[ad_1]
JetBlue today revealed some significant changes, and they are mixed. JetBlue eliminates change fees on most economy fares, while the airline is also eliminating free carry-on baggage for base economy fares. Let’s take a look at the changes in a bit more detail, as they seem to indicate a fundamental shift in strategy for JetBlue.
JetBlue eliminates change fees on most fares
Several months ago we saw most of the major US airlines eliminate change fees. JetBlue was the outlier, as it was the only major non-ultra low cost carrier in the United States not to make such an announcement. Well, that’s finally changing.
JetBlue eliminates change and cancellation fees on Blue, Blue Extra, Blue Plus and Mint fares. The only exception is that there will always be a change fee on Blue Basic fares (this is the name of JetBlue’s basic economy fares). On the plus side, JetBlue’s base economy fares will be changeable for a fee, as follows:
- Blue Basic fares in the US, or from / to the Caribbean, Central America or Mexico, can be changed for $ 100
- Blue Basic fares in other regions can be changed for $ 200
There are a few things to note about JetBlue’s new change fee policy:
- Changes or cancellations must take place before departure
- This does not mean that nearly all tickets are refundable, but rather that the credit for any canceled trip will be deposited as a credit in your JetBlue travel bank.
- Previously, one of the biggest benefits of JetBlue Mosaic status was free ticket changes, so it’s no longer a status benefit.
- JetBlue is unique in allowing (paid) modifications to base economy class tickets, as other airlines continue to make them non-refundable.
JetBlue eliminates change fees on most types of fares
JetBlue reduces carry-on baggage for economy base fares
This isn’t all good news at JetBlue. For travel booked from February 26, 2021 and made from July 20, 2021, JetBlue will no longer allow passengers in Basic Economy Class (Blue Basic) to take free hand baggage in the cabin, but they will not be. more than able to bring a small personal item that fits under the seat.
JetBlue tries to give a positive result:
“Hand luggage is a major problem when boarding because there is not enough room in the upper bins for everyone to bring a bag. It’s time to rethink our approach. The pandemic and the low number of customers offered a glimpse into life without the “stress of the trash”. As customers return, we want to maintain a bit of zen during the boarding process and make the top ferry space a wait, not a gamble. “
With this change, JetBlue guarantees more storage space for all non-basic economy passengers. In the unlikely event that the airline runs out of space and needs to check-in baggage at the gate, the airline will offer a $ 25 credit valid for travel on JetBlue for one year. While I don’t like this policy change, I at least commend JetBlue for making a new promise to those who are entitled to free carry-on baggage.
JetBlue adds new carry-on baggage guarantee
JetBlue claims it is trying to compete more effectively with Ultra Low Cost Carriers (ULCCs):
- ULCCs have grown in JetBlue’s key markets, and JetBlue believes Blue Basic is a better alternative
- JetBlue says Blue Basic offers more for your money than ULCCs, thanks to free wifi, TVs, free drinks and snacks, and more.
- JetBlue “will strategically reduce Blue Basic fares to attract very low cost customers”
JetBlue chart on ULCCs
At the end of the line
JetBlue eliminates change fees on everything except Basic Economy fares, and even Basic Economy fares will be changeable for a fee. On top of that, the airline is eliminating free hand baggage for basic economy passengers and ensuring overhead storage for everyone else.
It is claimed that the airline will price base economy fares more aggressively in order to compete with ULCCs, although only time will tell if this actually happens.
What do you do with these changes to JetBlue?
[ad_2]
Source link