JetBlue’s Most Restrictive Blue Basic Tickets Will Soon Allow Carry-On Bags

JetBlue has announced that passengers who book the airline’s most restrictive ticket, Blue Basic, will soon be allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag with them on flights.

Let’s delve into the details of this development that’s sure to be welcome news for JetBlue flyers.

JetBlue To Allow Carry-On Bags for Basic Economy Passengers

U.S. airlines developed the so-called “Basic Economy” fare to compete with Spirit Airlines and other ultra-low-cost carriers. These fares are highly restrictive, and depending on the airline, you might not have any baggage privileges, except 1 personal item that needs to fit below your seat.

Booking basic economy tickets can be pretty constraining if you don’t have elite status or an airline co-branded card that offers extra perks like carry-on bag allowance and priority boarding.

But today, June 18, 2024, JetBlue made an exciting announcement about a change in its fare policy, specifically regarding its most restrictive fare type, Blue Basic. Beginning September 6, 2024, passengers who purchase Blue Basic economy tickets will now be able to bring a carry-on bag with them (space permitting), along with a personal item.

Previously, JetBlue customers were required to purchase a more expensive ticket or pay an additional fee in order to have the option of storing a carry-on in the overhead bin.

Passengers flying on a Blue Basic ticket will still be the last to board, so finding overhead bin space on a full flight could be a bit challenging. Nevertheless, the airline has made a customer-friendly modification to its most restrictive type of ticket.

JetBlue also recently increased its baggage fees, including introducing peak and off-peak pricing. Passengers on the airline’s most restrictive fare can only avoid paying for baggage with The JetBlue Plus Card or The JetBlue Business Card, which allows them to check a bag for free, regardless of the fare type purchased, when they use the card to pay.

However, for those who don’t want to check luggage and prefer to travel with just a carry-on, JetBlue’s new carry-on policy with Blue Basic fares allows passengers to store their carry-on bag in the overhead bin, eliminating the need to pay for a baggage allowance.

Final Thoughts

Effective September 6, 2024, JetBlue’s Blue Basic fares will now include 1 complimentary carry-on bag, adding to their appeal for low-budget travelers. After implementing the policy, JetBlue customers will be able to enjoy even greater savings on the airline’s most affordable tickets.