Are you considering booking a JetBlue Blue Basic fare for your next trip? While these basic economy tickets may seem like a great deal initially, it’s crucial to understand exactly what you’re getting (and what you’re giving up) before clicking that “book” button.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of JetBlue Blue Basic fares, examining the restrictions, potential pitfalls, and strategies for making the most of this budget-friendly option when flying JetBlue.
Update: Beginning September 6, 2024, Blue Basic will include a carry-on bag regardless of when you purchased the flight.
What is Basic Economy?
Basic economy fares, like JetBlue’s Blue Basic, were introduced by airlines to compete with ultra-low-cost carriers such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit. These fares offer lower prices by unbundling many perks and amenities typically included in a standard economy ticket, such as seat selection, carry-on bags, and ticket flexibility.
Although these basic economy tickets may seem like a recent invention, they’re part of a more significant trend in airline revenue management. By segmenting the market and offering different fare classes, airlines can appeal to a broader range of customers and maximize revenue from each passenger. Those looking for the cheapest possible ticket can opt for a JetBlue basic fare, while travelers willing to pay more for additional perks can choose a Blue Extra, Blue Plus, or premium ticket.
JetBlue Blue Basic vs. Blue Fares
When booking a JetBlue Airways flight, you’ll typically have the choice between several fare classes, including Blue and Blue Basic. Although both options will get you to your destination, there are some key differences to consider before selecting. Let’s examine the differences between JetBlue Blue and Blue Basic fares.
Blue Basic Fares:
- For flights departing before September 6, 2024, no carry-on bag is included (except for flights to/from London).
- Personal item only (must fit under the seat in front of you).
- No advance seat selection (free selection available 24 hours before departure).
- Reduced TrueBlue points earning (2 points per dollar spent if you book via JetBlue).
- Limited flexibility (fees for changes and cancellations).
- Last boarding group.
Blue Fares:
- One carry-on bag is included.
- One personal item is included.
- Complimentary advance seat selection.
- Standard TrueBlue points earning (6 points per dollar spent if you book via JetBlue).
- One free checked bag to Europe and the U.K.
- No change or cancellation fees.
- Earlier boarding group.
The main differences between JetBlue Blue Basic and Blue fares revolve around baggage allowance, seat selection, loyalty point earning, and flexibility. Although Blue Basic fares may be tempting due to their lower price point, weighing the trade-offs and considering your travel needs before booking is essential.
How Many Points Will I Earn?
Another drawback of booking a JetBlue Blue Basic fare is the reduced earning potential for TrueBlue points, JetBlue’s loyalty program currency. While most JetBlue fares earn at least 6 TrueBlue points per dollar spent, Blue Basic fares only earn 2 points per dollar when booked via JetBlue.
To put this in perspective, let’s say you book a $200 JetBlue basic economy fare. With this ticket, you’d earn 400 TrueBlue points (200 x 2). However, if you had booked a standard Blue fare for the same JetBlue flight, you’d earn 1,200 points (200 x 6) – a significant difference, especially if you’re a frequent JetBlue flyer.
It’s important to note that while you’ll earn fewer points on the fare itself, Blue Basic tickets still count toward Mosaic elite status qualification. You’ll earn one “tile” (the building block of JetBlue Mosaic status) for every $100 spent on any JetBlue ticket, including Blue Basic.
If you’re working toward JetBlue Mosaic status or simply trying to maximize your TrueBlue point earnings, consider whether the savings of a Blue Basic fare outweigh the reduced loyalty earnings. Sometimes, paying a bit more for a standard Blue, Blue Extra, or Blue Plus ticket could be a better long-term value, especially if you redeem your TrueBlue points for future JetBlue flights.
Can I Choose a Seat?
JetBlue’s seat selection policy for Blue Basic fares is a bit more generous than some of its competitors. Although you won’t be able to select a seat for free at the time of booking, you have two options:
Pay for advance seat selection. JetBlue allows Blue Basic passengers to choose a seat for an additional fee. The exact price will depend on the route, date, and specific seat you choose. Keep in mind that Even More Space seats (JetBlue’s extra-legroom option) are also available for an added cost, but these seats tend to be significantly more expensive when paired with a Blue Basic fare compared to a standard Blue ticket, especially on longer JetBlue flights.
Select a seat for free within 24 hours of departure. If you don’t want to pay for advance seat selection, you can choose from any remaining seats for free during the check-in window (24 hours to 40 minutes before your JetBlue flight). Although you may not have as many options now, you can still select your preferred seat from what’s available rather than being randomly assigned a seat at the gate.
It’s worth noting that even if you have JetBlue Mosaic elite status, you won’t be able to select a seat for free on Blue Basic fares until the 24-hour check-in window. However, Mosaic members will have access to “Even More Space” seats at no extra charge during this time, pending availability on their JetBlue flight.
If you have specific seat preferences or require a particular seat type for health or comfort reasons, upgrading to a standard Blue, Blue Extra, or Blue Plus fare may be worth upgrading to take advantage of free advance seat selection. However, if you’re flexible and don’t mind a bit of uncertainty, the free seat selection option during check-in allows you to choose a suitable seat without incurring extra fees on your JetBlue basic economy ticket.
When Will I Board?
Another aspect of the JetBlue Blue Basic experience that may be less than ideal for some travelers is the boarding process. Blue Basic JetBlue passengers will be among the last to board the plane in the final group.
This means you’ll likely have limited overhead bin space for your personal item when flying JetBlue basic economy, and you may end up with a less desirable seat if you haven’t paid for advance selection or couldn’t snag a good seat during the 24-hour check-in window.
There are a few exceptions to this boarding policy on JetBlue flights:
JetBlue Mosaic elite members can still take advantage of their usual boarding perks, even when traveling on a Blue Basic fare. This means you’ll be able to board earlier, giving you a better chance of finding overhead bin space and settling into your seat before most passengers.
Passengers who have purchased an Even More Space seat can also board earlier, regardless of their fare class.
If you’re not eligible for priority boarding and are concerned about overhead bin space or getting settled on the plane, you may want to consider paying for an Even More Space seat or upgrading to a standard Blue, Blue Extra, or Blue Plus fare to improve your boarding position on your JetBlue flight.
Can I Change or Cancel My Flight?
One of the most significant limitations of booking a JetBlue Blue Basic fare is the reduced flexibility regarding changes and cancellations. While JetBlue has eliminated change and cancellation fees for most fare classes, Blue Basic tickets are the exception.
If you need to change or cancel a JetBlue basic economy reservation, you’ll face a hefty fee:
- For JetBlue travel within North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, you’ll pay $100 to change or cancel your ticket.
- For JetBlue travel on other routes, the fee jumps to $200.
These fees can quickly eat into any savings you might have gained by booking a JetBlue Blue Basic fare in the first place. It’s important to be absolutely sure about your travel plans before committing to a JetBlue basic ticket, as the cost of making changes down the line can be substantial.
As with most airlines, JetBlue does offer a 24-hour grace period during which you can cancel your reservation for a full refund, regardless of fare class. If you book a Blue Basic ticket and have second thoughts within 24 hours, you can cancel without penalty. Keep in mind that this policy applies to JetBlue reservations made at least seven days prior to departure.
If you anticipate needing flexibility with your travel plans, consider a standard Blue, Blue Extra, or Blue Plus fare instead of a basic economy ticket. The peace of mind and potential savings from avoiding change and cancellation fees could outweigh the initial cost difference between the two fare classes.
Can A JetBlue Credit Card Save You from Basic Economy?
For travelers who frequently fly JetBlue, the JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Business Card can be valuable tools in offsetting some of the limitations of Blue Basic fares.
Both cards offer a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to three companions on the same reservation when the flight is purchased with the card. This benefit can save you up to $70 per person on a round-trip flight, which can quickly justify the cards’ $99 annual fee.
Additionally, cardholders earn 6x TrueBlue points per dollar spent on JetBlue purchases, including airfare, vacations, and other services. This enhanced earning rate can help you accumulate points faster for future award flights.
Other benefits of these credit cards include a 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases, such as food, beverages, and movies, and a 10% rebate on redeemed TrueBlue points (up to 100,000 points per year).
While these cards don’t offer priority boarding, the free checked bag benefit and increased point-earning potential can still provide significant value for JetBlue flyers, especially those who typically check a bag when traveling.
Are JetBlue Blue Basic Fares Worth It?
Now that we’ve explored the various restrictions and limitations of JetBlue’s Blue Basic fares, the question remains: Are they a good deal for your next JetBlue flight?
As with most things in travel, the answer is a resounding “it depends.” Although JetBlue basic economy fares can offer significant savings compared to standard economy tickets, the trade-offs may not be worth it for everyone. Here are a few important factors to consider:
Your seat preferences: If you’re not picky about where you sit on the plane and are comfortable taking your chances with what’s available at check-in, a JetBlue basic economy fare could work well for you. On the other hand, if you have specific seat preferences or require a particular seat type for health or comfort reasons, you may find that the cost of advance seat selection on a Blue Basic fare negates any initial savings compared to a standard Blue, Blue Extra, or Blue Plus ticket.
Your flexibility: JetBlue Blue Basic fares are best suited for travelers with firm plans, as the cost of making changes or cancellations can be substantial. If your travel dates or destinations might change, you may be better off booking a more flexible fare class, even if it means paying a bit more upfront.
Your loyalty status: If you have JetBlue Mosaic elite status, some of the restrictions of Blue Basic fares (like boarding order and access to Even More Space seats) may be less of an issue. However, you’ll still face reduced mileage earnings and limited flexibility, so carefully weigh the pros and cons before booking a basic economy ticket.
Your travel companions: If you’re traveling with a group or family, the JetBlue Blue Basic fares restrictions can be more challenging to navigate. Since you can’t select seats in advance without paying extra fees, there’s a risk that your party may be separated on the plane. Additionally, if one person in your group needs to make a change or cancellation, everyone on the reservation may be subject to the same fees. In these cases, opting for standard Blue, Blue Extra, or Blue Plus fares might be more practical and cost-effective.
