Airline slump hits sleepers'' pockets
07/08/2008
Travellers hoping to sleep comfortably on an aeroplane owned by American cut-price firm JetBlue will have to cough up $7 (£3.60) if they are flying for more than two hours and would like a blanket and pillow.
Associated Free Press reported that the charge is a measure put in place as a reaction to "spiralling fuel prices" and "shrinking airline travel" due to a credit crunch-led slump in sales.
However, JetBlue say its deal is providing a "take-home travel kit" that customers can use again in future - one that is brand new for each individual.
Speaking to the news provider, JetBlue Airways general manager of product development, Brett Muney, said: "Replacing our old, recycled pillows and blankets with this state-of-the-art, high-quality take home kit is an eco-conscious, health-conscious and customer-conscious decision."
Last month, the Boston Globe also detailed the large-scale advertising that many air travel companies have embraced, with promotions appearing on booking websites, in-flight food trays and attendants handing out flyers for products.
