JetBlue Making A Crazy Change to the A320?

Daniel-Fowkes-Profile
29 Aug 2026
3 min read
· Airlines 
JetBlue Airliner Airbus A320, registration number N621JB is waiting for take off and departure on a runway at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International airport

JetBlue is reportedly making a significant change with the planned launch of domestic first-class service on its Airbus A320 jets, which could arrive as soon as next month.

According to reports citing leaked cabin-layout information, three rows of BlueFirst seating in a 2-2 configuration will be at the front of the cabin.

The reports also indicated the arrangement would reduce the forward EvenMore cabin from 30 seats across five rows to 18 seats across three rows, and the 12 extra-legroom economy seats would make way for 12 domestic first-class seats, bringing capacity to 162.

JetBlue’s 162-Seat Airbus A320 Plans

JetBlue’s current Airbus A320 layout includes 30 forward EvenMore seats and 12 extra-legroom seats at the overwing exits; the back of the cabin has 120 standard economy seats, but the U.S. carrier is now set to change the layout.

Under a planned investment and revised configuration, the airline will retain the two existing configurations but introduce a third cabin product, BlueFirst, with 12 seats and an overhauled premium cabin, creating a higher-yield product.

Orlando, United States - October 17, 2024: Aerial view photo of JetBlue Airbus A320 airplane with JetBlue Honours our Veterans special livery at Orlando Airport, United States.
Orlando, United States – October 17, 2024: Aerial view photo of JetBlue Airbus A320 airplane with JetBlue Honours our Veterans special livery at Orlando Airport, United States – Editorial credit: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com

After the changes, JetBlue would have 12 BlueFirst seats, 18 forward EvenMore seats, 12 exit-row extra-legroom seats, and 120 standard economy seats. As a result, the number of premium seats would remain the same, but the product would shift toward a more distinct first-class experience.

View From The Wing, which also shared the unconfirmed leaked configuration, indicated that a presentation of the new A320 product could come as soon as 1 September 2026.

JetBlue Is Expanding Its Premium Offering

JetBlue has been investing in new markets and its onboard product to boost revenue as it faces high debt levels and a race to profitability amid ongoing economic volatility.

JetBlue previously unveiled the BlueFirst branding as part of an effort to offer what it describes as an economical first-class product on its non-Mint aircraft and routes from late 2026. The revised booking structure puts BlueFirst alongside its other premium cabin improvements, but with further options and flexibility conditions

The booking changes aim to make its onboard products easier to compare on the website; however, the premium shift has become increasingly obvious over the years as the U.S. carrier responds to demand and competitor trends.

Mint will remain the lie-flat premium product across select transcontinental and international services. BlueFirst, however, will launch on the A320 to provide a more conventional domestic first-class offering for a wider part of the network, including aircraft previously configured only with economy seats.

JetBlue airbus A320-200 arriving into San Juan from Washington National and registered as N534JB
JetBlue airbus A320-200 arriving into San Juan from Washington National and registered as N534JB – Photo credit: Tim

Previously, indications suggested JetBlue was looking at eight first-class seats on the Airbus A220 and 12 on Airbus A320-family aircraft. Now, with the leaked configuration surfacing, the airline is moving forward with 12 seats on the popular A320 jet, with a formal announcement coming soon.

Ultimately, this approach lets JetBlue keep economy capacity while selling conventional first-class fares to corporate travellers and higher-spending leisure customers. The cabin product is also moving closer to some of its larger competitors, which sell a multi-cabin layout and reap the financial rewards.

Daniel-Fowkes-Profile

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel Fowkes

Daniel Fowkes is a Melbourne-based aviation analyst and journalist with over a decade of industry experience. As founder of Dj’s Aviation, he delivers trusted analysis on aircraft, airline strategy and global aviation trends for djsaviation.net

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