’s future. The future of air travel remains intriguingly uncertain, with many stakeholders eagerly watching for developments that will impact how we fly.
A federal judge has blocked JetBlue Airways from buying Spirit Airlines after the Justice Department sued to stop the merger. The judge agreed with the DOJ that the $3.8 billion deal would reduce competition.
JetBlue had argued that the deal would help consumers by making JetBlue a stronger competitor against bigger rivals that dominate the U.S. air-travel market.
In a court filing Tuesday, U.S. District Judge William Young said the acquisition, which would have made JetBlue the fifth-largest airline, would “substantially lessen competition” in violation of the Clayton Act, which “was designed to prevent anticompetitive harms for consumers.”
The judge noted that while the merger might make JetBlue more competitive against other major domestic airlines, it would also eliminate JetBlue’s toughest competition Spirit. The latter is the country’s biggest low-cost airline.
Years of previous consolidation in the industry have put United, Delta, American and Southwest in control of about three-quarters of domestic market.
A judge has blocked the Spirit/Jetblue merger after an antitrust challenge by the Department of Justice (DoJ). JetBlue had proposed a $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit but the DoJ argued that the deal was anti competitive and would be bad for cost-conscious travelers that rely on Spirit’s low fares. JetBlue & Spirit said they disagreed with the ruling and would evaluate next steps.
JetBlue is offering cheap business class fares from New York to London. You can book roundtrip fares from New York JFK to London-Gatwick for $1834.90. You can also book with TrueBlue points and pay 130,500 plus $289.20 in fees. There’s a Chase 25% transfer bonus if you want to go that route.
There’s plenty of availability now through the early months of 2024. You must book by December 20th, and a Saturday night stay is required. Outbound travel must begin by March 31, 2024. This offer was first reported by View from the Wing. You can also find similarly priced fares from Boston and Atlanta as well.
Here’s an example of a roundtrip Mint booking in cash, from New York JFK to London-Gatwick:
As you can see from the screenshot, this is actually a $99 roundtrip Mint fare, plus taxes and fuel surcharges. That’s quite a deal for JetBlue’s Airbus A321neo aircraft.
As I mentioned above, you also have the option to book these fares with points. Here’s an example of that same flight:
If you do the math, then you’re not really getting any outsized value for your JetBlue TrueBlue points. It does get a little better if you’re transferring from Chase, but again Chase Ultimate Rewards are quite valuable.
JetBlue is offering $25 off one way flights or $50 off round trip flights when you use promo code NEWYEAR
The Fine Print
Book by 12/13 (11:59PM EST)
Travel 1/9-3/28/24 (Excludes Friday and Sunday travel)
$25 off each one-way segment with a min. spend of $50+ per segment (excl. taxes & fees) or $50 off roundtrip with a min. spend of $100+ (excl. taxes & fees)
Discount applies to base fare
Valid on nonstop flights only
Not valid on transatlantic flights or Mint
Not valid on previous bookings
Redeemable only on jetblue.com
Our Verdict
Good discount, although the Friday and Sunday exclusions are annoying.
