JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Will.i.am — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:31:42 GMT

Not funny. I cannot find anything remotely amusing about this marketing thread. And your master base is New York, home to many financial movers and shakers. Such a weird, twisted class envy theme. If I were you, I'd be back peddling out of this. But what do I know. I'm not one of those out of work advertising execs from New York.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

R. Rucker, NY, NY — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:12:37 GMT

I think it is genius! The first time I heard of this ad was on the radio and I cracked a smile at it. Why not have humor in a time of such gloom? People have been doing it for years, so I embrace our nature and laugh away. Koodoos to the advertising firm who came up with this one and a favor to ask. Can you inject more of this type of humor into ads? Please? :)

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

JIm — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:15:47 GMT

Sorry you have to live like us, Bill.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

I.Can.Spell Lisa, Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:20:16 GMT

Oh William relax. It IS funny. I think it's hilarious. As far as "twisted class envy" goes, it's more about the fact that those who have committed these acts of outrageous greed actually have no class. They had better be careful because you know what happens when the peasants revolt. It's called karma baby. I think it's quite a clever ad and it will be well received.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Mike, Denver, CO — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:24:53 GMT

I Disagree -- VERY Funny. Those fat-ass execs deserve to be brought down to earth, where (if I'm not mistaken) they originally came from. Six and seven figure bonuses? Corporate jets, that they can't fathom not using? The hell with them!!! Class envy? You bet! And by the way, it's "back-pedaling", not "back peddling". Good spelling and grammar are important...

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Dan - Kennett Square, PA — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:29:05 GMT

Sorry Will.i.am, I think the 99% of the population who make less than $250K/yr would disagree with you. The ad is HILARIOUS. It's about time a little reality gets "injected" into all the high-on-the-hog execs. The disparity in this country has grown out of control for too long....Facts: early part of 20th century CEO's averaged 7x salary of lowest paid FTE, in 2006 they avg'd 37x. Also, middle class used to be one FTE/family, then became 1FTE + a part timer, now 2FTE salaries to have same standard of living our grandparents had on 1FTE salary.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Humble.i.am — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:56:04 GMT

Oh will I Am please you think those hedge fund mgrs are on the unemployment line wondering how they are going to pay their mortgage or even how would they keep a roof over there families head please those fat cats are ok in my eyes. I'm working 50-60 hours a week and i bet they are living better then most of us are. they should be humbled and taken away there financial gain maybe when they make it again they can experience how it feels to be broke or middle class.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Brian B, Portsmouth NH — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:25:58 GMT

The only thing I see is that these execs can't look down on us no more, and we can see eye to eye now...

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

rallo — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:44:09 GMT

Jet Blue's advertising isnt funny. Actually the airline industry has nothing to smile about in general. Its a deficit corporation thats hurting badly , is poorly managed and doesnt care about the American flying public at all. Jet Blue's honeymoon is over. Get a new agency.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

KT - Tampa Bay — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:00:24 GMT

OK, Willi, lighten up! (or are YOU one of those who are targeted, tongue-in-cheek)?
As someone who has been forced to fly "coach" all my life, I say "Let 'em eat chips".

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Vince DeFrancisci, Columbia, MD — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:10:16 GMT

Some poking fun at, and levity is welcome. Part of the problem we face in our culture is that many take themsleves way too seriously, attempting to elevate their standing and status to King and Queen of their environment. Working with a team, that you as the leader elevate, towards acommplishing a common unifying goal in the long run is much more satisfying and lasting.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Kent McMillen — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:31:03 GMT

I think this "Class Warfare" is long overdue! Beginning with Ronald Reagan, we have watched our standard of living slip, while CEO salaries reached 365 times workers.(Higher than the rest of the world). Working harder for less gets old! The wealthy would do well to remember what happened to the lady who said "Let them eat cake"!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Charlotte — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:56:25 GMT

I think Dan said it pretty well. I would add that some have been getting salary increases, bonuses and other perks for poor performance while the crooks have resorted to falsifying accounting records and stock option dating so that the shareholders are mislead.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Cory D — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:03:22 GMT

When I read this add I almost fell out of my chair, this is so darn hillarious. Do these exec's really think we care who or what they are. I have a huge issue with exec's and having to fly a corporate jet, why cant they fly on JetBlue or Delta or any other company to keep them flying. Its obsurd to realize these Jacka@#es really think that they are better than anyone else. Lets examine, corparte Jet $50million+, maintenance $500,000.yr+ (2or3mechanics),Jetfuel $$$, Hanger expenses, oh and yes, fee's to airports or Airspace fee's which if you fly international you are required to pay that country. Whats wrong with this picture... anyone, anyone..

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Mark Kirkpatrick — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:24:01 GMT

It is extremly juvenile of these CLOWNS. They insulting the very market they are attempting to attract. BRILLIANT you fools!!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

sp — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:26:58 GMT

This is Faantastic! HA!!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

kat — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:31:22 GMT

Will - are you kidding??? This ad is fabulous. Enough with the crooks and losers taking what they "think" they deserve.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Allie — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:41:38 GMT

Boo, flippin' hoo,to those big wig wack-a-doo's who don't beleive this is a funny ad.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Bill Hennessey — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:58:51 GMT

I think it's pretty funny. will.i.a.m this is not class warefare its called tongue in cheek ...funny.
my guess...your being affected...and you take it personal. Get over it! Were all being hurt in some way. Some worse than others. Is it really that bad
flying with the masses? I'm sure most are flying first class or business class anyway. The people that would be upset need to get out with the masses anyway.
things happen for a reason. Maybe this is just a major correction...a warning...a chance to make things right.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

PB, St. Petersburg, FL — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:12:18 GMT

Lighten up, folks! Laughter is the best medicine. People have lost their senses of humor to such a degree that they will mostly die young! Of course, if they do die young, then the gov't can save on SS benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

kb — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:17:57 GMT

I'm entertained by the comments that this ad will alienate the former execs. This ad isn't really targeted to recruit them. It is targeted towards all the rest of us who find it funny. Ads like this build brand loyalty. We find their ads funny and timely, so we'll remember it when we book our next flight. Great marketing strategy!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Phyllis, Ft Lauderdale FL — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:47:01 GMT

Absolutely brilliant! Let the Blue Chippers eat Blue Chips....I love them!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

WendyLou, Salt Lake City, UT — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:56:30 GMT

I think this is a hoot and a half. Very funny and well done. As I don't have a C in my job title and make less than 50K, I just love these ads. No one will blame you for watching kittens on Animal Planet! ROFLOL.

As a middle class person, I just love flying Jet Blue. Love the TV's. Love the staff. Simply, their flight attendants got my loyalty on a flight from hell. I had a baby with an ear infection. (No we did not know she had one when we left.) So I was the mom with the screaming baby. They let me stand in the galley with her, and even helped me with her, holding her so I could use the toilet and have a break. They also feed me cookies and Diet Coke the whole time. Wonderful people, and they did their employer good.

Last week I flew on another airline (SouthWest) to St. Louis, an airport that Jet Blue does not land at. Ended up sitting next to a guy who had a "C" boarding pass. He complained the whole flight about the plane. How crowded, etc. Whine whine whine. He said he used to get to fly private or first class. Business class if he HAD to. And he was on SouthWest in the middle seat! LOL. I finally told him to stop whining so the little people could row in peace.

Anyway, I think this ad campaign is very well done. I'm posting the link on my facebook so others can have a laugh.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

jerry — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:06:35 GMT

Will.i.am ,If this article is downgrading can i work for you, pretty much says it as it is!! Imho.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

David H, Dallas, TX — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:06:38 GMT

I doubt very much that Jet Blue is expecting to pick up a lot of business from executives whose previous first choice was a corporate jet; more likely, those execs will be flying AA First Class as a backup. But anything airline-related that gets people talking about Jet Blue (like us) is exactly what they want. Now, when one of us wants to fly on the cheap, Jet Blue will come to mind first.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Karalyne, Louisville, KY — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:20:23 GMT

I don't think everyone in that market, even if Jetblue is referring to them, would find this insulting. Sometimes all you can do is laugh. I'm not going from private jets to coach, but I am downsizing in my own ways...and it's sad to admit your lifestyle has to change. On the same token, sometimes humor helps....especially when humor is all that's left from the spoils of living beyond your means. :)I think most people that read this ad have been there...and will get it. And smile.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

emmel, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:36:05 GMT

Not surprising, after all Jet Blue is the airline for the financially challenged. Still a good laugh in bad times.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Patrick, Brookline MA — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:18:21 GMT

Hey, if JetBlue can't get their chronically delayed airplanes to their destinations on time, then they gotta be creative with their advertising. Interesting concept, but not one that will go over all to well in their New York hub.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

John Salt Lake City, Utah — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:23:41 GMT

hahah i love Jetblue!!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Tom, New York, New York — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:24:52 GMT

Love it! I would be great to see Bernie Madoff with his sobbing wife on board on their way to prison.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Robert Norfolk VA — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:29:07 GMT

Interesting how some on here instinctively spring to the defense of the corporate execs. It isn't a logical attitude, to stand up for those that oppress you, but the people who believe in unrestricted capitalism as if it were a religion just can't help defending the its priests and prophets.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Matt, Washington DC — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:56:30 GMT

I think its great, people are over analyzing it, just enjoy it for what it is.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

GK Baltimore, MD — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:37:16 GMT

anxiously awaiting for my first elbow-to-elbow armrest fight with a former Master of the Universe

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Lauryn, Jackson, WY — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:41:55 GMT

What makes it such a great ad, is that it gets your attention, and also brings into light that JetBlue has such great amenities that may not be comparable to a private jet but beats the heck out of the other airlines (Delta's new 747s are pretty nice). I bet a few people will think of JetBlue before they fly next (which is sort of the point).

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Jonathan Myerberg, Bay Harbour, Fl — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:31:13 GMT

Excellent ad. Let the blood flow red and not purple.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Rather Ride Greyhound — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:14:46 GMT

It gives the boys down at Joe's Bar drinking Red White and Blue beer a good laugh. But guess what, they have never been on a plane in their lives, nor will they.

Brace for impact Jet Blue!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

DB, Wisconsin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:07:04 GMT

I love it...it's witty and eye catching and will be remembered more than the standard all-the-same boring ads. Bout time Will and others learned how the "rest of us" fly. I think it's brilliant of JetBlue to go after hundreds of potential customers rather than cater to the very few who think they deserve preferential treatment. I can't wait to share an armrest with some fat a** or fat head exec who doesn't fit in the space he or she is alloted...

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

L.Morrison, north lauderdale florida — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:23:47 GMT

I love it...i only fly Jetblue. Best airline around hands down. and for the execs.....WELCOME ABOARD....lol

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Thomas — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:02:46 GMT

Jetblues CEO has reduced his annual from 864,000 to a granular $564,000 /yr (with options and bonuses included). Although this is a rather small compensation compared to most other CEO's spread across the news, I still seem to have a hard time accepting their message without feeling like we are the butt of their joke. Maybe my hardship stems from the messenger who is currently making in on year what I make in 19 years. Do the math all of you 45k 'ers and enjoy the commercial, which was probably subsidized by the federal government to boost consumer confidence (AKA you and me) and cost a couple million to produce.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Steph S, Somewhere, Southeast — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:42:53 GMT

You think it's class envy? Wow. No, it's called laziness envy. I only WISH that I could run a huge company, lose MILLIONS dollars while I am flying in corporate jets to go beg congress to bail me out and THEN gather me and my 10 top executives to collect over 20 (or was it 200?) million in bonuses for not doing my job! Why can't my husband find THAT job in the unemployment line. Class envy.

Let's get a grip WILL. It's not envy. It's pure, unadulterated, primal anger that we are having to foot the bill for these baseless human beings while they eat bon bons. It's called wrong, unethical and classLESS that they are asking us for a handout and expecting us to continue to finance their "quality of life." It's a basic principal--you want to live off our money, then there are a few strings attached. You don't like the strings attached? Simple! DON'T BORROW THE MONEY! :)

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Willy — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:17:09 GMT

Twisted class envy? YGBSM! I think it's great. Oh Will.i.am, please, DO come along!

The actions of those who achieved that "class" of which you speak through greed, manipulation, deceit, and avarice were largely responsible for the economy being where it is - I have not the slightest sympathy. They SHOULD be made fun of. They should also be scorned and held accountable for all the damage they’ve done.

As for the advertisement; I think it’s a brilliant way to poke some fun at these individuals who deserve it and so much more.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Willy — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:20:52 GMT

Methinks Will.i.am doth protest too loudly.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Jude — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:25:42 GMT

I'm out of work, lost my house and all that good stuff so yeah, I'm in the thick of the economic crisis. I think the commercial is funny, however, I do not share the view with others about "fat-cat execs" etc. At least corporate executives have a hand in actually PRODUCING something useful. Why don't I ever hear anyone crying about the absurdly and obscenely high salaries of actors and athletes? They produce nothing of value, nothing tangible. Yet no one ever complains about how much they make.

I'm not saying that the execs deserve all the perks and bonuses they get. I'm just that if you are going to vilify those that actually have a JOB and get paid, you should be fair and consistent and also include those that make even MORE money for doing nothing.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

mike delehanty — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:59:44 GMT

I havn't seen the add, but it brings to mind a suggestion. First class seating on airplanes should be replaced by slightly higher prices for all seats,and slightly fewer seats that are wider and farther apart. An airline that makes all their passengers more comfortable and treates them like they are all in "first class" will become the airline of choice for anyone who flies no matter what their net worth. Today many first class seats are purchased or upgraded with "points" so they don't represent additional profit anyway. It seems like a good business case could be made for this type of service. Stop embarrassing the people in "First Class" and insulting the people paying to fly second class and you will get my business. How about the add campaign that says "No second class seats on our Airlines". Welcome aboard!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

fedup — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:47:45 GMT

having only flown first class once on a now defunct carrier, and only after I was bumped for 53 hours...i say let them eat honey coated nuts! bravo jetblue for having said nuts to post an ad that basically makes these jerks with their hands out for a government bailout be exactly as they are...welfare recipients.
bout time these so called new monied fops find their way to a destination like everyone who actually WORKS for a living.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Beth — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:43:16 GMT

I love, love, love JetBlue. I think this is a terrific ad!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Issy, Tallahassee, FL — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:22:50 GMT

David H, very astute observation. I for one am now very interested in JetBlue. Previously I had always looked at Delta, but the good reviews here from people who have actually flown JetBlue creates a very favorable impression. Also, we all need a good dose of humor nowadays.... and any airline with a sense of humor, is the airline for me!

"I doubt very much that Jet Blue is expecting to pick up a lot of business from executives whose previous first choice was a corporate jet; more likely, those execs will be flying AA First Class as a backup. But anything airline-related that gets people talking about Jet Blue (like us) is exactly what they want. Now, when one of us wants to fly on the cheap, Jet Blue will come to mind first."

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

CS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:31:18 GMT

This ad is absolutely hilarious and it plays to "Joe Six Pack" (or Joe the Plumber) if you prefer who are all angry about the bailouts, the excesses, the bonuses, etc, etc, etc, ad nauseum. Time to lighten up America. Yes, we are in serious trouble and our elected representation is running around the country like Chicken Little screaming that the sky is falling without understanding that they're the ones poking it with the broom handle bringing down more pieces. It's time for "big government" to back out, cut out the bailouts and let a free market do what it's supposed to do. Failure is an option - albeit a painful one, but it certainly is an option.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

John, NY, NY — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:32:33 GMT

Genius. When are the tv commercials coming?

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

ADD — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:11:34 GMT

Just exactly what did the 10 Merrill execs who collected $200 million "produce"? Oh, yeah. NOTHING. And what harm are actors and musicians doing to our economy? Oh, yeah. NONE. They're not getting government bailouts and making multimillion dollar bonuses, paid for by my taxes, for wrecking our economy.

I love it when the jerks who created this mess want to put the attention somewhere else.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

chester — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:34:22 GMT

You Go JetBlue...we need some comic relief from the financial disaster we face each day and the devastation it has caused many americans. I fly JetBlue every week and couldn'r be more pleased wuith their service, performance, comfort, amenities and PRICE. will.i.am is just seeking attention, ignore the idiot. Hey Thomas...cut your salary by some 35% and see how it effects you. I don't make near what JB CEO makes, but I don't have near the responsibility..do you Thomas? I suppose you don't mind Bernie living in a 7 million dollar penthouse after he stole billions!!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

James, Arlington VA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:06:54 GMT

Sorry but I find the ad brilliant and honestly, I could care less if any big financial person who deceived the public, it's corporation by doing fraudulent activities that created this disaster. If these Big Wigs would have followed the rules and worked not only for the long term health of the companies, instead of their bottom lines, we wouldn't be here. Enjoy the free fall..you have what is coming to you.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Lynn — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:24:47 GMT

JetBlue's minimal cost in this add has created a buzz that money can't buy. Well done. I doubt we'll see JetBlue execs heading to DC asking for a bailout.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Frankenbike — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:28:04 GMT

I've definitely participated in making this a viral campaign, forwarding the link to the ads to my friends and coworkers.

Saying that the financial bigwigs actually produce *anything* of value takes a great stretch of the imagination, especially since they took value conjured out of nowhere, and turned things with real value to vapor.

But I do feel for the GM and Ford execs. They have some exciting vehicles coming out of the pipe starting this year that took many years to manifest. Some of them really do have people excited. Their companies are largely collateral damage in the bleak financial cataclysm, suffering along with Joe and Jane Sixpack, who even if they can afford to, are putting off that long anticipated vehicle purchase because they don't know what tomorrow will bring.

At least the auto companies create something real, out of atoms and molecules, instead of something ephemeral that is built on dreams of greed like "financial products".

Like everyone else, I'll begrudge even auto execs their private jets in times of corporate financial crisis, expecting them to make a show of solidarity with their customers by tightening their belts. But I refuse to blame the products they produced that until the current crisis, are what people wanted to buy. If they stay in business, my next car will be a GM, like my current car (15 years old and counting, and still reliable...though that does make me part of the problem ;) ).

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

David, Queens, New York — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:41:43 GMT

Will.i.am and rallo, get over it. Maybe the two of you are working for one of those thieves out of wall street and you use to fly first class at our expense and now you have to fly like anybody else..COACH. Why you defend your people, they will throw you out in a heart beat so if you want to continue flying first class go a head and redeem some of the mileage you have left and after it's all over for you i will see you flying jetblue.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Miami Mike, Miami, FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:20:55 GMT

Business aviation isn't about "see how rich we are", it is actually about efficiency. There are 12,000 airports in the USA, and only a few hundred of them are served by commercial carriers (AA, United, Jet Blue, etc.).

If you need to go somewhere else, well, unless you fly your own aircraft, you just can't get there from here. Since deregulation, there are thousands of smal and not so small communities in the USA which have lost scheduled air service - so what do businesses in those communities do? They either move out or get their own aircraft - your choice!

Most "business" aircraft are not even jets - many of them are single engine prop aircraft, and the owner of the business is the pilot.

If you live in the SE, you can't get anywhere without going through Atlanta. If I wanted to go from Daytona to Tallahassee (200 miles), I could fly commercial via Atlanta, and it would take me all day to get there.

Alternatively, I could fly my own aircraft (which costs less than $70,000) and be there in under two hours, conduct my business and be home for dinner the same day - so you tell me which makes more sense?

Do the numbers - general aviation moves more people per day than the jetliners do, and to far more places. If you only go to New York, Chicago, LA, Miami or Atlanta, jets are fine - if you need to go somewhere else, you'll be out of luck.

Eliminating business aviation is like eliminating private automobiles - force everyone to take the bus, and if there is no bus stop nearby, too bad, no one can go there. There are over 300,000 privately owned light aircraft in this country - more than the rest of the world combined - and fewer than 5,000 jetliners. Private aviation WORKS, it makes jobs, it makes businesses profitable, and profitable businesses pay workers and then they can pay their mortgages.

(Maybe we should eliminate private computers, too - everyone can go to the library if they need to use a computer . . . )

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

d.tom - hurstbenson, YN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:19:06 GMT

Will.i.am - I lost 50% of my 401K in 2008 and have already lost 16% of what remained, so far, in 2009.

But i STILL think the JetBlue Ad is funny!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

d.tom - hurstbenson, YN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:32:44 GMT

Miami Mike - I agree that, as a business, small craft & private craft is a wonderful freedom to have in the U.S. I admire independent pilots as well as thier professionalism. At any given time in the U.S. there are as many private planes in the air as there are commercial liners. I also know people who to Private Plane Co-ops, which Big Business should have considered a long time ago. Most companies (even the big auto makers) don't own their own limos any more. They hire one for the day from a service. The same should go for Private Jets.

This is all beside the point - - - the JetBlue AD is still funny.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Vicki Wilson, Seattle, WA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:35:56 GMT

Get with it people, this is advertising. It's always about selling FEATURES and BENEFITS. Over. And. Over. Again. You're always trying to keep the message timely, so why not weave the current economic situation into it? If JetBlue picks up a few ex-corp jet types fine, but I don't honestly believe that's the target...I think it's a clever, funny, entertaining way to sell the airline and what it's about.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Travis, SLC UT — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:08:56 GMT

Mockery is one of my favorite things. The print ad was funny. The radio ad is hilarious. Jetblue is a great brand, and I've always enjoyed their irreverent marketing campaigns. I don't feel one bit of sorrow for anyone with a C in his or her job title that is now feeling the pinch because they were irresponsible in the way they ran their company and is now begging the grandchildren of today's hardworking US taxpayer for a bailout. Let 'em take AmTrak.

Flying any US airline other than Jetblue feels like a punishment - a punishment that is compounded exponentially if you're traveling with kids.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Travis, SLC UT — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:23:18 GMT

Miami Mike, nobody is arguing against private aviation. My grandfather was a pilot and I would much rather have hopped in his Piper and flown the 210 miles to his house than driven it any day of my life. But, unlike a private corporate jet, a Piper or a Cessna doesn't cost $5500 per hour to operate. Add in the cost of purchasing the aircraft, storage and maintenance, high-end booze and onboard meals prepared by a private chef and it ABSOLUTELY is an extravagence. Private charters are exactly as convenient and can be arranged at a much lower cost.

I was one of the few that was not outraged when the auto execs flew to DC on corporate jets for what was, arguably, the most important meeting of their careers. Imagine how bad it would have looked if one of them had shown up 4 hours late because his flight was delayed and he missed his connection in Newark.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Boston, MA — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:12:34 GMT

JetBlue is the best airline in the U.S. best customer service, best value etc. no other airline hav achived what Jetblue have. jetBlue Boston's #1 airline

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Mark, Seattle Wash. — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:15:13 GMT

I've never flown on Jet Blue so I can't comment on their service. But I haven't stopped smiling and grinning after reading their ad.

My grandmother used to say "if you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen". And in one of those business development classes, a rich author said "start with the end in mind".

Bottom line, all those fat cats who made more in a day what most people make in a year, and did it by smoke and mirrors as opposed to building something of real lasting value - they should feel some heat now.

They should be embarrassed. And they should be the butt of a lot of jokes.

We don't need to do anything more to them because God will take care of them (reference to the rich man suffering from thirst).

There are rich people who have provided real value (like Bill Gates and Paul Allen). And there are those rich people who are thieves like Madoff.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Bill, Seattle WA — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:26:28 GMT

C'mon. Think about who Jet Blue's target audience is. This is brilliant, and plays directly to that audience.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

jj,GA — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:13:45 GMT

Yes, it is good for a laugh. Anybody who thinks these fat cats are REALLY broke as real people are broke is kidding yourselves. They still have more money in their "ruined" states than most of us will see in a lifetime of honest work, saving, living within our means, etc. We would all like to think they have been brought down to the real world and reality, but the kind of money these fat cat thieves have accumulated, stashed away, etc. - they can live high on the hog the rest of their lives in a fashion we can only dream about. Remember, average Joes go to jail for fraud, the Bernie Madoffs go home to their million dollar penthouses. Poor things, they may have to lose a private jet or two, a couple of multi million dollar homes on the shore, a yacht or two - I can't write anymore, I am going to weep for them now.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Rock, Gilbert, AZ. — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:26:37 GMT

This whole mess is created by the politicians tat just want to line their pockets. (they're fools and the definition of a fool is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results). How much money are we going to put into the banks before it is realized that it isn't working. The world will not end of Citi goes under or AIG or GM, it might be better because the ither banks and Insurance grouos will realize they have to compete for business rather than a bail out.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

JimB New York,New York — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:49:29 GMT

I say to H##L with the CEO's who have driven us to this point. It is absoultly outragious that while asking for money from the government, they are giving themselves bonuses!! If a company gets government money I say cap saliries at 500,000 a year.
If this was done, along with taxing excessive profits for companies maybe prices would come down to a reasonable level. We are in this mess because of greed which in the 80's and 90's was good!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Sean McDermott, Washington, D.C. — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:13:49 GMT

Oh, hush up critics of this ad. Jetblue has identified something that should be recognized throughout the business world and even on a much broader scale. There needs to be a laugh amongst all of this. It is more irony and lack of ethics that relates to the fact that failing executives show up to Washington in a private, luxury jetliner to request bailout money. This ad is not irony. This is just straight up humor! It is a virtue to recognize that no matter how unfortunate a situation can be, the most efficient and therapeutic way to unclutter the brain from anxiety is the notion that there is laughter in everything and anything. Coping with situations with jitters and wanting to pull your hair out of your head is not going to make you work any harder to resolve an issue if you can't take a step back and laugh before trying to resolve it.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

wally.d. weasel (Columbus,OH) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:13:50 GMT

GREAT AD !!
I make good money working for the big blue (wal-mart). just shows what we have been doing all along helps all. my bosses boss flys coach (always has). we canceled a big expensive meeting in spite of record profits .
why?
keeps prices low for the folks on main street . far to many companies forget its the family trying to get by that makes this economy go. so for those of you hurting i hope things get better soon.
Wil.I.am dont want or need your patronage.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

madasheck, Racine, WI — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:02:26 GMT

Guess what my husband and tens of thousands of his collegues repaired and built corporate jets and are now out of jobs. They are highly skilled in their fields with no new jobs to be found in part because of the economy, but also in part because of the class warfare that has been waged. When's the last time a poor person hired YOU?

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

gao xia en miao-li city taiwan — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:19:24 GMT

I'd love to sit next to one of those fat cats so I could spill my drinks and food on them. Maybe I could get airsick, too.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

JW, Titusville, FL — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:53:55 GMT

Best Ad ever!!!!!!!! couldn't stop laughing, about time someone put them in their places.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Michael — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:12:46 GMT

Great ad ... that this discussion is going on proves it. Hearing the Wall Street set whine about class warfare here makes it even funnier. I don't think they understand that there's zero sympathy for them and, if anything, we're all disgusted that their unearned bonuses and grandiose pay hasn't been clawed-back (well, at least not yet).

They were happy with the free market when it meant they could charge whatever fees they wanted on credit-cards, gut entire neighborhoods with their foreclosure mills, and destroy businesses with leveraged buyouts. I don't think they realize how much people revile them, their companies, and their way of life now that we're all footing the bill as they live off of corporate welfare.

It's not class envy; it's an American demand that everybody plays by the same rules, that we don't have an aristocracy. But since Reagan we've been holding up the CEO-set like little King's, regardless of their performance. Now that they've destroyed the economy we're happy to see them ridiculed.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

LNB, Va Beach, VA — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:42:04 GMT

TOOO FUNNY!!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

elizabeth sauer, marion, iowa — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:09:24 GMT

Willy hits the nail right on the head with his comments (see Wed. March 4).
The greedy bozos who are living high off the hard earned savings of the "middle class" should be ashamed and we deserve to have a little fun at their expense.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Gregg — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:12:20 GMT

Kudos to JetBlue's agency for quickly nailing down a light-hearted approach to a serious issue, and one that will resound with the average consumer (they, not corporate bigwigs, are the intended target).

I have bumped into some former bigwigs who are now flying coach. They're easy to spot: they usually cannot find their correct seat, properly stow their carry-on or even find the restroom without help. And, they're usually the same people who try to push their way out of the plane the second the hatch opens. (standing in line is for ordinary folks, apparently). Welcome to reality!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Gabby, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:50:56 GMT

Oh come on, William! Your tone suggests you are probably one of the fat cats Jet Blue was talking to. No one else here feels bad for those jerks! Criminals come in all shapes, sizes and disguises. Bravo, Jet Blue! Love it!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

ken - seattle, wa — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:03:50 GMT

As someone who does have a "c" in my title and still has a job (although for a company to small to have corporate planes, forget corporate jets) i think JetBlue's ad is both timely and funny. Even though it's definitely tongue-in-cheek and has a certain edge of gallows humor, it's funny and will have the desired effect - the majority of the flying public will remember it the next time they're booking a flight.

Oh, willi, get a clue and get a life.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Dan, Chico, California — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:24:22 GMT

Oh so sad for the rich have to live like the rest of us! I am working & going to school to hopefully become one of those rich bastards! I do intend on flying among the masses! I think that Will.i.am would do well to remember that much fun is made of being poor to help alieviate some of the stress of our economic woes! Just because an airline is willing to target those who have finally experienced some of the stress others live with daily, does not mean that we should cry them for shame!

The fact that they are willing to target these elite, former 1st classers, means that they too understand that these are rough times for all & that humor is often our only escape from the burdens of regular life. That is not to say that any of these guys understand "normal" American life! If you have more than 100k sitting in the bank or do not have to live paycheck to paycheck, do not expect any simpathies from the hudled masses!

Enjoy the laugh at the expense of the elite instead of them laughing at you for once! I promise, you will feel better after you do. If you do not, well take your savings account & buy a sense of humor!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

PATRICIA TURNER — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:03:35 GMT

LOVE IT

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

mailinda — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:56:54 GMT

Amen to Jet Blue - You people working for that company u keep on flyin and I'll keep on buyin tickets for your airplane seats. As a matter of fact, this ad is sooo good I really WON"T forget the company name!! THAT is good advertising!!!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

New York — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:47:13 GMT

OK OK everyone chill out. This ad is funny. But some of the comments below it are a little over the top. We don't abhor wealth in this country, and CEO bonuses / performance were not the major cause of the economic meltdown. But many of them were incompetent and belong on Jet-Blue. Welcoming them is in order for an ad campaign.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Los Angelos — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:52:27 GMT

I'd like to know one thing. Why are we after execs like this all the time? Your favorite movie stars make more money than them. If you think Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt would work for less $$$ to make sure Warner Bros stock holders get good value on their investment you're mistaken.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

AKRandy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:16:36 GMT

Sorry BILL, you might have to sit next to a working person on you next trip.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Pauline Chludzenski Bevrly, Mass. — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:04:48 GMT

Love YA JETBLUE. You are to cool.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

M., Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:54:14 GMT

If you can't laugh at that ad, then you're in for a rough time in the next four years! Lighten up, it's a really funny ad. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's creating a barrier between classes. Having known both wealthy and struggling people, I think that this ad is actually geared towards us who are stuck somewhere in the middle as far as income goes. And it did make me laugh out loud.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Theresa, Englewood Florida formerly Michigan — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:38:15 GMT

Ok...just one more to Wil. Yup we lost our jobs, Lost our house, had to move somewhere else to find work. You are not funny Wil! What has been done to us the American tax payer and the world buyers is Fraud! The commercial is funny, but what I find appauling is that jail isn't good enough for financial misrepresentation and lack of fiduciary responsibility (theft) by greedy self serving sacks of crap. They have created class envy. They shouldn't be allowed a seat on a dung wagon but as my parents would have said "Run out of of town on a rail". Hope your not one of them...WE are trying to fix our mess and could use a cheap seat to see the family. A little humility would be in order now. Don't know the word? Look it up.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Erik, Mpls, MN — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:49:54 GMT

It's funny for a minute. Until you realize everyone else is downgrading too. It's not like a bunch of 'middle class' folks will now be rubbing elbows w/ CEO's and hedge fund managers on JetBlue flights. Those middle class folks will now have to downgrade to driving or taking no vacation or business trip at all. The high-flyers will still be one up on them, and flying commercial (even in coach) will be the 'new luxury'.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Curtis, Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:20:52 GMT

William, the 'movers and shakers' to which you refer are the ones that put us in this situation. These are the movers and shakers that produce nothing of value to society other than move money around and get paid well for it. People that grow food for this country are paid peanuts, while these 'movers and shakers' are paid millions. Something's wrong with this picture...

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Willy — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:01:21 GMT

Jude said in his post on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 10:25 AM................. I think the commercial is funny, however, I do not share the view with others about "fat-cat execs" etc. At least corporate executives have a hand in actually PRODUCING something useful. Why don't I ever hear anyone crying about the absurdly and obscenely high salaries of actors and athletes? They produce nothing of value, nothing tangible. Yet no one ever complains about how much they make..................

A good point, Jude. I have equal comtempt for these wastes of skin as well.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Sheri R. Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:01:22 GMT

Anyone who cannot see the intrinsic humor in this brilliant Jet Blue ad, are the rapacious sects milking their employees dry by purloining their pensions and health care benefits in order to line their pockets with exorbitant salaries. Just a fraction of these CEOs’ salaries or bonuses could pay for health insurance for many of the cogs in their wheels. Why is it that the CEOs of the companies at which our parents worked took care of their employees with pensions, health care and profit sharing and still made 37 times more than the average salaries of their employees? Why is it that today’s CEOs make nearly 400 times the average salaries of their employees and than p#ss and moan they can’t afford to supply health care and pension plans? What has changed so much in the workforce to account for such lavish recompense for these CEOs? Have they stopped golfing long enough to spend actually 40+ hours in the office like their overworked and underpaid employees?
I bet too, these are the same people who are offended by plain speaking, i.e. speaking without political correctness eviscerating our vernacular – class envy? Pluhhhseee! Don’t you mean ‘class challenged longing?’
As far as I can see, these CEOs and, My Lord ‘Will.i.am,’ need to wake up and realize the feudal system ended some 600 years ago with the first great plague. Back then, with such a loss in the workforce, the lords and ladies of the land had to start fending for themselves. Perhaps this economic crisis is a form of plague and the lords and ladies of this day and age, i.e. the CEOs, will have to start consorting with the manual labor force. Welcome to the real world. I hope to meet you aboard a Jet Blue flight. I just may be able to introduce you to Schlitz beer & pork rinds. Mmm… working class munchies!
You go Jet Blue! Bring on the sarcasm! In it we, the little people, take great delight.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

Hattie, Murray, UT — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:09:19 GMT

Thomas, it's great that you are making 45K! Some of us don't even get that much. And I'm sure that you know EXACTLY what it's like to run an entire company. The fact that the CEO of JetBlue cut his pay to something a little more reasonable is to be aplauded, not decried. Others would have just gone somewhere else (which many CEOs with salary caps have done)

I love the commercial, and I think it's great that JetBlue uses this (along with all its other "Jetting" commercials) to keep their brand at the top of your mind, even as flying gets crappier and crappier. I'm definitely going to consider them next time I fly.

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

JBR, Salt Lake City UT — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:13:06 GMT

'I finally told him to stop whining so the little people could row in peace.'

WendyLou, that's the best line I've heard all day!

JetBlue sells cheap chic to former C-level execs

CW, PA — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:55:04 GMT

1st, I'd like to address the comment about actors' and athletes' salaries. You may not hear the complaints about their obnoxious salaries, but I do. I live in a place where people buy their own equipment and play sports for fun...not money. I think it's ridiculous that athletes would turn down, say a $65 million (or whatever they're getting paid nowadays) contract because "it's not enough money." WTF? I'd gladly play football for 65 M a year.

As for the person who doesn't blame Ford and GM...I do. I have a friend who tinkered with his car, with help from his father, and got it to give 100+ mpg. He and his father sold the design/modifications to some company. (I don't remember if it was a car company or a gasoline company like Exxon.) Yet, we still don't see all-gasoline engines giving 100+ mpg do we? I also know an older gentleman who bought a new car in the '50s or '60s that also gave him 100+ (or all but). He called the CAR company wondering why his car was so different from his friends' cars. He was told to bring it to the garage and they would "fix it." They fixed it alright. Changed the carburetor and some other things, and then the car gave the same 8-10 mpg as other cars of the day. Don't tell me the car companies (and gas companies) don't have a hand in this. There is no reason to keep this technology (which is probably now forgotten as the then-head-haunchos are now retired or dead) from the American people...or any people for that matter. We knew China and other countries were poised for an industrial revolution that would put strain on the current oil production, driving costs sky-high. But no, they can't release information because "gas is cheap." And then they wonder why the record-high gas prices was the final straw that broke the American economy's back. Until the average FTE took out the money they would need for gas for the week, at least 1/3 to 1/2 (or more for those working full time in low paying jobs) of their paycheck was gone. Then the rest of it had to go for food for the week. It's no wonder the average person couldn't make their mortgage payments.

Yes, the bank and Wall Street CEOs had a lot to do with this, but so did the car companies that were in cahoots with the gasoline companies to keep prices up as long as they could, as well as other industries that are taking the heat right now.

I think we need to clean house in government, and all the CEOs of any company. I there there should be a cap on CEO pays. Why should they get 100s of millions a year, plus bonuses and perks for sitting on their duff signing papers or making calls? There should be something to either help raise minimum wages (at least make sure anyone who has a job also has health and prescription coverage [and don't get me started on the outrageous prescription prices]) or to drive down the costs of things we buy. Also, for anyone who does not know this...at least in the state of PA, if a waitress makes $30 in tips A MONTH she is not entitled to minimum wage. She can be paid as little as $2-3/hour. As if $30/month is going to make up that difference in her paycheck...perhaps $30/DAY would make it a little closer.