JetBlue fare options get a reset, with Basic-style first class coming
JetBlue is reorganizing fares into Main, Even More and BlueFirst, adding Base, Standard and Flex choices across most seats.
By Frankie Delgado · News Reporter
3 min read
JetBlue fare options are getting a full booking-page makeover as the airline prepares to roll out domestic first class, CNBC reported. The revamp changes how customers pick seats, perks and refund rules, including a stripped-down choice for the front of the plane.
Under the setup detailed by CNBC and attributed to JetBlue, travelers will first choose the type of seat they want: Main for economy, Even More for extra legroom, or BlueFirst for domestic first class. BlueFirst is scheduled to debut later this year, though JetBlue has not announced an exact launch date.
The airline is also retiring its current “Core” label and moving economy fares under the Main name. Even More seats will continue to come with extra space, plus earlier boarding and priority airport screening, according to CNBC.
What are JetBlue's new fare options?
JetBlue’s new structure breaks most cabins into three fare types: Base, Standard and Flex. The fare name determines what is included after the passenger picks a seat category.
Base is the cheapest option. It includes a carry-on bag, but does not include seat selection. Tickets are refundable as a travel credit, and JetBlue charges a fee to change or cancel the booking. Customers earn 1 TrueBlue point for every $1 spent.
Standard includes seat selection and has no change or cancellation fee, although customers still must pay any fare difference. It earns 3 TrueBlue points per $1 spent.
Flex includes the Standard benefits and lets customers receive refunds back to the original form of payment.
That means JetBlue is bringing the familiar basic-fare trade-off into more parts of the cabin. A customer can pay less, but give up some flexibility and benefits, or pay more for seat selection, easier changes and stronger refund terms.
The airline’s Mint business class will be handled differently. CNBC reported that Mint, JetBlue’s lie-flat product used on longer trips such as cross-country routes and flights to European cities including Paris, London and Milan, will offer only Standard and Flex choices.
JetBlue is not adding a bare-bones lie-flat Mint fare in this overhaul, according to CNBC. That separates it from United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which CNBC reported launched basic business-class fares this year.
Airlines have been slicing premium cabins into more price points as demand remains strong for roomier seats and added onboard perks. CNBC also reported that United said this month it will charge extra on some aircraft for a blocked middle seat.
The changes land as JetBlue is preparing for its BlueFirst debut and is due to report results Tuesday, CNBC reported. For customers, the booking process is set to look more like a menu: pick the seat level first, then decide how much flexibility and how many extras are worth paying for.
This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.