Cash not king on JetBlue

Cash not king on JetBlue

Posted on August 31st, 2008 by Glenn Giangrande

Prior to this past Saturday, it had been awhile since I’d flown — over a couple of years to be exact. My streak of being landlocked changed when I decided to visit my friend Diane out in Chicago to take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, arguably the most historic sporting venue in our country, albeit one without championship pedigree. I flew out on JetBlue, breezing through security and into the waiting gate in less than 20 minutes, proving that it does pay to travel light and I’m not just talking about those extra fees either.

I sat down on the plane to get comfortable with my complementary television and self-provided headphones when I was surprised to hear what the captain said about beverage service. Naturally, the alcoholic beverages on the flight would be available for purchase, but he said that the flight… did not accept cash.

Come again? Since when is any business in America, especially one involved in the struggling airline business, in a position to refuse taking money? I’m not sure what the logistics behind it are, though maybe there’s a good reason for it. However, let’s be serious. If a passenger wants to pay their hard-earned currency and hand it over, who is the airline to refuse? It sounds slightly ridiculous. I’ve heard of places like bodegas and delis saying that they accept “cash only,” but this is the first time I’ve ever seen “plastic only” come into play.

There was no alcohol in my future, though. I ordered a free ginger ale… which the flight attendant forgot to bring me.