JetBlue is a strong choice for travelers prioritizing in-flight entertainment, legroom, and flexible ticket policies, particularly within the Americas. Lufthansa is better suited for those needing a wider global network and are willing to potentially pay more for Premium Economy upgrades or 'Flex' tickets for flexibility.
| Attribute | Lufthansa | JetBlue Airways |
|---|---|---|
| On-Time Arrival Rate | No specific data found. | Lowest on-time arrival rate among major US carriers in July of a recent year (49.5%). 68.25% in 2023. |
| Baggage Handling Efficiency | No specific data found, some reports of delays and damage. | Positive report of timely baggage arrival. |
| In-Flight Entertainment | Movies, TV programs, music, audiobooks, podcasts, games, eJournals, FlyNet Wi-Fi, VR headsets in new A350. | Free live TV, movies, and Wi-Fi on every flight. Seatback screens, Peacock streaming, 100 channels of SiriusXM. 'Watch Party' feature. |
| Seat Comfort and Legroom | Varies by class and aircraft. Economy (Boeing 747-8): 17.1-inch width, 31-inch pitch. Premium Economy: 19-inch width, 38-inch pitch. | Generous legroom in economy (32-34 inches seat pitch). 18-inch wide seats. Adjustable headrests. |
| Cabin Cleanliness and Maintenance | Generally newer and cleaner than U.S. carriers. One passenger found economy cabin clean. | Cabin kept in a very clean state with all equipment in working order (according to one review). |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Mixed reviews, some rude/unhelpful staff, others attentive/friendly. Difficulties contacting customer service reported. | Polite and responsive customer service (according to one reviewer). |
| Food and Beverage Quality | Varies, some decent, some bland. Meals and beverages included in economy on international flights. Enhanced meals in Premium Economy. | Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on all flights. Full meal service on longer flights. Complimentary meals, beer, wine, spirits on international flights to London. |
| Check-In and Boarding Process | Generally efficient and quick. Priority boarding for Premium Economy. Transfers at Frankfurt/Munich can be messy. | Even More Space passengers get Group A boarding. |
| Frequent Flyer Program | Miles & More program with Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle status. Benefits include lounge access, priority services, extra baggage, upgrade vouchers. | TrueBlue. |
| Ticket Change and Cancellation Policies | 24-hour risk-free cancellation. Change fees may apply after 24 hours depending on fare type. "Flex" tickets allow free changes/cancellations. | No change or cancellation fees for most fares (excluding Blue Basic). Blue Basic fares have change/cancellation fees: $100 (North America, Central America, Caribbean), $200 (all other routes). Changes/cancellations must be made prior to scheduled departure. |
| Route Network and Destinations | Direct flights from major cities to destinations across Europe, with connections to over 200 locations worldwide. | Serves over 100 destinations in North, Central, and South America. Operates flights to more than 50 cities in the United States. Also flies to international destinations. |
| Overall Value for Money | Subjective, some find it good value, others overpriced. | Known for being affordable while offering a reliable and comfortable experience. |