JetBlue today revealed some significant changes, and they are a mixed bag. JetBlue is eliminating change fees on most economy fares, while the airline is also eliminating free hand luggage for basic economy fares. Let’s look at the changes in a little more detail, as they seem to suggest a fundamental change in JetBlue’s strategy.
JetBlue eliminates change fees on most fares
Several months ago, we saw most major US airlines eliminate change fees. JetBlue was the exception, as it was the only major non-ultra low cost operator in the United States not to make such an announcement. Well, that is finally changing.
JetBlue is eliminating change and cancellation fees on Blue, Blue Extra, Blue Plus and Mint fares. The only exception is that there will continue to be changes to Blue Basic rates (this is the name of JetBlue’s basic economy fares). On the positive side, JetBlue’s basic economic fares can be changed by paying a fee, as follows:
- Blue Basic fares within the US or to / from the Caribbean, Central America or Mexico can be changed for $ 100
- Blue Basic rates in other regions can be changed for $ 200
There are a few things to note about JetBlue’s new rate of change policy:
- Changes or cancellations need to happen before departure
- This does not mean that almost all tickets are refundable, but that the credit for any canceled trip will be deposited as a credit on your JetBlue Travel Bank
- Previously, one of the biggest benefits of the JetBlue Mosaic status was free ticket changes, so this is no longer a status advantage
- JetBlue is the only one that allows changes (for a fee) to basic economy class tickets, as other airlines continue to make them non-refundable
JetBlue is eliminating change fees on most types of fares
JetBlue cuts luggage baggage for basic economy fares
Not everything is good news on JetBlue. For trips booked on or after February 26, 2021 and flown on or after July 20, 2021, JetBlue will no longer allow Basic Economy class passengers (Blue Basic) to take free hand luggage to the cabin, instead in addition, they will only be able to bring a small personal item that fits under the seat.
JetBlue is trying to take this as a positive aspect:
“Handbags are a big problem during boarding because there is not enough space in the upper compartments for everyone to bring their bags. It is time to rethink our approach. The pandemic and the low number of customers offered a glimpse into life without ‘stress in the upper compartment’. As customers return, we want to keep some of that zen during the shipping process and make space in the top compartment an expectation, not a gamble. “
With this change, JetBlue is guaranteeing space in the upper compartment for all passengers of the non-basic economy class. In the unlikely event that the airline runs out of space in the upper compartment and has to check a bag at the gate, the airline will offer a $ 25 credit valid for travel on JetBlue for one year. Although I don’t like this policy change, at least I commend JetBlue for making a new promise to those entitled to free handbags.
JetBlue is adding a new hand luggage guarantee
JetBlue says it is trying to compete more efficiently with ultra-low cost carriers (ULCCs):
- ULCCs have grown in the main JetBlue markets and JetBlue believes that Blue Basic is a better alternative
- JetBlue says Blue Basic offers more profitability than ULCCs, thanks to free wifi, TVs, free drinks and snacks, etc.
- JetBlue will “strategically reduce fares on Blue Basic to attract ultra-low cost customers”
JetBlue chart on ULCCs
Result
JetBlue is eliminating change fees on everything except basic economy fares, and even basic economic fares can be changed for a fee. In addition, the airline is eliminating free carry-on baggage for passengers of the basic economy class and guaranteeing space in the upper compartment for everyone else.
It is claimed that the airline will charge more aggressive prices for basic economic fares to compete with ULCCs, although only time will tell if that really happens.
What do you think of these JetBlue changes?