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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.
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 Type | JetBlue Blue Basic | JetBlue Blue |
---|---|---|
Free Carry-On Bag | No — Until September 6, 2024 | Yes |
Ticket Changes | No | Yes |
Cancellation Fees | Yes — Up to $200 per ticket | No |
Free Same-Day Switches and Standby Service | No | No |
Complimentary Seat Selection | No | Yes |
Priority Airport Security | No | No |
Boarding Group | Final | General |
Complimentary Checked Bags | 0 — Different allowance for Mosaic members or credit card holders | 0 — Different allowance for Mosaic members or credit card holders |
TrueBlue Points per $1 Trueblue Points per $1 Spent on Tickets | 1X | 3X |
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.
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.
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
How to Apply
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.
JetBlue Business Card
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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