Spirit, Possibly Being Acquired By JetBlue, Showcases New Lie Flat Seat

With JetBlue looking to acquire Spirit Airlines, trumping Frontier’s offer, many observers have pointed out how different their business model, product, and cultures are – wondering if his acquisition could make any sense. Others disagree, suggesting that JetBlue buying Spirit ‘for parts’ – planes, gates, pilots, – will allow for more rapid expansion.

But are the products really that different? JetBlue has Mint business class, but in the premium category Spirit has more than just the Big Front Seat. The Miramar, Florida-based low cost carrier also has lie flat seating.

Spirit is hardly alone flying with broken seats. I’ve spilled much internet ink over American’s willingness to defer maintenance and take seats out of service.

Perhaps a Northeast Alliance, even, with American and JetBlue and Spirit could make sense after all if it passes muster with regulators and the courts.

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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