What Is JetBlue Blue Basic — And Is It Worth the Savings? (2024)

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Sometimes, you just need to get from Point A to Point B and don't require anything beyond a seat on a flight. That is where basic economy fares can be very useful and economical. Like several other airlines, JetBlue offers a low-cost fare bucket for those simply looking for a seat and a bare minimum level of service.

But before you book a JetBlue Blue Basic fare, there are some things you'll want to know. Here's our guide to JetBlue's cheapest fare.

Page Contents

  • What is JetBlue Blue Basic?
    • The Blue Basic carry-on policy will change later this year
  • What Is the Difference Between JetBlue Basic And Blue Fares?
  • Can You Cancel a JetBlue Blue Basic Ticket?
  • JetBlue Blue Basic Luggage Restrictions
    • Personal items
    • Carry-on bags
    • Checked bags
  • Elevate Your Blue Basic Experience With a JetBlue Credit Card
  • Our Take

What is JetBlue Blue Basic?

Blue Basic is the cheapest fare that JetBlue offers. And as you might expect (or have come to know when flying other airlines' versions of basic economy), bare minimum fares include very few features. Blue Basic fares afford the following:

  • One personal item.
  • No changes allowed.
  • Pay up to $200 per person to cancel a ticket for a credit.
  • No same-day switches or same-day standby service.
  • Pay to select a seat.
  • Board in the last group.
  • Earn 1 TrueBlue point per $1 spent on your ticket.

In other words, if you require any flexibility whatsoever or want to bring more than a personal item, you might find more value in higher-dollar fare classes. That said, there are ways to make Blue Basic less restrictive. More on this shortly.

What Is JetBlue Blue Basic — And Is It Worth the Savings? (1)
Credit: stevodisposable/Unsplash

Related: JetBlue TrueBlue Guide: Everything You Should Know

The Blue Basic carry-on policy will change later this year

JetBlue's Blue Basic fare is similar to United basic economy in that travelers can't bring a full-size carry-on bag onboard without paying extra. However, JetBlue is removing this restrictive policy on September 6, 2024.

Starting on that date, Blue Basic flyers will be able to bring a full-size carry-on bag. For travel taking place before then, the original rules apply.

Transatlantic travelers (including those taking connecting flights) are still entitled to a carry-on bag — September changes notwithstanding.

What Is the Difference Between JetBlue Basic And Blue Fares?

If you're considering booking a Blue Basic ticket or spending a bit extra for a standard Blue ticket, it's worth comparing each fare's offerings before pulling out your travel rewards card. This way, there are no surprises when you get to the airport.

There are several differences between JetBlue Blue Basic and Blue fares. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two:

Fare TypeJetBlue Blue BasicJetBlue Blue
Free Carry-On BagNo — Until September 6, 2024Yes
Ticket ChangesNoYes
Cancellation FeesYes — Up to $200 per ticketNo
Free Same-Day Switches and Standby ServiceNo No
Complimentary Seat SelectionNoYes
Priority Airport SecurityNo No
Boarding GroupFinal General
Complimentary Checked Bags0 — Different allowance for Mosaic members or credit card holders0 — Different allowance for Mosaic members or credit card holders
TrueBlue Points per $1 Trueblue Points per $1 Spent on Tickets1X3X

Keep in mind that despite the additional features, you will still have to pay for many extra bells and whistles if you are traveling on a Blue or Blue Basic fare. Additional fees are required for checked bags, priority security at the airport (when available), and more.

Be sure to compare the Blue Basic and Blue options before you book and decide if the extra cost is worth it for the additional benefits.

Related: Why JetBlue Is the Best Program for My Family Right Now

Can You Cancel a JetBlue Blue Basic Ticket?

While you can cancel a JetBlue Blue Basic ticket for a travel credit, you're going to give up most (if not all) of the value of your ticket. Often, if you have purchased the cheapest fare available, you will find the cancellation fee more costly than the ticket itself. In that case, it's not worth canceling your flight for a $0 credit, and you are best off being a no-show.

JetBlue's cancellation fees for Blue Basic fares are as follows:

  • $100 per person for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean flights.
  • $200 per person for all other routes.
What Is JetBlue Blue Basic — And Is It Worth the Savings? (2)
Credit: Lukas Souza/Unsplash

JetBlue Blue Basic Luggage Restrictions

Wondering what luggage is and isn't permitted when flying on a Blue Basic ticket? Here's a breakdown.

Personal items

Personal items can include any small bag, such as a laptop bag, purse, or small daypack. They should be able to store comfortably under the seat in front of you. In terms of physical dimensions, the bags must not exceed the following:

  • Length 17″ (43.2 cm) x Width 13″ (33 cm) x Height 8″ (20.32 cm).

If you are traveling before September 6, 2024, you can bring a personal item — plus a pet carrier if you paid to add a pet to your reservation.

Those traveling after September 6, 2024, can bring the following two items:

  • Personal item or pet carrier (provided you added a pet to your reservation).
  • Carry-on bag.

Carry-on bags

Two qualify as a carry-on bag; items must not exceed the following dimensions:

  • Length 22″(55.88 cm)
  • Width 14″(35.56 cm)
  • Height 9″(22.86 cm)

Before September 6, 2024, passengers on JetBlue Blue Basic fares who wish to bring a carry-on bag can do so subject to the following fees, and the bag will be checked at the gate:

  • $65 for each of the first and second bags.
  • $180 for the third checked bag.

Checked bags

Blue Basic fares don't come with a complimentary checked bag. You'll have to pay for your bag online or at the airport. JetBlue recently hiked its bag fees, so you'll pay $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second if you add your bag more than 24 hours before departure.

These fees cover flights within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. If you add your bag within a day of departure, you'll pay $45 for the first bag and $60 for the second.

If you have TrueBlue Mosaic status, you can check your first and second bags for free on these flights — even on Blue Basic tickets.

What Is JetBlue Blue Basic — And Is It Worth the Savings? (3)
Credit: JetBlue

Related: Top 3 Signature Benefits of JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic Elite Status

Elevate Your Blue Basic Experience With a JetBlue Credit Card

Holding acredit card can deliver several perks and benefits regardless of the type of fare you are traveling on. For instance, those with the JetBlue Business Card receive Group A boarding.

And those with the JetBlue Plus Card or the JetBlue Business Card receive a free checked bag for themselves and up to three companions on the same reservation when using the card to book travel on JetBlue.

Simply by holding (and paying with) a $99 annual fee card, you can make Blue Basic a lot less punitive.

JetBlue Plus Card

JetBlue Plus Card

Annual Fee$99

Welcome Bonus80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and payment of the annual fee

Each year you remain a cardmember, you'll earn 5,000 bonus points on your account anniversary. If you can also use the free checked bag benefit for yourself and up to 3 companions at least once a year, this card should easily return more value than its annual fee.

  • 6X points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases
  • 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants and grocery stores
  • 1X points per $1 on all other purchases
  • JetBlue Business Card

    What Is JetBlue Blue Basic — And Is It Worth the Savings? (5)

    How to Apply

    JetBlue Business Card

    Annual Fee$99

    Welcome BonusEarn up to 60,000 bonus points. Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points when a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days.

    Related: Best Airline Credit Cards With Annual Fees Under $100

    Our Take

    JetBlue's Blue Basic fares aren't for everyone. For some, the restrictions and lack of flexibility aren't worth the cash savings of booking the airline's cheapest tickets. For others, paying a little extra for a standard Blue ticket is worth the splurge. After all, it'll afford you a complimentary carry-on bag and a bit more flexibility.

    But no matter what, if you're a JetBlue loyalist or a prospective one, consider adding a JetBlue credit card to your arsenal. Sign-up bonuses aside, JetBlue's cards can elevate your travel experience and save you time and money in the long run.

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    What Is JetBlue Blue Basic — And Is It Worth the Savings? (2024)

    FAQs

    What does Blue Basic get you JetBlue? ›

    Blue Basic fares include 1 personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, like a purse, daypack, laptop bag or pet carrier. Any additional or larger carry-on bags brought to the gate will incur a fee and need to be checked. The fee is $65 (if it would be your 1st or 2nd checked bag) or $180 (if it's your 3rd).

    Is it worth upgrading to blue on JetBlue? ›

    In short, Mint is JetBlue's premium option, while Blue fares will get you a standard economy seat and are one step above Blue Basic, JetBlue's basic economy fare. The experience won't blow you away, but you will have access to some perks that a basic economy seat doesn't offer.

    Is JetBlue rewards worth it? ›

    Each JetBlue TrueBlue point has an average value ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 cents. If you plan to use your JetBlue TrueBlue points to book flight tickets, you should strive to redeem them for a value of at least 1.3 cents per point.

    How to get the best price on JetBlue? ›

    JetBlue has a section of their website with a fare calendar that displays flight prices in grid view between an origin and destination airport, helping travelers plan a vacation to get the lowest cost airfare. The tool, called "Best Fare Finder," is located under the "Book" tab on JetBlue's homepage.

    Does JetBlue Blue Basic allow a carry-on? ›

    For travel starting Sep 6, 2024, Blue Basic fares include a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin (space permitting), along with a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.

    What is the cheapest day to fly on JetBlue? ›

    The most affordable days to fly on 𝕁𝕖𝕥𝕓𝕝𝕦𝕖 are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays ++1-801-614-48.45 or +1-801-614-4845. On these days, demand is generally lower, which often results in reduced fares.

    How to get free seat upgrade on JetBlue? ›

    For all fares, Mosaic 1 Customers may select Even More Space or Core (preferred) seats at no extra charge within 24-hours of travel, pending availability. Mosaic 2 Customers & above may select Core (preferred) or Even More Space seats at no extra charge at or post booking, pending availability.

    Can I upgrade my fare from blue basic to blue? ›

    Fare difference applies. Blue Basic fares cannot be changed but can be cancelled for a fee, then rebooked at the new fare.

    What's so special about JetBlue? ›

    Only JetBlue gives you the most legroom in coach¹, free high-speed wi-fi for all², free snacks + drinks³, and live TV, movies and more at every seat²—plus award-winning service. It's all part of the core JetBlue experience, and it's all included in your fare.

    How many JetBlue points do you need for a free flight? ›

    TrueBlue Review Snapshot
    InfoInfo
    TrueBlue Points Needed for a Free Flight:Min: 10,400 Avg: 202,650 Max: 394,900
    Average TrueBlue Point Value:1 mile= 1.36 cents 1,000 miles= $14
    TrueBlue Airline Partners:14, including Hawaiian Airlines, Cape Air and Aer Lingus
    Apr 15, 2024

    What does 5000 JetBlue points get you? ›

    5,000-Point Bonus

    Early boarding, priority security and the inflight alcoholic drink are yours to enjoy on all JetBlue-operated flights starting on the day you select them.

    Can you convert JetBlue points to cash? ›

    Can you sell TrueBlue points for cash? Yes. Simply fill out our short form with basic information and how many TrueBlue points you have. We'll give you a cash offer, and once you accept, you'll get your money quickly.

    Do JetBlue prices go down on Tuesdays? ›

    The most affordable days to fly on JetBlue are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. On these days, demand is generally lower, which often results in reduced fares. For more information, you can call 1-855-200-2461.

    How to save money on JetBlue flights? ›

    Here are several other ways to find value when flying JetBlue, from transferring points to earning elite status, to looking at other fare options.
    1. Find cheap cash flights.
    2. Transfer in your points.
    3. Earn elite status.
    4. Book an Even More Space seat.

    What is the 3 1 1 rule on JetBlue? ›

    3-1-1 for carry-on bags = 3.4 oz/100 ml bottle or less; one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; one bag per customer placed in screening bin. One quart-sized bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. The 3.4 oz/100 ml container size requirement is a security measure.

    Can you pick seats on JetBlue Blue Basic? ›

    Blue Basic seats can be assigned via the GDS. If a seat assignment is purchased directly with JetBlue, you will not see the EMD in the agency PNR. Blue Basic customers may also upgrade to an Even More® Space or Core Preferred seat.

    Do you get a free checked bag with JetBlue credit card? ›

    Included for JetBlue Plus Cardmember and up to three travelers on the same itinerary. See all details about JetBlue Plus Cardmember checked bag fees. First checked bag included for JetBlue-operated flights. Codeshare flights and flights operated by a partner airline are not eligible for free checked bag.

    Does JetBlue Basic earn miles? ›

    Fly with JetBlue

    For standard main cabin (“Blue”) fares and higher-level fares, flyers earn the following: 3 TrueBlue points per dollar spent on base airfare. An additional 3 points per dollar for a ticket booked directly through JetBlue. An additional 3 points per dollar for Mosaic elite status (of any level).

    Does JetBlue Blue Extra fare include a checked bag? ›

    Checked baggage / Hold luggage - If checked bags are not included in the fare selected then applicable fees apply. Blue Basic, Blue, and Blue Extra fares do not cover the cost of any checked bag and increase with the number checked. Blue Plus fares include one bag.

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