Money Minute: JetBlue, Oil, Leasing

BusinessMoney Minute: JetBlue, Oil, LeasingMoney Minute: JetBlue, Oil, LeasingThe Associated PressJetBlue Airways said Monday it is now charging customers for pillows and blankets. The AP's David Melendy reports on that and the rest of Monday's business headlines. (Aug 4)AP Money Minute JetBlue customers, raise your seatbacks and settle in for more cutbacks. The carrier has done away with free pillows and blankets and is now charging customers seven dollars for the amenities. JetBlue claims its "eco-friendly" pillow and blanket kit feature a fabric technology that blocks pesky critters like dust mites, mold spores, pollen and pet dander. ------------------------Oil prices plunged in a massive sell-off Monday, briefly falling below $120 a barrel for the first time since early May before closing down $3.69 at $121.41.The selloff came on news that Tropical Storm Edouard appeared unlikely to threaten energy facilities in the Gulf of Mexico and an economic report showing high gas and food prices are putting a damper on consumer spending.------------------------------- ---- Thinking of leasing your next car. You may want to think again. Hurt by the plummeting values of trucks and sport utility vehicles, U.S. automakers are scaling back their leasing operations and dropping incentives long used to make leases more appealing.According to Automotive Lease Guide, the monthly payment on a typical three-year SUV lease could rise by as much as $200 this fall from the current tab of around $500.I'm David Melendy with AP Money Minute(****END****)