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Sometimes, you just need to get from Point A to Point B without needing a bunch of extras. That is where basic economy fares can be very useful.
JetBlue's cheapest fare, recently rebranded from “Blue Basic” to “Main Base”, has gotten a little less restrictive in recent years. Passengers can now bring a full-size carry-on bag — but plenty of restrictions remain.
Here's what you need to know before booking JetBlue's cheapest fare and whether the savings are worth the restrictions.
What Is JetBlue Main Base?
Main Base is the cheapest fare that JetBlue offers. And like other airlines' bare-minimum fares, it comes with very few features.
Main Base fares include the following:
- One personal item
- One full-size carry-on bag
- Earn 1 Base TrueBlue point per $1 spent
- Earn 1 bonus TrueBlue point per $1 spent when booking directly with JetBlue
Main Base restrictions include the following:
- $150 fee for changes or cancellations
- $100 fee for same-day switches or standby
- Pay to select a seat
- Board in the last group, unless eligible for earlier boarding
In other words, if you want flexibility or prefer earlier boarding, you might find more value in higher-priced fare classes. That said, you can make Main Base less restrictive. More on this shortly.
JetBlue also sells two other types of “Main” fares: Main and Main Flex. See below for a comparison between Base and Main.
Related: JetBlue TrueBlue Guide: Everything You Should Know
JetBlue Main Base carry-on policy changes
Previously, JetBlue Blue Basic fares were similar to United basic economy in that travelers couldn't bring a full-size carry-on bag onboard. However, JetBlue removed this restriction on September 6, 2024.
Today, all JetBlue fares include one full-size carry-on bag and one personal item. Carry-on bags must not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″ including wheels and handles.
What Is the Difference Between JetBlue Main Base and Main Fares?
If you're considering booking a Main Base ticket or spending a bit extra for a standard Main ticket, it's worth comparing each fare's offerings before pulling out your travel
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two:
| Fare Type | JetBlue Main Base | JetBlue Main |
|---|---|---|
| Free Carry-On Bag | Yes | Yes |
| Ticket Changes | $150 fee, plus fare difference | No change fee; fare difference applies |
| Cancellations | $150 fee; remaining value issued as travel credit | No fee; travel credit issued |
| Free same-day switches and standby | No — $100 fee | No — $100 fee |
| Complimentary seat selection | No | Yes |
| Priority airport security | Available for a fee | Available for a fee |
| Boarding group | Final group (unless eligible for earlier boarding) | General |
| Complimentary checked bags | None, except eligible status/card benefits | One on flights to/from the U.K., Europe, and select Latin American/Caribbean destinations; otherwise none, except eligible status/card benefits |
| Base TrueBlue points per $1 spent | 1X | 3X |
| Total TrueBlue points per $1 when booking directly with JetBlue | 1X | 6X |
Keep in mind that both Main Base and Main fares may come with additional fees for extras like checked bags (depending on the route) and priority security (where available).
As the name would suggest, Main Flex offers the most flexibility of the three, with no change fees, free same-day switches and standby, and refunds to your original payment method for eligible cancellations.
Related: Why JetBlue Is the Best Program for My Family Right Now
Can You Cancel a JetBlue Main Base Ticket?
Yes, you can cancel a JetBlue Main Base ticket, but it will cost you. JetBlue deducts a cancellation fee from your ticket's value and issues any remaining balance as a travel credit. Depending on how much you paid for your ticket, the cancellation fee could wipe out most (or all) of your credit.
JetBlue's change and cancellation fees for Main Base fares are as follows:
- $150 cancellation fee per person
- $150 change fee per person
- $100 same-day switch fee per person
These fees apply to tickets purchased under JetBlue's new fare structure. Tickets booked under the previous Blue Basic fare structure retain their original rules and fees.
Keep in mind that JetBlue's 24-hour cancellation policy allows you to cancel without your entire reservation without a fee if you booked at least seven days before departure and cancel within 24 hours of booking. JetBlue Vacations bookings are excluded.
JetBlue Main Base Luggage Restrictions
Wondering what luggage is and isn't permitted when flying on a JetBlue Main Base ticket? Here's a breakdown.
Personal items
Personal items can include any small bag, such as a laptop bag, purse, small daypack, or approved pet carrier. They should fit under the seat in front of you. In terms of physical dimensions, the bags must not exceed 17″ x 13″ x 8.”
Carry-on bags
Main Base fares include one full-size carry-on bag measuring up to 22″ x 14″ x 9,” including wheels and handles.
Checked bags
Not surprisingly, Main Base fares don't include free checked bags, though Mosaic status or an eligible JetBlue credit card can help you avoid these fees.
For most flights within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, checked bag fees start at $45 for the first bag and $59 for the second. Transatlantic bag fees start at $75 for the first bag and $109 for the second.
Unlike Main Base, standard Main fares include a free checked bag on transatlantic flights and select other international routes. Depending on the fare difference, upgrading could actually save you money.
Fees increase during peak periods and when bags are added within 24 hours of departure. Check jetblue.com for your specific flight.
Mosaic 1 members receive one free checked bag, while Mosaic 2–4 members receive two, even on Main Base fares.
Related: Top 3 Signature Benefits of JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic Elite Status
Elevate Your Main Base Experience With a JetBlue Credit Card
A JetBlue credit card can make Main Base fares more appealing by adding perks that aren't included with the ticket. Both the JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Business Card offer a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to three companions on the same reservation when the ticket is purchased with the card.
If you fly JetBlue regularly, the checked-bag savings alone could justify the annual fee.
Related: Best Airline
Our Take
JetBlue's Main Base 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 Main ticket is worth the splurge.
But those savings can disappear quickly if you need to check bags, select seats, or change your plans. Before booking, compare the total cost of Main Base with a standard Main fare to see which offers better value.
And if you fly JetBlue regularly, a JetBlue credit card can help offset some of Main Base's restrictions with perks like free checked bags and earlier boarding.
