Founded in 2000 as a low-cost carrier, but with amenities such as leather seats and unlimited snacks, JetBlue now offers even more free amenities and operates over 1000 daily flights to more than 100 cities in the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, the U.K. and Europe. JetBlue has no airport lounges nor the network reach of mainline carriers, yet it often gets my business because even in the economy cabin, it provides amenities that add true value.
JetBlue’s focus cities are New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan, Puerto Rico. After years of flying predominantly in North America, JetBlue is winning new fans with transatlantic service to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin and Edinburgh.
JetBlue fares and classes
JetBlue’s five fare classes are Blue Basic, Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra and Mint. There’s also an upgrade option called Even More Space. It can be a bit confusing, but your choice will ultimately boil down to seat selection (and location), checked bag allowance and perks.
JetBlue Blue Basic fare
JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare can be a great deal if you are comfortable with the restrictions. You will be seated in the main cabin, but will pay extra for choosing a seat, checking a bag and making changes or cancellations. You’ll board in the last group and earn 1 (instead of 3) True Blue loyalty points per dollar.
After September 6, 2024, the most irritating restriction of the Blue Basic fare is lifted: passengers with this fare may now board with a carry-on bag in addition to one personal item that fits under the seat. This puts JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare well in line with other carriers’ basic economy fares and, with the other bonus amenities available to all passengers, makes this a good deal.
JetBlue’s Blue and Blue Plus
Seat selection in the economy cabin is included with Jet Blue’s Blue and Blue Plus fare. Blue fares include one checked bag on transatlantic flights only. Blue Plus fares include a checked bag on any flight. For both fares, JetBlue waives change and cancellation fees but charges for same-day switches. You’ll receive 3 True Blue loyalty points per dollar.
JetBlue’s Blue Extra fares
JetBlue’s Blue Extra fare includes 1 checked bag on transatlantic flights only. Change and cancellation fees are waived, as are fees for standing by or switching to a same-day flight. This fare also includes early boarding, priority check-in and security lanes, and 3 base TrueBlue loyalty points per dollar.
Even More Space on JetBlue
JetBlue offers an “Even More Space” upgrade option on all economy fares that includes a seat towards the front of cabin or by the exit rows, with up to 7” of extra legroom. With this add-on you’ll also get early boarding and priority security access.
Jet Blue’s Mint cabin and fares
If, like me, you yearn for perks but find fares in most first-class cabins too dear, look closely at JetBlue’s premium cabin, called Mint. This cabin is JetBlue’s equivalent of business/first cabins and is available on select transcontinental flights, all transatlantic flights and on some flights to the Caribbean and Latin American.
Mint fares include access to priority security and boarding lanes, 2 free checked bags and lie-flat seats that stretch out to 6’8” with foam cushions and comfy blankets and pillows from Tuft and Needle. On other airlines I pre-order special meals to insure a healthy, non-meat option, but Mint passengers build meals from a selection of always- interesting options. The ‘touch-down’ parting treats are a nice touch as well.
Depending on the route and aircraft (look for Airbus A321neo with Mint and A321 Long Range planes when booking), the Mint cabin will feature snazzy Mint Suites with direct aisle access, sliding privacy doors and upgraded amenities.
2 Mint Studios at the front of the suite-endowed cabins have even more space and amenities, including a 22” TV and a bonus seat and table so you can spread out and/or have guests come by and hang out. Even the amenity kit is upgraded for Mint Studio passengers. Mine included a deck of cards and a tube of stain remover.
In-flight experience on JetBlue
JetBlue was the first airline to offer free gate-to-gate Wi-Fi to all passengers. Seatback screens include an entertainment package with live TV channels, a service I really appreciate when there is breaking news happening or a special sports event underway. And in addition to complimentary drinks and nut-free snacks, some aircraft have a complimentary inflight snack bar (The Pantry) so you can have a bonus nibble whenever you wish.
On updated JetBlue aircraft with touchscreens, once you log in to the ‘Blueprint’ entertainment program you can set up a “Watch Party” with up to five other passengers, get personalized viewing recommendations based on your previous watch history and pick up where you left off in a movie on your next Blueprint-equipped flight. Better yet, the screen will greet you with e-confetti on your birthday and you’ll be offered a free alcoholic drink.
Flying with pets on JetBlue
For a fee, small (under 20 pounds) dogs and cats in approved carriers may fly in the main cabin, but not in Mint. Pet carriers count as personal carry-on items and pets may only leave their carriers if they fit on your lap without touching (or licking) seats, tray tables or “nearby travelers.” I once woke to a seatmate’s pup chewing my shoes and a flight attendant had to invoke those rules.
JetBlue planes and liveries
JetBlue is charmingly creative with the names and paint jobs (liveries) it applies to its aircraft. So, when you’re at the airport waiting for your flight, be sure to look out the window at your plane and at the JetBlue planes lined up at nearby gates. And feel free to giggle.
Many of JetBlue’s plane names are riffs or puns on ‘blue,’ as in Bippity Boppity Blue, Bid You A-Blue, Blue Velvet and Blue Suede Shoes. Twists on Mint include Freshly Minted, Make a State-Mint and my favorite, Minterial Girl. Liveries to look out for pay homage to sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Bruin and the Boston Celtics, the New York City Fire Department, Veterans and others.
JetBlue’s Terminal 5 (T5) at John F. Kennedy International Airport
JetBlue is headquartered in New York and if you fly to or from JFK airport you’ll arrive and depart from JetBlue’s Terminal 5, or T5. In addition to a nice array of shops, bars and restaurants, T5 has plenty of charging stations, a play area for kids, and a BeRelax spa (Gate 5) offering massages, manicures, pedicure and other beauty care services.
JetBlue’s T5 has a rarity for airports: an outdoor rooftop, located across from Gate 28. The rooftop doubles as a pet relief area, the Wooftop, and has power charging stations, comfortable places to sit and great views of the airport. It opens early and closes late in the evening.
Best access to the TWA Hotel
From JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at JFK, it’s easy to get to the 512-room TWA Hotel, the only hotel on JFK property. An elevator from the T5 bag claim takes you to a ‘red carpeted ‘flight tube’ that leads to the lobby of the destination hotel in the former Eero Saarinen-designed landmark TWA Flight Center.
The TWA Hotel is a great place to visit before or after a flight and during long flight delays. Overnight and day rates are available and day passes are offered for the 10,000-square-foot fitness center. In the lobby you’ll find a sunken bar, restaurants, a food hall, phone booths that make free calls, quirky installations and museum exhibits. On the rooftop there’s a bar and an infinity pool. And out back, a bar inside a 1958 Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
