JetBlue Airways passengers who opt for the basic economy fare class, known as Blue Basic, can now enjoy the perk of bringing a carry-on bag for free along with their personal item.
This change in policy, announced in June and implemented on Sept. 6, 2024, marks a departure from JetBlue’s previous practice of restricting basic economy passengers on domestic flights to a single personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse.
By aligning with most other major airlines, JetBlue now allows basic economy customers to carry both a carry-on and personal item. Only a few major U.S. airlines, such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, still charge extra for a carry-on bag on standard fares.
The fine print
However, there is some fine print to consider: The availability of bringing a carry-on bag on board is subject to space. Since Blue Basic passengers typically board last, they may have to check their bags if overhead bin space is already full.
Nevertheless, this change allows Blue Basic passengers to check their first carry-on for free, avoiding the previous checked bag fee of $35 to $40 on domestic flights (JetBlue uses variable peak pricing for exact checked bag fees).
It’s important to note that this pricing update does not affect the rules regarding checked bags, which still incur fees for travelers on Blue, Blue Basic, or Blue Extra fares.
Fees are under more scrutiny
JetBlue’s decision reflects a broader trend in the travel industry towards transparency in pricing and a reduction in fees.
This shift comes at a time when regulators are cracking down on excessive fees. The recent California junk fee ban, effective since July 2024, mandates that mandatory fees must be disclosed at the time of booking, preventing surprise charges like resort fees added at checkout.