JetBlue is a low-cost carrier that operates over 1,000 daily flights to more than 100 destinations across the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. The airline has no airport lounges nor the network reach of mainline carriers, yet it often gets my business. Even in economy, JetBlue provides amenities that add true value, from leather seats and unlimited snacks to even more free perks.
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 (both Heathrow and Gatwick), Paris, Amsterdam and seasonal routes to Dublin, Edinburgh and Madrid.
JetBlue fares and classes
Choosing between JetBlue’s five fare classes comes down to three things: seat selection and location, checked bag allowance and perks. The airline offers Blue Basic, Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra and Mint. There’s also an upgrade option called EvenMore. It can be a bit confusing, but understanding what each fare includes makes the decision straightforward.
JetBlue Blue Basic fare
JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare can be a great deal if you’re 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. Changes aren’t allowed, and cancellations cost £80 for U.S./short-haul flights or £160 for transatlantic routes. You’ll also board in the last group and earn one TrueBlue loyalty point per dollar instead of the usual three.
Blue Basic passengers can now board with a cabin 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. With the 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 JetBlue’s Blue and Blue Plus fares. Blue fares include one checked bag on transatlantic flights only, while 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 three TrueBlue loyalty points per dollar.
JetBlue’s Blue Extra fares
JetBlue’s Blue Extra fare doesn’t include checked bags, except one on transatlantic flights. 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 and priority security lanes at select airports, plus three base TrueBlue loyalty points per dollar.
EvenMore on JetBlue
JetBlue recently introduced “EvenMore” premium extra-legroom seats with enhanced perks. These options get you a seat towards the front of the cabin or in an exit row, with up to 18 cm of extra legroom. You’ll also get early boarding and priority security access at select airports.
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 between North America and the Caribbean and Latin American.
Mint fares include access to priority security and boarding lanes, two free checked bags and lie-flat seats that stretch out to 6’8” with foam cushions and comfy blankets and pillows from Tuft & Needle. On other airlines I pre-order special meals to ensure a healthy, non-meat option, but Mint passengers build their 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.
Two Mint Studios at the front of the suite-endowed cabins have even more space and amenities, including a 22-inch TV and a bonus seat and table so you can spread out or have a guest 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 live TV channels, which I really appreciate during breaking news or sports events. 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. You can also get personalised viewing recommendations based on your watch history and pick up where you left off on your next flight. Better yet, you’ll get an e-confetti greeting on your birthday and a free alcoholic drink to celebrate.
JetBlue planes and liveries
JetBlue is charmingly creative with the names and paint jobs (liveries) it applies to its aircraft. When you’re at the airport waiting for your flight, look out the window at your plane and the JetBlue aircraft 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 favourite, Minterial Girl. Liveries to look out for pay homage to sports teams like 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 operates exclusively from Terminal 5 (T5) at New York’s JFK airport, where it’s headquartered. T5 offers shops, bars, restaurants, charging stations, a kids’ play area and a BeRelax spa across from Gates 6 and 7 with massages, manicures, pedicures and other beauty 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 charging stations, comfortable places to sit and great views of the airport. It opens early and closes late in the evening.
Flying with pets on JetBlue
For a £120 fee each way, small dogs and cats in approved carriers may fly in the main cabin, but not in Mint. Pet carriers count as your personal item. Pets may only leave their carriers if they fit on your lap without touching (or licking) seats, tray tables or “nearby travellers.” I once woke to a seatmate’s pup chewing my shoes and a flight attendant had to invoke those rules.
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 connects to a red-carpeted ‘flight tube’ leading to the lobby of this destination hotel, located 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 delays. Overnight and day rates are available and day passes are offered for the 10,000-square-foot fitness centre. In the lobby you’ll find a sunken bar, restaurants, a food hall, vintage phone booths, quirky installations and museum exhibits. On the rooftop there’s a bar and an infinity pool. And out back, there’s 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.
