I don’t have a problem with airlines starting to charge for extra bags, or other things. They’re trying to stay viable and no one is forcing me to buy a ticket. Now comes word from JetBlue that they’ll start charging for pillows and blankets.

The further I got into this story, the harder I laughed. Can you imagine being the airline exec who has to try and spin a new charge into the statement below? I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in the meeting during which the public relations staff threw out ideas on how to convince the public that paying for something that has, until now, been included in the ticket price, is a good thing. From the Triangle Business Journal:

“Replacing our old, recycled pillows and blankets with this state-of-the-art, high-quality take home kit is an eco-conscious, health-conscious and customer-conscious decision,” Brett Muney, general manager of product development for JetBlue, said in a statement. “We are constantly seeking ways to enhance the in-flight experience for our customers, and providing them the option to purchase The World’s Cleanest travel pillow and a fleece blanket at an affordable price delivers on that promise.”

Kinda like telling kids to eat their broccoli because it’s good for them.

Memo to JetBlue: Just tell the public that rising operating costs have put you in the position of charging for pillows and blankets, even though you’d rather not. The public will respect your honesty.