Is Jet Blue the right choice for frequent franchise fliers?

From franchisors to franchisees, being an industry professional often means travel – lots of it. And even if you love to visit new places and meet new people, chances are you dread being packed into an airplane like a sardine (if sardines had the option to score a Bloody Mary or a miniscule bag of pretzels, that is).

So it should come as no surprise that when air travel legroom becomes a topic of conversation, the franchise world takes notice.

CNN Money recently reported that as far as economy seat legroom is concerned, Jet Blue offers the most bang for your buck among U.S. airlines.

Citing data from SeatGuru and using measurements for the smallest configuration offered by two comparable single-aisle airplanes, CNN Money stated that Jet Blue provides travelers with 34 inches of legroom. At the other end of the spectrum is Spirit, which only offers 28 inches.

Virgin America, Southwest, Delta, U.S. Airways, American and United found themselves somewhere in the middle.

However, it should be noted that United, American, Delta, Virgin America and many other airlines offer legroom upgrade options if stretching out is that important to you, according to a report from Condé Nast Traveler. Unfortunately, U.S. Airways, AirTran, Alaska and Southwest provide no such alternative.

But let’s hear from the true frequent fliers – is Jet Blue really the cream of the crop? Is legroom the most important factor for a comfortable journey? What say you?