According to a company memo, JetBlue has authorized a raise for flight attendants next year and bonuses for other staff. While the union representing cabin crews said it would agree to back the airline's plan to merge with Spirit Airlines.
In November, flight attendants will receive a 5% pay bump, and then another 2% raise and other incentives previously negotiated. In total, their raises in 2026 will compound to 21.5% increases, according to the memo seen by CNBC.
JetBlue is in the process of trying to acquire its fellow budget airline Spirit. However, the Justice Department has sued to block the merger, with a trial of the lawsuit set to take place in October.
JetBlue agreed not to furlough or displace any flight attendants or close any associated bases for seven years after it completes the merger, the memo said.
A spokesperson for the airline shared with CNBC that the pay raise is an effort to catch up with pay for other airlines.
“The current contract was negotiated during COVID, and since then, our inflight crewmembers pay rates have fallen below other airlines by a significant margin,” the spokesman said in a statement. “Because our inflight crewmembers play a significant role in delivering the JetBlue experience, it’s important that we’re able to attract and retain high-quality crewmembers with competitive pay and benefits.”
The union shared in a message to its members that as a result of the increase, they plan to back the acquisition of Spirit.
“With this agreement made by your TWU Local 579 Executive Board and JetBlue, we support the JetBlue and Spirit transaction and will not hold an additional informational picket or speak publicly against the acquisition,” the union said in a note to members.