JetBlue: What to Know Before You Fly

JetBlue disrupted the airline industry when it took to the skies in 2000 with the egalitarian model of only economy seats. Since then, it has grown into the sixth-largest airline in North America, carrying around 40 million passengers a year to over 100 cities on more than 1,000 daily flights.

Although JetBlue's routes are mostly in North America, the carrier now operates transatlantic flights from New York City (and some from Boston) to destinations like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, complete with swanky, next-generation Mint business-class suites aboard. So if you haven't flown the airline in a while, now might just be the time to take another look at the most recent JetBlue reviews and services.

Fare Classes

JetBlue sells tickets in five main fare classes, ranging from bare-bones basic economy all the way up to full-service business class.

Blue Basic

Frugal fliers can find significant savings by booking JetBlue's first fare tier: Blue Basic. However, unless you've booked a transatlantic flight, carry-on bags are not allowed at this level apart from one small personal item like a purse or laptop bag. While you'll save money on the ticket itself, expect to pay extra for:

• Checked bags
• Changes and cancellations
• Advance seat selection

You will also board last and only earn a single TrueBlue point per dollar (as opposed to three with all other fares).

You might not miss the frills, though, according to Tripadvisor user Elddis74, who said, "When I looked into this airline it was classed as a budget airline. I have to say from my opinion, I would not class this airline as budget. It is one of the best flights I have had and the return flight was the same."

Blue

JetBlue's term for regular economy tickets, Blue lets fliers bring a carry-on bag and personal item aboard for free, enjoy waived change and cancellation fees (excluding same-day switches) on tickets, choose some seats in advance for free, and board in the general group. You still have to pay extra for checked bags, though, except for one suitcase on transatlantic flights.

Blue Plus

This category, when available, has the same advantages and restrictions as Blue, but the fare includes one checked bag regardless of the destination.

Blue Extra

Want a few more perks? Consider booking a Blue Extra ticket. In addition to the Blue benefits, you can stand by or switch to another flight on the same day without paying a fee, choose from even more seats in advance, and board early. Except on transatlantic flights, you'll still have to pay for checked bags. At select airports, Blue Extra customers might also be able to take advantage of the airline's priority check-in and security service — also available for customers who purchase an Even More Space seat.

Mint

The airline offers its flagship Mint business class seats and service on transatlantic flights and some cross-country, Latin America, and Caribbean routes. If you purchase one of these tickets, count on the perks listed above, plus a first shot at boarding and two checked bags for free. On select flights, you'll also have the option to upgrade to lie-flat seats, but these come at a premium price.

As you can imagine, Mint fares are much more expensive than economy ones, but the upcharge is worth it, according to Tripadvisor commenter @644jeremyb, who wrote, "They make a huge effort to look after their passengers, from pre-boarding, providing flat beds which are very comfortable. The meal service is different too and they present a number of choices, all delivering smaller portions, but far more tasty and imaginative than the major airlines."

Even More Space

While it isn't a fare class in and of itself, you can purchase an upgrade to this experience, which includes more legroom in coach and expedited check-in, security, and boarding. Although you get a little more legroom, seats aren't all that more comfortable, according to TripAdvisor user @GoldnAdvice, who summed up the experience in this way: "Unfortunately, JetBlue has not improved its seats therefore I had a very uncomfortable seat."

Change and Cancellation Policies

Like many other airlines, JetBlue relaxed its change and cancellation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are still no change and cancellation fees for most fares, except Blue Basic. For routes in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, Blue Basic fliers will be charged a $100 change or cancellation fee, and $200 on other routes. If you have second thoughts after booking a flight (at least seven days in advance), you can cancel for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase.

Those with Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, or Mint tickets will not be charged to change or cancel their flights but will have to pay any applicable fare difference. Instead of a refund, though, you will typically receive a credit toward a future trip, which might be harder to use than it sounds, according to Tripadvisor contributor @patriciaU3085IG. "I was unable to make a trip I had scheduled for July so I canceled it in late February. I had booked it in early February. Instead of giving me my money back on my JetBlue card they gave me a Travel Bank Credit that has to be used by February 2024 or they keep my money."

If you want to stand by or switch to another flight on the same day, you will be charged $75 unless you have Mosaic elite status or you purchased a Blue Extra fare, though there will be no fare difference to pay.

Baggage Policies and Fees

If you're just carrying on, you can bring your bag for free with fares in Blue class and up. If you booked one of those Blue Basic fares, though, don't try to get on the plane with anything larger than the permitted personal item, as outlined in JetBlue's baggage guidelines. If you do, expect to pay $65 each for your first two bags and $180 for a third checked at the gate.

Of course, sometimes you need to bring along more than a small carry-on suitcase. Within the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean, Blue Basic, Blue, and Blue Extra passengers will be charged $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second. Purchase a Blue Plus fare and you get the first checked bag free but pay $45 for the second. Mint passengers get two checked bags of up to 70 pounds each for free.

The airline's Mosaic elite customers and those with the JetBlue Plus credit card get a carry-on and checked bag free with all fares. So do transatlantic travelers (except Blue Basic fliers unless they purchase an upgrade to an Even More Space seat).

While these fees are pretty standard nowadays, they still caught Tripadvisor user @elliem893 off guard. "They charged me $150 additional to the $35 because my luggage was 10 lbs overweight (60 lbs instead of 50lbs) and when I questioned why so much since they only charge [an] extra $45 for a second [bag], he was very disrespectful, saying that I shouldn't be questioning JetBlue's policy."

Boarding Order

JetBlue operates a grouped boarding order. Here's how the process plays out.

• Pre-boarding for customers with disabilities
• Mosaic and Mint (business class) customers
• Even More Space customers (Group A)
• Active military and those flying with small children
• Group B
• Group C
• Group D
• Group E
• Group F

If that sounds well organized, beware that things don't always go according to plan. Tripadvisor user @56denise wrote that there "was a lack of clarity and organization during the check-in and boarding process. There were too many categories of passengers during the boarding procedures. It became confusing as to what class, type, and place in line we were supposed to be."

Seats and Legroom

Given its relatively limited route map (compared to the major legacy carriers like American Airlines and Delta), JetBlue only flies nine different types of jets. It might seem like even fewer from the passenger experience perspective, though, since some of them are essentially the same aircraft but with different configurations. In general, you'll be flying an Airbus A220, A320, or A321, or an Embraer E190.

Economy

JetBlue is known for having some of the roomiest coach seats around. According to data collected by SeatGuru, your seat will be between 17.8 and 18.4 inches wide, with 32 to 39 inches of pitch. On Airbus A320s and A321s, seats are laid out in a 3 – 3 pattern, while on Embraers, they're 2 – 2, and on Airbus A220s, they're 2 – 3.

According to Tripadvisor user @emmamQ5613MO, "The flight was the most comfortable flight I had been on, the seats had the most legroom I have ever experienced in economy."

Even More Space

Located at the front of the economy cabin, Even More Space seats cost extra, but get you up to seven extra inches of legroom for around 35 to 41 inches of pitch, depending on the plane.

Mint

JetBlue recently introduced Mint Suite and Studio seats on its newest planes but still flies the older version on most of the jets that feature this business-class installation.

The original Mint seats are laid out in alternating rows of 2 – 2 and 1 – 1, where the individual seats have sliding doors for privacy. Each is around 20.5 inches wide with 58 inches of pitch and reclines to an 80-inch lie-flat bed.

JetBlue installed all-new Mint Suites and Mint Studios aboard some of its next-generation Airbus A321neos and A321LRs, which fly on transatlantic and transcontinental routes.

Each Studio is a fully enclosed seat (with sliding doors) that is angled inward toward the aisle and reclines to a lie-flat bed. There are just two of these spacious quarters aboard the planes that have them, comprising the first row of the cabin. These palatial fixtures even have an extra seating area if you want a guest to visit you during your flight. Both Mint Studios and Suites are laid out in a 1 – 1 pattern, so there won't be any neighbors to clamber over on your way to the lavatory.

Tripadvisor commenter @vickypO2191WD claims, "The Mint class was excellent, lots of room and very comfortable. The flight just whizzed by outbound and return."

Food and Beverage

Passengers in coach can enjoy a selection of free packaged snacks like Popchips and pretzels as well as complimentary drinks including sodas, juices, water, and Dunkin' coffees and teas. On a recent flight from Philadelphia to Orlando, Tripadvisor commenter @sacagawea89 wrote "No delays, the flight was so comfortable and the provided snacks and food were delicious."

Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, as are the airline's themed EatUp Boxes (on flights longer than two hours), including a Mediterranean-inspired one with hummus, olives, and crackers and another with cheese, crackers, and dried cherries. On some longer flights, you can also buy a larger cheese plate, sandwiches, or a salad. Reviews of the paid offerings are mixed, but @thebay_to_newengland wrote on Tripadvisor, "Got hungry on the way back home so purchased a turkey sandwich for $12. Price was high, but the quality was pretty good."

If you're flying Mint, you can expect a much higher-end meal and drinks service with a selection of small plates to choose from, courtesy of Delicious Hospitality Group. The offerings vary by route and schedule.

Cocktails might include the signature Mint Condition, with Bombay Sapphire gin or Tito's vodka, ginger, lime, cucumber, and mint, and wine options are curated by the folks at NYC wine shop/bar Parcelle. Recent dishes have included lasagna, farro with snap peas, radish, and pistachios, roasted shrimp, and Tuscan fried chicken. Consult the current Mint menus before your flight to plot your courses.

Tripadvisor user @travis219m wrote about his Mint experience, "The food service was great with many menu choices. You could pick three main entrees! I chose the chicken curry, beef filet, and truffle ravioli. All three were delicious!"

Amenities and Entertainment

Although it might not have the global reach of some of its competitors, JetBlue leaves them in the dust when it comes to in-flight connectivity and comfort. First and foremost, the airline is a pioneer in in-flight Wi-Fi. JetBlue offers high-speed service for free "at every seat, on every plane," though you'll get the best service on its new and refurbished A320s and A321s.

JetBlue also offers seatback entertainment screens at every seat. Though they're just under seven inches wide on the Embraers, they're more like 10 inches on the A320s and A321s, and even larger in Mint (up to 22 inches in that Mint Suite). Passengers can watch live television channels through DirecTV or a selection of TV shows and movies, listen to music, play games, and more.

According to Tripadvisor reviewer @hmajck, "The entertainment at each seat was amazing to keep all my kids occupied. All planes have Wi-Fi in the air so they can even play on iPads, phones, etc."

Most of the planes, excluding the A320 Classic and Embraer 190, should feature USB ports at each seat and power plugs at every seat, or two for every three. But be sure to check the specific arrangement on your aircraft when booking.

Coach passengers can't expect much in the way of pillows or blankets these days but if you're flying Mint, you'll be treated to Tuft & Needle bedding, Master & Dynamic noise-isolating headphones, and amenity kits curated by wellness brand Wanderfuel.

JetBlue Credit Cards

JetBlue fields three co-branded credit cards. If you fly the airline a lot, it could be worth carrying one of them to earn even more points on your travels, and to enjoy special perks and discounts.

The JetBlue Card is currently offering 10,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. Cardholders earn an extra three points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, and two points per dollar at eligible restaurants and grocery stores, as well as getting a 50 percent discount on in-flight cocktail and food purchases. There's no annual fee.

Opt for the JetBlue Plus Card instead, and you could earn up to 60,000 points after paying the $99 annual fee and spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. The card earns six points per dollar on JetBlue purchases and two points per dollar at eligible restaurants and grocery stores. Cardholders get their first checked bag free (for up to three travelers on the same reservation), 50 percent off in-flight cocktails and food purchases, and a 5,000-point anniversary bonus each year, among other benefits. A business card with similar perks is also available.