It’s now possible to redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points for the carrier’s cheapest fares, which I’d say is a positive development.
In this post:
JetBlue now allows basic economy award redemptions
TrueBlue is a revenue based frequent flyer program for travel on JetBlue (unlike on partners, there’s it not), meaning the cost of an award ticket is correlated to the cash cost of a ticket. It’s not some fixed amount, though, as you’ll find that you get more value per point for economy redemptions than Mint (business class) redemptions, for example.
Anyway, up until now, one quirk has been that JetBlue didn’t let members redeem points for Blue Basic, the carrier’s version of basic economy. Instead, it has only been possible to redeem points for Blue tickets and above, which would be JetBlue’s standard economy product.
Fortunately this has just changed, as flagged by @BenjiStawski. JetBlue now lets members redeem points for all Blue Basic fares. I’d consider that to be a great development, as it means members can redeem fewer points for flights, though obviously with added restrictions.
What are the restrictions on JetBlue Blue Basic awards?
For JetBlue, restrictions are the same on TrueBlue award tickets as they are for revenue tickets. So if you redeem points for Blue Basic tickets, what restrictions should you be aware of?
- Blue Basic fares come with penalties if you change tickets — the fee is $100 per person for most routes, and $200 per person for travel to or from Europe
- Blue Basic fares don’t allow free seat selection, as you’ll be assigned a seat automatically at check-in, or can pay extra to assign a seat
- Blue Basic fares only allow boarding with the last group
- Blue Basic fares don’t allow free same day flight changes
- Ordinarily Blue Basic fares only award 1x points rather than 3x points, but that’s a moot point here, since you don’t earn points when redeeming
Obviously whether or not Blue Basic fares are worth it very much depends on the type of traveler you are, how firm your plans are, and what the fare difference is, but it’s at least nice to be able to redeem points for this experience as well.
Bottom line
JetBlue is now letting TrueBlue members redeem points for Blue Basic fares, which is a positive development. For whatever reason, it hasn’t historically been possible to redeem points for these tickets.
When you have a revenue based program, you’d think that you’d make it easy to redeem points for any kind of a ticket, so it’s good to see this flexibility added. Now it’s time for JetBlue to add redemptions for its EvenMore extra legroom economy product…
What do you make of JetBlue rolling out redemptions for Blue Basic tickets?
And allow pax to redeem miles for the Studio even if just at check in. Given its all revenue based there's little down side.
This is the same airline that cannot refund $5.60 when you cancel a regular award. I don’t trust them to get this right.
Additionally, forfeiture of points doesn’t sit right with me. This is SkyPesos behavior.