As a travel reporter, most of my longest flights have been overnight and in coach, and I long ago gave up on the idea that I could sleep well in economy.
There are too many distractions, from snack rounds to cabin lights, and the seats often feel too cramped for comfort.
But a recent international flight with JetBlue completely changed my mind. I was more comfortable than I’ve ever been in economy, and I slept like a puppy.
JetBlue is a low-cost airline that flies between more than 130 airports around the world, from the US and Canada to South America and Europe, according to the company’s website.In the past, I’ve flown with the budget airline several times on domestic flights.But in November 2023, I booked a JetBlue international flight for the first time from my home in NYC to Paris. It was a 7.5-hour red-eye flight.
I booked my one-way flight to Paris at the last minute and paid $900, however, according to Travelocity, this route typically costs $382 when booking at least two weeks in advance.
TSA recommends arriving at the airport three hours before international flights, so that’s what I did.Thanks to TSA PreCheck, I breezed through security and arrived at my gate two hours before take-off.
Despite being assigned to one of the final boarding groups, I was relieved to find plenty of overhead bin space.My seat also felt larger and cushier than a typical one in economy. The seats on my flight were 18.4 inches wide, a representative of JetBlue told Business Insider.
When I sat down, I was shocked to have so much legroom. According to the airline, JetBlue has the most legroom in coach — 32 inches, the DeWhile I was satisfied with the amount of space, I’m only 5-foot-3, so taller passengers may not agree.I also had a power outlet at my seat. On international flights, this has become a basic expectation, so I wasn’t surprised to have access to one.
As a frequent traveler, I’ve grown used to the discomforts of long-haul flights, particularly in coach class. Trying to sleep well on an overnight flight seemed like a lost cause. Between the cramped seating, overhead cabin lights, and inevitable snack service interruptions, rest always felt like a fleeting dream.
But a recent JetBlue international flight, from New York to Paris, changed my perspective on economy travel. I booked a red-eye flight to France, and while my expectations were low given my past experiences in coach, JetBlue exceeded them in ways I didn’t anticipate. It turned out to be the most comfortable experience I’ve ever had in economy, where I managed to sleep peacefully throughout the journey.
JetBlue has made a name for itself as a low-cost carrier, offering routes to over 130 destinations across North America, South America, and Europe. As someone who often flies domestically, I’ve had several experiences with the airline on shorter US routes. However, this was my first time flying with them internationally, and I didn’t know what to expect. While the last-minute nature of my trip led to a one-way fare of $900, platforms like Travelocity list prices as low as $382 when booking well in advance. In hindsight, better planning would have saved me significantly, but I’ll be sure to book ahead in the future.
JetBlue offers convenience from the get-go. Given that TSA recommends arriving three hours before international departures, I arrived early, as usual, to JFK. Having TSA PreCheck helped immensely, cutting down my security wait time and leaving me with two full hours to relax before boarding. Even though I was in one of the later boarding groups, JetBlue had more than enough overhead bin space, eliminating the need to worry about my carry-on.
Once aboard, the first thing that struck me was how spacious my seat felt. Typically, economy class means little more than the bare minimum in terms of comfort, but not on this flight. My seat, at 18.4 inches wide, was noticeably larger than what I’m used to, which made a world of difference when it came to settling in. What I found even more impressive was the legroom: at 32 inches, JetBlue offers the most legroom of any major US airline in coach class. As someone who stands 5-foot-3, I rarely need much space, but for the first time in ages, I didn’t feel confined. I could stretch, relax, and, surprisingly, sleep like I never have before.
Beyond the seating, JetBlue’s inflight amenities were top-notch. Each seat had a power outlet, which may be standard on many international flights today, but it’s always a relief to have when your phone or laptop battery is running low. With a range of complimentary movies, TV shows, and Wi-Fi at my fingertips, I had plenty of entertainment options, though I ended up skipping them entirely to catch some much-needed rest.
Another feature that contributed to my experience was the inflight dining. Even in coach, the meal service was well above what I’ve come to expect from budget airlines. JetBlue’s dedication to making sure passengers are comfortable throughout the flight really stood out here. Not only was the food service prompt, but the offerings were also surprisingly satisfying for an airline meal.
Despite being an overnight flight, I didn’t expect to sleep much. Historically, I’ve always struggled to get proper rest on planes due to the noise, cramped space, and general discomfort. However, JetBlue’s cozy seating, ample legroom, and the calming, dimmed cabin lighting made a huge difference. For the first time in years, I fell asleep within an hour of takeoff and woke up well-rested as we began our descent into Paris.
JetBlue’s international flight left a lasting impression on me. For a long time, I believed that a comfortable economy-class experience simply didn’t exist, but this airline changed my mind. Between the spacious seating, ample legroom, and overall attention to passenger comfort, JetBlue has set a new standard for what coach travel should be. It’s rare to find such a seamless blend of affordability and comfort in the airline industry, and this experience has solidified my decision to fly with them for future international trips. For anyone traveling long distances, JetBlue offers an experience that stands out, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.