Mike FriedmanWhen Ultra-Low Cost Carriers (ULCC) like Spirit Airlines first launched several years ago, they changed the entire pricing structure for the industry. Instead of selling a package that included bags, seat assignments, etc., they disaggregated the pieces and sold each one as a line item. This model created major problems for the existing airlines. Passengers tend to book flights based on the lowest fare and worry about the ancillaries later. Today, we discuss some JetBlue bad news and JetBlue Blue Basic, or shall we say changes that are consumer-unfriendly.
To combat the ULCCs, the major airlines introduced “basic economy” fares. These tickets sell at lower prices, but generally exclude certain benefits, such as pre-boarding or seat assignments. These rates usually do include frequent flyer miles, but not much else.
JetBlue Blue Basic
And now, JetBlue is jumping onboard. The biggest change is the introduction of a “Basic Economy” Fare, now called Blue Basic. You don’t quite have to it out on the wing, but you’ll lose a lot of the benefits that you’ve gotten used to. You’ll only get one point per dollar spent, rather than the traditional three. Same thing for the online booking bonus. No changes to the tickets are allowed, even for a fee. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Want a seat assignment outside of 24 hours? You’ll have to pay for it.
Other Changes Are No Better
JetBlue Bad News
They’ve squeezed a few other changes into the new fare structure as well, none of which are consumer friendly. Above is the new fare mix including JetBlue Blue Basic. How does that compare to the old one?
New Fare Mix – How Does It Compare?
It’s worse. The JetBlue bad news extends to “Blue Flex” which has been replaced by “Blue Extra,” but doesn’t include some of the best extras, including the free checked bags and extra points for booking online. You can get the new Blue Plus fare if you want the free bag, but you can’t get a refundable fare. In other words, the new structure doesn’t offer you a way to buy free bags and a fully refundable ticket. You’ll have to get the Extra fare and pay additionally for the bags.
Fortunately, it’s not all JetBlue bad news. Mosaic (elite) customers maintain their ticket refundability and free bag privileges. Unless, of course, you buy a Blue Basic fare. Apparently, membership doesn’t always have its privileges.
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