JetBlue retracts the most restrictive element of its basic economy policy – The Points Guy

JetBlue is implementing a significant and appreciated modification to its basic economy fare.

Starting from September 6, travelers who book the Blue Basic fare will be permitted to bring a full-size carry-on bag with their ticket.

This modification will affect all new and current basic economy tickets for journeys starting from September 6, irrespective of the purchase date.

Any regular-sized carry-on must adhere to the standard size restrictions and will be supplementary to one small personal item that must fit under your seat.

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Nonetheless, even though basic economy passengers will, in theory, be permitted to take a carry-on through security, there’s no assurance that it will end up in an overhead compartment.

This is particularly applicable to those buying the most inexpensive JetBlue fare, as you’ll be boarding last unless you hold Mosaic elite status.

In reality, JetBlue itself admitted this in the fourth paragraph of its press release.

“JetBlue has equipped many of its aircraft with larger overhead bins to hold more customer belongings. However, if there is limited space, customers may need to check their carry-on bags at the gate without any extra cost,” according to the press release.

Please note that JetBlue’s carry-on guarantee, which offered a flight credit if there was no space for your carry-on, was discontinued late last year and now does not apply to any fares.

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Nonetheless, this signifies a notable enhancement for this fare offering that was initially launched in 2019. Initially, these fares permitted travelers on JetBlue to carry a bag onboard, but in 2021, the airline revised its fare structure and removed (most) change and cancellation fees, subsequently retracting this benefit.

After this change took effect in July 2021, JetBlue emerged as one of the most restrictive U.S. airlines by prohibiting basic economy passengers from bringing a full-size carry-on bag.

However, moving ahead, United Airlines remains the only primary U.S. airline that prohibits full-size carry-on bags for basic economy passengers.

In the latest update, JetBlue is not altering any other elements of its fare offerings. Basic economy tickets remain non-changeable, and cancellations incur a fee of $100 per person for all flights, except for transatlantic flights, which have a $200 cancellation fee.

You cannot make same-day changes or utilize standby with Blue Basic tickets, and this fare does not include any checked bags.

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JetBlue appears to be taking this step to enhance profitability, given the airline’s recent difficulties in maintaining positive earnings each quarter.

“Carry-on bags play a crucial role for travelers, and we aim to make JetBlue the clear choice when customers have to decide between our award-winning service and a basic offering from another airline,” Marty St. George, president of JetBlue, stated.

“This is beneficial for both parties as we enhance the customer experience and maintain JetBlue’s competitiveness in our sector,” he added.

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