JetBlue to Introduce First-Class Seating in 2026

JetBlue plans to introduce domestic first-class seating in 2026 as part of the airline's strategy to return to profitability, the carrier confirmed Wednesday.

"Customer demand for premium options is stronger than ever," JetBlue said in a statement emailed to BTN. "Domestic first, paired with Mint, our updated EvenMore and upcoming lounges, will ensure we have the premium options that leisure customers want from a brand they love."

The Wall Street Journal initially reported the news Wednesday.

The announcement comes about a week after Frontier Airlines announced it would add a first-class cabin in 2025.

JetBlue in September announced it would add airport lounges beginning in late 2025, and earlier this quarter introduced its Even More Space extra-legroom seat as a bundle with new benefits and amenities. 

The new first-class seating will be in a two-by-two configuration at the front of all domestic aircraft that do not offer the carrier's Mint product, according to JetBlue, including three rows on the Airbus A321neo, A321ceo and A320, and two rows on the A220. 

The carrier said it would provide more details closer to the launch of the new seating.

As part of its turnaround strategy, dubbed JetForward, JetBlue has said it is focused on the leisure segment. In 2024 it pulled service out of 15 cities and exited at least 54 routes, according to a presentation released Wednesday. Still, on Tuesday, the carrier announced plans to add Boston service to each Madrid and Edinburgh for summer 2025. 

Last week, JetBlue released an improved fourth-quarter outlook.