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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.
As of this week, JetBlue's Blue Basic fares are a bit less restrictive. For travel starting September 6, 2024, JetBlue Blue Basic passengers can now bring a full-size carry-on bag onboard with them. Carry-on bags were previously forbidden for Blue Basic passengers — with punitive gate-checking fees if you ignored this rule.
But plenty of Blue Basic fare restrictions are still in place, which you'll want to know about before booking. Here's our guide to JetBlue's cheapest fare.
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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.
- One full-size carry-on bag — effective September 6, 2024
- Earn 1 TrueBlue point per $1 spent on your ticket.
But JetBlue places several restrictions on Blue Basic passengers:
- 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.
In other words, if you want flexibility or avoid being the last to board your flight, 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
JetBlue Blue Basic 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 restrictive policy effective September 6, 2024. Since that date, Blue Basic flyers have been able to bring a full-size carry-on bag. That means all JetBlue fares include one carry-on bag and one personal item.
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 | Yes | 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).
Effective September 6, 2024, Blue Basic passengers now have the following allowance:
- Personal item or pet carrier (provided you added a pet to your reservation).
- Carry-on bag.
For travel before September 6, 2024, you could only bring a personal item — plus a pet carrier if you paid to add a pet to your reservation.
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 brought a full-size carry-on bag would have to gate-check this bag subject to the following fees:
- $65 for each of the first and second bags.
- $180 for the third checked bag.
Checked bags
Not surprisingly, Blue Basic fares don't offer a complimentary checked bag allowance. 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 a credit 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.
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.
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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