Blue Basic: JetBlue’s New Basic Economy Fare

Although many travelers are all about flying in comfort and convenience, a growing population are all about cheap fares. In order to accommodate to this group, JetBlue Airways has introduced a basic economy option for its customers. The new fare, Blue Basic will eliminate certain perks that travelers enjoy in order to keep ticket prices as low as possible.

Following suit with multiple other major airlines that prioritize low fares, JetBlue may enter in competition with budget airlines like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Popular brands like United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines already offer basic economy fares to their customers.

Blue Basic will include restrictions like no advanced seat selection and being the last group to board the plane. However, these customers will continue to have access to the free Wi-Fi onboard, and they will still be allowed to bring a full-size carry-on luggage to stow in the overhead bins. Comparatively, United disallows its basic economy travelers to bring a full-size carry-on. Those passengers must pay a fee in order to check any luggage, aside from a single personal item.

Changes to a reservation booked as Blue Basic will not be permitted. However, customers will be able to pick their seat 24 hours prior to the flight, a feature that is unique to JetBlue’s version of basic economy. Other airlines may totally randomize these seats. Not to mention, a cancelled Blue Basic flight will not be eligible for a refund.

The fact of the matter is that a great deal of travelers are willing to give up certain luxuries that come along with flying in order to keep fares low. Since many other major airlines have already tapped into the needs of this population, JetBlue must either keep up or be left behind. Although Blue Basic passengers are agreeing to a specific set of limitations, the airline’s president and COO Joanna Geraghty intends for them to feel just as valued as any other customer.

Additional changes are part of a redesigned line of fares offered by JetBlue that began back in 2015. The Blue Flex fares are being replaced by a fare called Blue Extra, which combines a faster trip to security lanes, faster boarding and increased ticket flexibility. Blue Basic fares will begin to be implemented on a few routes almost immediately. Blue Extra will appear to be available on most route at the same time.