Hello NYCAviation. I flew on JetBlue first E190 flight this morning (JBU1024) as well as a return flight from Boston (JBU1009). To sum things up, the aircraft is gorgeous. However, the flights (especially the second of the two) were not as enjoyable.
Onboard JBU1024 (JFK-BOS), our flight was scheduled to depart at 06:30 to make a 07:40 arrival into BOS. The fuel was pumped into the aircraft, but up in the cockpit there was a problem with the gauge of valve; this caused a departure delay of 26 minutes. We taxied out of Gate 1 at 06:56 and departed runway 22R at 07:16. The flight was very short (as expected) and the service was enjoyable. Landing was very professional and that was the end of that flight! Just a little note... Many were expecting a grand Inaugural Flight. This did not occur, nor was there any type of water cannon salute. Maybe it was scheduled for another flight.
After spending nearly 5 hours in Boston, I headed back to the airport for my flight back to JFK. This aircraft was scheduled to depart at 13:20. Upon arrival, we noticed that the aircraft had still not arrived by 12:50, which was our scheduled boarding time. Our flight was delayed an hour due to an engine light on in the aircraft. While waiting for this aircraft to arrive, another E190 was preparing to turn into Gate 30. There seemed to be some sort of problem with the nose gear, sinc eI spotted at least four men poking their heading into the well. This aircraft remained on the taxiway for some time, with the men's heads still poking to see what was up. Eventually the aircraft taxied in. The E190 was not doing so well on its first day..
Our aircraft (N179JB) finally arrived at Gate 29 and we began boarding one hour late at 13:50. The JetBlue Crew even tried to squeeze passengers from JBU1007 onto our full flight! After a lot of frustration, everyone was situated on the aircraft. Then another problem occurred..something was up in the cockpit again. A bunch of crew showed up to assist and one even had a manual with them! (This really shows how well they trained in the brand new aircraft...) This alarmed my dad since the crew was not familiar with the plane. The flight attendent even had trouble closing the cockpit door! We departed at 14:26 and arrived into JFK 59 minutes late at 15:29.
I forgot to mention, the PTVs did not work for both flights! Why hand out a ticket that says, "Congratulations! Your seat comes with 36 channels of DIRECTV programming." This was very frustrating...
Overall, JetBlue claims they have trained their crew for at least 2 weeks int he brand new E190s. Clearly this was not the case. I did not feel so comfortable flying with JBU; it was my first time flying with them, and first impressions are lasting impressions. I really expected more from them. I do commend them on their outstanding snack and drink service, as well as their choice in aircraft. I do feel they need A LOT more work to do with their crew on the E190.
As mom says, "you buy cheap, you get cheap"
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