JetBlue announced last month that it will now provide free WiFi, live television and movies to every passenger on every flight — a first in the airline industry.
The carrier says it has completed a three-year upgrade of its entire fleet to support Fly-Fi, its in-flight broadband service. No other U.S. airline currently offers such comprehensive services at no extra charge to all passengers.
Fly-Fi delivers broadband-quality internet on board with no additional fee. While many airlines offer WiFi for a price — and often restrict high-bandwidth activities such as video streaming — JetBlue allows passengers to browse, stream and stay connected throughout the journey.
Travelers can connect to Fly-Fi as soon as they board and remain connected until the aircraft lands. This contrasts with some competitors that only enable WiFi once the plane reaches cruising altitude.
“It’s 2017, and our customers expect to be connected everywhere, whether that be from the comfort of their sofa or 35,000 feet above it,” said Jamie Perry, vice president of marketing at JetBlue.
In addition to WiFi, JetBlue’s in-flight entertainment offers live programming and audio options. Embraer E190 and Airbus A320 aircraft feature 36 channels of live DirecTV, while the larger A321s provide more than 100 DirecTV channels. All aircraft also include more than 100 channels of SiriusXM radio, and A321 cabins are equipped with touchscreen TVs for easier access to entertainment.
By combining free, high-speed internet with live TV, movies and radio across its fleet, JetBlue aims to enhance the passenger experience and set a new standard for connectivity and in-flight entertainment.