JetBlue has followed the standard of turning lie-flat seats with direct aisle access into “suites” by adding privacy doors to them in order to compete in the business class market. Major international airlines such as Qatar Airways, Delta, British Airways, Air France, and KLM have all introduced this feature to their premium cabins.
However, U.S. airlines have faced challenges in implementing doors on their business class seats due to FAA regulations. The FAA prohibits doors inside aircraft cabins for safety reasons, as they could hinder passengers during an evacuation. Airlines must seek exemptions to add doors to their seats, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.
JetBlue initially added an extra crew member to comply with FAA requirements for its A321neo and A321LR aircraft with business class suites. However, in an effort to save money and streamline operations, the airline has decided to disable the doors on the suites of its A321neos. This move will allow JetBlue to reduce its cabin crew back to four members on all Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
This change is expected to be implemented by mid-August and is seen as a strategic decision by JetBlue management. It reflects the airline’s focus on efficiency and cost-cutting measures.