The Sullying Of JetBlue's Brand

JetBlue's (JBLU) stock has already dropped 20% from mid-January, but it may drop a lot further. The airline has billed itself as the customer friendly airline, but after leaving boatloads of customers on runways for hours in New York and canceling hundred of flight, the airline now is no better of that Northwest or Delta. Just another airline.

The airline is doing well financially. In the fourth quarter, up 41% to $633 million. Operating margin was over 10%.

The company's promise is "To Bring Humanity Back To Air Travel". Leaving people on runways for hours does not really qualify.

JetBlue may find out something that countless other companies have discovered. Gaining a reputation can take years. Losing it can take a day.

Douglas A. McIntyre