Is JetBlue’s Basic Economy Now More Appealing?

Flying with JetBlue is about to become more affordable due to a modification in its strictest fare option.

Effective September 6, JetBlue will permit travelers on Blue Basic, its basic economy tier, to bring a carry-on bag at no extra charge. This update will apply to all new and existing bookings, irrespective of when they were made.

At present, passengers wishing to carry on a bag must select a pricier fare. Those flying Blue Basic who arrive at the gate with a carry-on are required to gate-check it and incur a fee of $65.

“Carry-on luggage is a vital aspect of travel for our customers, and we want JetBlue to stand out when compared to another airline's basic service,” said JetBlue president Marty St. George in a statement. “We continuously strive to adapt our services to meet customer needs. This change enhances the travel experience while ensuring JetBlue remains competitive in the market.”

Once the new policy is implemented, all JetBlue passengers will be allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a backpack, purse, or laptop case) that can fit under the seat as part of their fare. However, there won't be any other alterations to the fare structure. Blue Basic travelers will still need to pay for checked bags, which currently cost between $35 to $40 for the first bag and $50 to $60 for the second. JetBlue has adopted a surge-pricing model for luggage, adding fees during busy travel times since March 22. Additionally, Blue Basic passengers will not enjoy the benefits of higher fare classes, such as free seat selection, the ability to change their tickets, or free cancellations (currently, changes cost $100 for domestic flights and $200 for transatlantic flights).

It's important to highlight that while Blue Basic passengers can bring a rolling bag, there's no guarantee it will fit in the overhead bin. Those flying Blue Basic will board the plane last, and despite airlines working to increase overhead bin space on their newly upgraded aircraft, the situation isn't flawless. JetBlue acknowledged this in its press release, noting that “although many of JetBlue’s planes have larger overhead bins for more customers, if space is limited, travelers may need to gate-check their carry-on bags at no extra cost.”

When this policy takes effect, United Airlines will be the sole major U.S. airline that does not allow basic economy travelers to bring a full-size carry-on bag free of charge.