In November 2019, JetBlue introduced Blue Basic fares, its take on basic economy. Blue Basic fares have significant restrictions that distinguish them from JetBlue’s standard Blue fares.
Fare Details
If you book a Blue Basic ticket, there are several changes from the typical JetBlue experience:
- Seat selection: Available for an additional fee if chosen more than 24 hours before departure.
- Boarding priority: Final group.
- Cancellation fee: $100 per person ($200 for transatlantic flights).
- Ticket changes: Not permitted.
- Same-day standby: Not permitted.
- Exceptions for earlier bookings: For Blue Basic fares purchased before March 18, 2024, travelers can make same-day switches or fly standby for a $75 fee.
- Tickets earn 1 Base TrueBlue point per dollar spent and 1 additional point for booking online.
Both Blue Basic and Blue fares include a free carry-on bag and personal item (space permitting). Neither fare type includes a checked bag, but the JetBlue Plus Card provides the first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to three companions on the same reservation.
If you’ve purchased a Blue Basic fare, you can pay for a seat assignment at any time, including an Even More Space seat. These premium seats also include boarding with Group A, right after Mosaic and Mint passengers. Depending on how much less a Blue Basic fare costs compared to Blue, this could be a great value.
Differences Between Blue Basic and Blue Fares
| Feature | Blue Basic | Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Free Seat Selection | 24 hours before departure | Included |
| Boarding Priority | Final group | General boarding |
| Cancellation Fee | $100-$200 | None |
| Points Earned | 1 Base + 1 Online Booking Bonus | 3 Base + Bonuses |
For travelers looking to secure overhead bin space or flexibility, the more versatile Blue fare is often the better choice. It includes free advanced seat selection, no cancellation or change fees, and general boarding access, making it a compelling alternative to Blue Basic.
Benefits for Mosaic Members
JetBlue Mosaic members get added perks with Blue Basic fares, but they still face more restrictions than with other fare types:
- Two checked bags: Included.
- Even More Space seats:
- Mosaic 1 members can select these seats for free at check-in (24 hours before departure).
- Mosaic 2 and higher members can select them for free at booking.
- Changes starting March 1, 2025:
- Mosaic members booking Blue Basic fares will lose access to Even More Space seats, free preferred seats, and same-day flight changes.
- Same-day switches or standby: Mosaic members can continue to make same-day switches or fly standby at no extra charge on all fares (including Blue Basic, until February 28, 2025) starting 24 hours prior to departure without paying a fare difference or fees.
These added restrictions may incentivize Mosaic members to upgrade to a Blue fare, especially if they value access to premium seats and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Understanding JetBlue’s fare structure is key to making the best decision for your travel needs. Blue Basic fares can offer savings, but they come with limitations like last group for boarding, no ticket changes, and same-day standby restrictions.
If flexibility and convenience are important, consider upgrading to a Blue fare or using the JetBlue Plus Card to offset baggage costs and other fees. For Mosaic members, the additional restrictions on Blue Basic fares starting in 2025 might make higher fare classes a better option.
By knowing what each fare type includes, you can make an informed choice and get the most value for your trip.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
1 comment
Beware – even if you pay for seat assignments, you likely won’t be able to sit together. We paid extra for seat assignments, but weren’t allowed to choose seating until 24 hours before the flight. At the 24 hour mark, my wife tried to log in to choose seats and the page kept refreshing with fewer choices and we couldn’t get seats together for our family. What a joke.