JetBlue Will Introduce Basic Economy Fares…and They’re Not That Bad!

Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.

Later next year, JetBlue will hop on the industry trend of adding a basic economy fare option.  Other airlines rolled out basic economy fares to mixed results.  But JetBlue is committed to humanity – and not making basic economy passengers “feel like second-class citizens.”

While these fares will have limitations, you’ll still be able to bring a personal item and a carry-on.  And you’ll get unlimited soft drinks and snacks, in-flight entertainment, and free Wi-Fi when you fly.

These fares sound like a move in the right direction!  And JetBlue continues to have an increasingly useful loyalty program, now that they are a Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner!

JetBlue Basic Economy Fares Will Have Limits, but Avoid the Worst Restrictions Associated With These Fares

I’ll share more details!

Basic Economy Coming to JetBlue in 2019

Whenever I see “basic economy” pop up, I think, “Uh oh.”  But it seems JetBlue will keep the best parts of their experience and trim in other ways.

In a blog post, we learn JetBlue’s basic economy might be called “Blue Save,” and could limit:

  • Your boarding order (you will likely board last)
  • Seat selection (you’ll have to take whatever they assign)
  • Tickets changes and cancellation (these fares will likely be nonrefundable)
JetBlue’s New Fare Options Will Launch in 2019

The good news is you can still bring a carry-on item in addition to a personal item.  And you’ll get to enjoy all the other perks that set JetBlue apart, like their overflowing snack baskets, free soft drinks, and free Wi-Fi.

The announcement details an overhaul of their fare classes.  But nothing is set for now, so we will have to wait to see what happens.

If you want the lowest price and don’t care about when you board or where you sit, these new fares could be a great way to save.  I like how they’re not trying to limit luggage.  Who can travel with only 1 personal item?

Perhaps JetBlue’s basic economy fares will inspire other airlines to step up their game!  What do you think of these upcoming changes?

Stay up to date on the latest travel tips and news by following us on Facebook & Twitter!

Million Mile Secrets features a team of points and miles experts who have traveled to over 80 countries and have used 60+ credit cards responsibly to accumulate loyalty points and travel the world on the cheap! The Million Mile Secrets team has been featured on The Points Guy, TIME, Yahoo Finance and many other leading points & miles media outlets.

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)

Join the Discussion!

6 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments