JetBlue's highly anticipated transatlantic flight is expected to launch within a few weeks. Many people have been wondering if JetBlue will add this service given the travel restrictions between the United States of America and the United Kingdom. An update has been made on this frontJetBlue cuts transatlantic frequenciesJetBlue will launch nonstop daily flights between New York JFK (London Heathrow) starting August 11. The airline will then add a second daily frequency beginning September 29. This flight is to London Gatwick, rather than London Heathrow. These flights were put on sale by JetBlue in May with the expectation that the reciprocal travel bans would be lifted by August.Non-Americans who are not Americans have to be admitted by the United States if they've been in the United Kingdom for the past 14 days.Anyone arriving from the United States must be kept in quarantine for at least five days by the United KingdomRecent reports suggest that the bans will not be lifted this summer.JetBlue will be offering its Mint product on transatlantic flightWhile transatlantic travel is on the rise (primarily for Americans who are traveling to European Union countries), there is still very little demand between the United States of America and the United Kingdom.JetBlue offers an update on its London plans with this in mind:JetBlue intends to continue operating flights between New York City and London, as originally planned, starting August 11, 2021.JetBlue plans to fly daily in August but will only operate 4x weekly flights in September.The second daily frequency will launch on September 29, 2021.There is no final decision on what frequency will look like after September.JetBlue will reduce London frequencies starting SeptemberThis service reduction is what I find odd.It is a little odd that JetBlue is pushing ahead with London service in August but is slowing down in September.JetBlue should see strong bookings in August. Many people booked JetBlue to experience the novelty of the Mint Studio and Mint Studio experiences, and this is still during summer holidays. I am one of those people as I have a JetBlue Mint Ticket booked.However, most people will cancel their membership if the quarantine requirement forbids them from leaving.There is talk that the UK might allow travelers with vaccinated travel documents from the United States into the UK, but nothing concrete has been announced. JetBlue, I believe, isn't betting on this. Otherwise, we would likely see the September schedule kept.JetBlues strategy is intriguing, but I'm not sure if it's something I can follow. My theory is a bit implausible. JetBlue will have to reimburse passengers for London flights if it cancels them. If the airline does not cancel flights to London, passengers will be able to receive a credit toward a future JetBlue flight. This allows JetBlue to keep any August bookings and not issue refunds.Since these transatlantic flights will not be inexpensive, I don't think that is the ultimate logic. JetBlue had already made a significant schedule change for the westbound flight. Many customers can get a cash refund if that happens.However, I don't see the point of the other angle. It's surprising that JetBlue has not delayed London service. If there is no travel ban, the demand for this flight would be very low.Until restrictions are lifted, London flight demand will be reducedBottom lineJetBlue plans to launch transatlantic flights mid-August despite travel bans. The airline maintains daily flights in August and plans to reduce frequency to 4x weekly in September.Is it surprising that JetBlue has moved forward with the London launch of its airline? What logic do you see in maintaining frequency in August, but cutting frequencies in September?
