JetBlue Airways Asks Celebrities to Let Go of Baggage for a Good Cause

A little extra baggage isn’t always a bad thing, especially on JetBlue Airways the carrier known for offering customers a first checked bag free. To celebrate this liberating experience and help raise money for America’s youth, more than 50 famous musicians, actors and athletes have donated their signed carry-ons, party purses, briefcases, guitar cases and other baggage to JetBlue’s Celebrity Baggage charity auction.  The baggage will be auctioned off on eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace, during two seven-day auction periods with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the airline’s long-standing charitable partner, DoSomething.org.  Bidding is open today through June 6 at www.jetblue.com/celebritybaggage.

Each signed bag includes a custom JetBlue luggage tag and some pieces are accompanied by personal items and unique experiences from the celebrity donor.  To get up-close and personal with the baggage, fans can head to Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, CA where many of the items will be on display and visitors can bid on them directly from their smartphones.  In addition to money raised through the auction, fans can also visit JetBlue’s Facebook page to enter for a chance to win a piece of celebrity baggage and, for every entry received, the airline will donate $1 to DoSomething.org.

“Celebrity baggage is some of the most intriguing, highly-coveted and photographed accessories to ever fly in and out of LAX and across our network,” said Icema Gibbs, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility.  “Thanks to the generosity of these celebrities, we are excited to give everyone the opportunity to take home a piece of that magic while supporting a great cause. JetBlue remains committed to supporting youth groups in L.A. and across the country with our long-standing partner, DoSomething.org, while generating fun and friendly competition over America’s most-sought after baggage.”

“I really wish I could curl up in a celeb’s bag and go travel with them,” said Nancy Lublin, CEO and Chief Old Person at DoSomething.org. “I’ve already tried that once at LAX and it didn’t work so this is the next best thing!”

Celebrity donations include items from Amber Valetta, Blake Griffin, Brittany Snow, Busy Philipps, Chelsea Handler, Donald Trump, Jessica Simpson, Jordin Sparks, Kellan Lutz, Kelly Osbourne, Lindsay Lohan, Matt Leinart, Paul ‘DJ Pauly D’ DelVecchio, Rosario Dawson, Ryan Seacrest, Samantha Harris, Sara Evans, Stacy Keibler and Taylor Swift among others (see full celebrity list below). To view all items, visit the charity auction on eBay at www.jetblue.com/celebritybaggage or JetBlue’s Facebook page.

DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the U.S., helping young people give back to the causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging Web, television, mobile, and pop culture; DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers.

JetBlue, the un-airline for today’s jet set, goes above and beyond to provide value, award-winning service and style to customers across its network. With well-known product features including a live in-flight entertainment system on personal seatback TVs, leather-clad seats with ample legroom, and complimentary and unlimited snacks and drinks for the ride, flying JetBlue is still glamorous and fun.

Overnight flights from Los Angeles and all Western U.S. destinations offer JetBlue’s complimentary Shut-Eye Service, featuring a Snooze Kit that includes earplugs and eyeshades, plus unlimited free snacks and beverages and a “good morning” hot towel service.  Before arrival, customers will be treated to Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, fruit juice, and bottled spring water, allowing customers to land refreshed and ready to start the day.