Title: JetBlue Faces Backlash Over Charging Elderly Couple $5,200 for Seats That Failed to Recline

JetBlue, a major airline company, is facing criticism after charging an elderly couple $5,200 for reclining seats that were broken and offering them only a mere $400 in travel credit as compensation. Wally and Meredith Stevens, both 83 years old, had planned a special trip to California to celebrate their 60th anniversary and visit their sons and granddaughter.

Excited about the journey, the couple decided to splurge on JetBlue's 'Mint Class' for a luxurious and comfortable travel experience. This premium class offered a unique sleep experience, including seats that were advertised to fully recline into a nearly seven-foot-long bed. However, their expectations were shattered when they discovered that Wally's seat was stuck halfway between upright and flat, while Meredith's seat remained completely upright.

Despite being offered other perks such as pillows, blankets, eye masks, earplugs, and fancy meals, all the Stevenses wanted was a comfortable seat. Unfortunately, the flight crew was only able to fix Wally's seat upright, leaving both chairs unable to recline properly. The return flight proved to be equally disappointing, as Meredith's seat once again failed to recline.

The elderly couple's disappointment was compounded by JetBlue's lack of assistance. The airline did not provide any alternative seating options, claiming that the plane was full both ways. Even seats in other sections, including coach, were not available. In response to the couple's predicament, JetBlue offered a paltry $400 in travel credit as compensation.

The $400 credit amounted to a mere eight percent of the original cost of the luxury seats, and it proved to be of no use to the Stevenses, who have no intention of ever flying with JetBlue again. Wally expressed his dismay at the airline's indifferent response, stating that JetBlue seemed unfazed by their upsetting experience.

Adding further frustration, it was revealed that JetBlue had prior knowledge of the faulty seats days before the flight and failed to inform the passengers. The company did not respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com.

While JetBlue eventually increased their compensation offer to $1,200 in travel credit, the gesture remained futile for the elderly couple, who have firmly decided to avoid JetBlue in the future. The lack of reclining seats and the airline's response to the issue left Wally and Meredith feeling demoralized and disappointed.

This incident has shed light on the need for airlines to prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure that the services advertised are delivered as promised. JetBlue now faces justified criticism for their handling of the situation and may need to reevaluate their customer service practices moving forward.