JetBlue has unveiled some important changes today, and it’s a mixed bag. JetBlue eliminates change fees on most economy fares, while the airline also eliminates free transportation for basic economy fares. Let’s take a little more look at the changes, as they seem to point to a fundamental strategy shift for JetBlue.
JetBlue eliminates exchange rates at most rates
A few months ago, we saw that most U.S. airlines were eliminating change fees. JetBlue was the outlier, as it was the only major non-ultra-cost airline in the US that did not make such an announcement. Well, that’s finally changing.
JetBlue eliminates change and cancellation fees at the rates of Blue, Blue Extra, Blue Plus and Mint. The only exception is that there will still be change fees on Blue Basic rates (this is the name of JetBlue’s basic economy rates). On the plus side, JetBlue’s basic rates may vary for a fee, as follows:
- Blue Basic rates in the US or to / from the Caribbean, Central America or Mexico can be changed for $ 100
- Blue Basic rates in other regions are subject to change for $ 200
There are a few things to note about the new change cost change policy for JetBlue:
- Changes or cancellations must be made before departure
- This does not mean that almost all tickets are refundable, but that credit of any canceled trip is deposited as credit in your JetBlue travel bank.
- Previously, the free ticket change was one of the biggest benefits of JetBlue Mosaic status, so it is no longer an advantage of the status
- JetBlue is unique in allowing changes (for a fee) to basic economy tickets, as other airlines continue to make it non-refundable.
JetBlue eliminates the change fees for most fares
JetBlue cuts base rates for basic economic rates
This is not all good news at JetBlue. For journeys booked on 26 February 2021 and flown from 20 July 2021, JetBlue will no longer allow passengers with Blue Basic to take a free suitcase in the cabin, but rather be able to carry a small personal bring item that fits under the seat.
JetBlue tries to convey this positively:
“Handbags are a big pain when you walk in because there is not enough space in the overhead rubbish to take a bag with you. It is time to reconsider our approach. The pandemic and the low customer count offer a glimpse into life without ‘tension over tops’. As customers return, we want to hold on to a bit of this zen during the boarding process and create an expectation of overhead container space. ‘
With this change, JetBlue guarantees overhead space for non-basic passengers. In the unlikely event that the airline does not hold more than a bag and should they go check a bag, the airline offers a $ 25 credit card for one year travel on JetBlue. While I do not like this policy change, I at least recommend JetBlue that he has made a new promise to those who are entitled to free handbags.
JetBlue adds new carry-on warranty
JetBlue claims to be trying to compete more efficiently with ultra-low cost carriers (ULCCs):
- ULCCs have grown in the major markets of JetBlue, and JetBlue believes Blue Basic is a better alternative
- JetBlue says Blue Basic offers more money than ULCCs, thanks to free wifi, TVs, free drinks and snacks, and more.
- JetBlue will ‘strategically reduce rates in Blue Basic to attract ultra-cost customers’
JetBlue’s Graphics on ULCCs
Bottom line
JetBlue eliminates change fees on anything but basic economy rates, and even basic economy rates can be changed for an amount. In addition, the airline eliminates free handbags for basic passengers in the economy and guarantees the box for everyone else.
It is claimed that the airline will cost more aggressively for basic economy tariffs to compete with ULCCs, although only time will tell if that really happens.
What are you making of these changes in JetBlue?