Information on JetBlue Flights

JetBlue began flying in 2000 with a unique selling point: all-economy cabins. Since then, the Queens-based carrier has grown into the sixth-largest carrier in the U.S. It’s known for more affordable fares than legacy airlines and passenger-friendly extras like free onboard Wifi. JetBlue’s business class product, Mint, which is available on some long-distance routes, also has become a passenger favorite.

However, JetBlue is constantly tweaking its formula (case in point: a highly publicized but ultimately scrapped merger with Spirit). That means passengers should always be aware of changes to routes and product offerings. Here’s what else to know about JetBlue.

An overview of JetBlue’s route network

JetBlue serves more than 100 destinations across the U.S., Caribbean, and Central and South America. It also serves a few Canadian destinations, including Toronto. JetBlue also has expanded into the transatlantic market, with flights to major European hubs including London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

However, routes are often subject to change. For example, nonstop service to Amsterdam Schiphol from Boston Logan and New York JFK was recently scaled back to seasonal operation (news I was disappointed to see as an Amsterdam resident who loves to see competition against the transcontinental trifecta of Delta, KLM, and Air France.)

Passenger-friendly perks on JetBlue

Beyond its fares, JetBlue offers a number of passenger-friendly perks. First, it’s known for its more generous seating – an average of 31 inches of pitch. Second, it has excellent onboard entertainment, including free onboard Wifi. In fact, JetBlue is the only U.S. airline with a screen at every seat, offering access to movies and live TV, which has earned it strong reviews on aviation sites.

Finally, I especially love JetBlue’s high-quality dining program on certain long-distance routes, featuring customizable meals created by celebrity chefs. When “pasta or chicken?” is often the extent of passengers’ menu choice at 30,000 feet, being able to select from several restaurant-quality appetizers and mains (macaroni and cheese! Chicken curry! Farro salad!) transforms the experience.

A primer on JetBlue fare classes

The airline offers standard economy fares, which include three tiers, as well as Mint tickets on available flights. A chart showing the differences between fare classes, and their individual tiers, pops up during the booking process. But if you haven’t flown much on JetBlue, I highly recommend visiting the website beforehand to familiarize yourself with what each fare category offers.

Blue Basic: Now with a free carry-on

JetBlue’s version of basic economy is called Blue Basic. In a new development, passengers with Blue Basic tickets can now bring one carry-on bag for free (a move I applaud on behalf of budget-conscious travelers tired of being charged for seemingly everything.)

However, changes, cancellations, and seat selection come with a fee. Consequently, I don’t recommend Blue Basic unless you don’t mind sitting in a middle seat at the back of the aircraft. And keep in mind that even though a carry-on bag is allowed, there may not be room for it in the overhead bins.

How to choose between Blue, Blue Plus, and Blue Extra

The next levels up from Blue Basic are Blue, Blue Plus, and Blue Extra. (I find these naming conventions confusing, as it’s hard to know whether the designation of “Plus” or “Extra” means more benefits). Each level offers additional perks, including early boarding and no change fees. All tiers also offer three loyalty points per dollar spent (which is three times the rate of Blue Basic fares).

Seats can be chosen for free on most fares except Blue Basic. If you want to ensure you’re not in a middle seat, check in as early as possible – 24 hours before your flight.

Even More Space seating: What to know

JetBlue offers seats in an exit row or bulkhead as Even More Space seats, which are available as a paid add-on, similar to most other carriers. You’ll score up to seven inches more legroom (up to 38 inches, the airline claims), plus early boarding.

In some airports, you’ll also get an Even More Speed option that whisks you to the front of the TSA security line. If you have a long flight, or if you’re an especially tall traveler, this can be a well worth fee to shell out for, not just for the extra room but all the additional perks that come with the upgrade.

All seats, no matter which class booked, are available for an Even More Space upgrade. Pro tip: Adding an Even More Space seat to a Blue Basic fare can be the cheapest way to score a great seat.

You can book Even More Space seats during seat selection – they’re designated as a dark blue circle set against a lighter blue background. Hover over them, and the fee will appear. If you select the seat, it will be added to your total at checkout.

Mint: An excellent, more affordable business class

Available on certain transatlantic and cross-continental routes, JetBlue’s business-class experience is known as Mint. It features a similar hard product to business class on legacy carriers, with lie-flat seats, closing doors, a high-end culinary program, and dedicated check-in and boarding – all at a lower cost (sometimes thousands of dollars less) than business class on a legacy carrier.

Mint-equipped cabins are available on certain long-distance routes, as well as on transatlantic routes, including London, Paris, and Amsterdam. And, in welcome news for Mint fans, the product is now available on select transcontinental domestic flights. On narrowbody aircraft, Mint seats are arranged in a 1-1 configuration, which means passengers get both the privacy of a window seat and the ability to get up without clambering over other passengers.

I’ve only flown Mint once, from Amsterdam to Boston, but I’ve been raving about it since (while keeping my eye on routes where I might be able to do it again). If you have the opportunity and budget, Mint offers an excellent way to savor a superior, front-of-aircraft experience often for far less than what you’d pay elsewhere.

How to get the best deal on JetBlue flights

While JetBlue is often a cheaper option compared to legacy carriers, it’s always nice to save even more money on airfare. If you’re not already following JetBlue on social media, or haven’t downloaded the app, be sure to do it ASAP – both are easy ways to stay updated about sales and other ways to save.

Keep an eye out for JetBlue deals

JetBlue frequently offers excellent sales on airfare – sometimes for less than a cheap dinner out. It’s been known to announce shockingly discounted fares during fall and spring, as well as promotional fares on new routes – even to international destinations. Keep an eye out for flash sales, too: I’ve also seen JetBlue announce them during the winter holidays and during other times of the year. Flash sales allow passengers to score a certain amount off with a promo code.

Keep in mind that sale fares often come with restrictions, of course. They usually apply only to lower-travel days like Tuesday or Wednesday. Travel also must occur within specified dates, and, not surprisingly, fares can sell out quickly. But at prices so low, those restrictions are understandable – and travelers should act fast to get in on the deals.

Check out the JetBlue fare calendar

Unbeknownst to some travelers, especially those who may be new to JetBlue, the carrier offers a handy (if somewhat hard to find) tool to help passengers score the cheapest fare. It’s called the Best Fare Finder, and it’s located on the JetBlue homepage under the “Book” tab.

Using this tool, you’ll specify your route and dates, which will then turn up a fare calendar that displays fares in a helpful grid view. The page also allows passengers to select how many children and adults will be traveling and whether they want to pay in cash or with TrueBlue loyalty miles. I appreciate how easily this feature lets you see at a glance how a few days’ difference in travel dates can save big on tickets.

Pay for bags early and do everything online

If you know you’ll need to check a bag for your flight, do it early. If you decide to check a bag within 24 hours of departure, the fee will increase by $10.

Finally, keep in mind that booking, canceling, or changing flights over the phone via a JetBlue customer service member will cost an extra fee. So you’ll save some money if you can handle such functionality yourself online. If such charges help keep fares low, then I suppose they make sense. At the same time, it feels slightly predatory, especially for certain travelers who aren’t especially tech-savvy.

TrueBlue and Mosaic: What to know

TrueBlue is JetBlue’s cleverly named loyalty program, which all travelers can sign up for at no charge to start earning points. Previously, the program offered only two status levels, member and Mosaic. However, as of May 2023, a new structure now has four levels of Mosaic elite status. The move aims to provide extra benefits to JetBlue customers who fly more often.

If you’re just getting started with JetBlue, you can consider a travel credit card to earn extra TrueBlue points. There are currently several available (there are even those for travelers based outside of the U.S.), with sign-up bonuses and bonus points available on eligible purchases.