JetBlue is one of the most popular and well-known airlines in the United States. Many passengers prefer flying with JetBlue for its reasonable prices, excellent customer service, and comfortable travel experience. However, sometimes travel plans change, and passengers need to adjust their flight schedules. Understanding the costs involved in changing a JetBlue flight is important to avoid surprises.
In this article, we will walk through the different options available to change your JetBlue flight, the associated fees, and some tips for making the process as smooth as possible.
JetBlue Flight Change Policy
JetBlue offers a range of flexible flight options for travelers. However, the cost to change a JetBlue flight depends on several factors, including the type of ticket you purchased and how far in advance you request the change.
Types of Tickets
JetBlue provides different types of fares, and the rules regarding changes vary based on the ticket type you have. Here are the main ticket types:
Blue Basic: This is JetBlue’s most affordable fare. It comes with certain restrictions. For example, if you purchase a Blue Basic ticket, you may not be allowed to change or cancel your flight unless you pay a fee. It also doesn’t include free checked baggage.
Blue: The regular Blue fare offers a bit more flexibility, allowing changes for a fee. However, you may have to pay more if you want to change your flight compared to a higher-tier fare.
Blue Plus: This fare includes more perks like one free checked bag and better options for flight changes. The change fee is often lower than with Blue or Blue Basic tickets.
Blue Flex: This is JetBlue’s most flexible option. With Blue Flex, you can change or cancel your flight with no additional fees. It also includes free checked baggage, making it the most convenient choice for many travelers.
Mint: JetBlue’s premium service, Mint, offers the best flexibility for changes. For those flying in Mint, changes are allowed with no fees. Additionally, the first checked bag is free, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Flight on JetBlue?
The cost of changing your JetBlue flight varies depending on the fare type and the timing of the change. Below are some general guidelines to help you understand how much you might pay:
Blue Basic Changes
For Blue Basic fares, changes are not always allowed. However, if you can change your flight, the fee will typically be between $75 and $200. This fee is subject to availability, and the cost can go higher depending on how soon before the flight you are making the change. Additionally, if you want to change your flight to a different route, it may cost even more.
Blue Changes
With the standard Blue fare, you can change your flight with a fee ranging from $75 to $150, depending on the route and how far in advance you make the change. If you change your flight less than 60 days before departure, expect to pay the higher end of this fee range.
Blue Plus and Blue Flex Changes
If you have Blue Plus or Blue Flex fares, the cost of changing your flight is lower. You can expect to pay around $50 to $100 to change your flight, but the actual cost depends on the route and timing of the change. The biggest advantage of these fares is that you will often have more flexibility, especially with Blue Flex, which allows you to change your flight without paying any extra fees.
Mint Changes
For Mint passengers, changes to the flight are allowed with no additional cost, making it the best option if flexibility is essential for you. This includes changing your flight within a short time frame, without any additional charges.
Timing Matters
The timing of your flight change request plays an important role in determining the fee. If you change your flight well in advance—typically 60 days or more—your fees will be lower. However, if you wait until closer to the departure date, especially within a few days of your scheduled flight, the change fee can increase significantly.
Changes Within 24 Hours of Booking
JetBlue provides a great benefit for passengers who need to make changes soon after booking. If you change your flight within 24 hours of booking, you will generally not have to pay any change fees. This rule applies even if you booked a Blue Basic or Blue fare. However, keep in mind that you may still have to pay any difference in fare if the new flight is more expensive.
Changes After 24 Hours
After the 24-hour window, fees will apply. These fees can vary widely depending on your ticket type and how close you are to your departure date.
What If You Need to Cancel Your JetBlue Flight?
In some cases, passengers may prefer to cancel their JetBlue flight instead of making a change. If you need to cancel your flight, the fees and policies depend on your ticket type. Blue Basic tickets are typically non-refundable, so you may not get any money back. However, JetBlue does offer a credit for future travel if you cancel the flight in advance.
For more flexible fares like Blue Flex and Mint, you can cancel your flight and receive a full refund or travel credit without incurring any extra charges.
How to Change Your JetBlue Flight
Changing a JetBlue flight is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
Visit the JetBlue Website: Go to the official JetBlue website and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can still access your booking by entering your confirmation number and last name.
Find Your Booking: Once logged in, navigate to your bookings or ‘Manage Flights’ section. You will see all the details of your upcoming JetBlue flight.
Select the Flight to Change: Choose the flight you wish to change and click on the option to modify it. The website will provide you with different options based on your fare and availability.
Pay the Change Fee: After selecting your new flight, you will be prompted to pay the change fee. You may also have to pay any difference in fare if the new flight is more expensive.
Confirm the Changes: Once everything is set, confirm the changes to your flight. JetBlue will send you a new confirmation email with all the updated details.
Additional Tips for Changing Your JetBlue Flight
1. Check for Flight Deals
Before you make any changes, it’s a good idea to check if there are any deals available for your new flight. Sometimes, booking a new flight from scratch can be cheaper than paying change fees, especially if there are promotional fares available.
2. Consider JetBlue’s Vacation Packages
If you are changing a flight as part of a vacation package, you may be able to modify both your flight and hotel reservations together. This can sometimes save you money and make the process easier.
3. Review the Checked Baggage Fee
If you are changing your flight to a different route, don’t forget to review the checked baggage policies. JetBlue allows passengers to bring one free checked bag on certain fares, but if you have a Blue Basic ticket, you may need to pay for checked baggage. Be sure to account for any Checked Baggage Fees in your overall cost when changing your flight.
4. Use the JetBlue Mobile App
You can also change your JetBlue flight via their mobile app. This can be a convenient option if you’re on the go and need to make quick changes to your travel plans.
5. Stay Up to Date with JetBlue’s Policies
JetBlue’s flight change policies can change, especially during busy travel seasons. Be sure to check the latest policies on the JetBlue website to avoid any surprises.
Conclusion
Changing your flight on JetBlue doesn’t have to be stressful. With the airline’s flexible options and clear pricing structure, passengers can make adjustments to their travel plans without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to make a simple change or need to switch to a completely different flight, JetBlue offers options for every budget and situation.
By understanding the fees and policies associated with your specific ticket, you can make an informed decision when it’s time to adjust your plans. So, whether you’re dealing with a change in travel dates or simply need to modify your flight, remember that JetBlue offers plenty of flexibility for passengers.
