JetBlue Airways is urging the US government to overhaul airport access regulations to level the playing field for smaller airlines.

The carrier, known for its low-cost model and customer-friendly policies, is advocating for fairer access to takeoff and landing slots at congested US airports.

This call for reform, led by JetBlue’s CEO Joanna Geraghty, aims to challenge the dominance of major airlines and foster greater competition in the aviation industry.

JetBlue chief executive Joanna Geraghty spoke to Bloomberg during a US Chamber of Commerce aerospace summit in Washington on September 10, 2025.

“With four carriers that carry the bulk of the domestic market share, you have to start creating policies to increase competition. You’ve got to enable us to grow. The only way to do that is policies that give new entrants the same access.”

Her statement underscores the urgency of addressing barriers that prevent airlines like JetBlue from expanding their reach.

The Major Airport Slot Struggle

Airport slots, the designated times for takeoff and landing, are critical for airlines operating at busy hubs like New York’s LaGuardia, Washington’s Reagan National, and Chicago’s O’Hare.

These slots are tightly controlled, and legacy carriers like Delta, United, and American hold the majority. This leaves smaller players like JetBlue with limited opportunities to grow, particularly in underserved markets or international routes.

Geraghty argues that the current system entrenches the dominance of these giants, stifling competition and driving up fares for consumers.

JetBlue’s push for reform isn’t new. In 2024, the airline, alongside Frontier and Spirit, challenged the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) slot allocation at Reagan National, criticizing it for favoring legacy carriers.

The DOT has occasionally supported JetBlue, such as in 2023 when it awarded the airline additional slots at LaGuardia and Reagan National after a Delta-US Airways merger slot auction.

However, Geraghty and industry advocates say more systemic change is needed to ensure fair access.

The Importance of Access Reform

The lack of equitable slot access limits JetBlue’s ability to serve smaller domestic cities and expand internationally. Without reforms, consumers face fewer choices and higher prices, as major carriers maintain their grip on key markets.

JetBlue’s low-cost model could disrupt this dynamic, offering affordable fares and better service if given the chance to compete.

Geraghty’s plea aligns with the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, which aimed to boost competition but has been criticized for inconsistent enforcement.

Industry Support and Challenges

JetBlue’s advocacy has sparked discussions across the aviation sector. There is growing support for slot reform, with many viewing it as a way to invigorate competition.

JetBlue’s recent “Blue Sky” partnership with United Airlines, set to share slots at JFK starting in 2027, shows creative ways to navigate the current system.

However, entrenched interests and complex regulations pose challenges. Legacy carriers benefit from the status quo, and slot reform requires bold policy changes from the DOT and FAA.

Looking Ahead

JetBlue’s call for airport access reform could reshape the US aviation landscape. By prioritizing policies that give new entrants equal footing, the government can foster a more competitive market, benefiting travelers with lower fares and more options.

As Geraghty emphasized, enabling airlines like JetBlue to grow is key to breaking the dominance of the “big four.” With momentum building, the industry watches closely to see if regulators will act.