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JetBlue Blue vs Blue Extra: Which is Better Value?

JetBlue Blue vs Blue Extra: Which is Better Value?
Latest posts by Ewen Finser (see all)

If you are trying to understand the differences between JetBlue Blue vs “Blue Extra”, you’ve come to the right place!

JetBlue Airways has long been a favorite among frequent flyers for their exceptional service and affordable fares. With their Blue and Blue Extra fare options, passengers are offered flexibility and benefits that cater to their specific travel needs.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at JetBlue Blue vs Blue Extra, highlighting the differences, benefits, and things to consider when deciding which option is best for your next trip.

Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or someone who enjoys added perks, JetBlue has a fare option that suits your preferences.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ll break down the key differences between the two fares, so you can choose the option that’s right for you.

JetBlue Blue vs Blue Extra – The Key Differences

While both fares offer a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience, there are some key differences that may influence your decision.

I’ll separate the key distinctions into the 4 core categories of differences:

1. Ticket Flexibility

One of the primary differences between JetBlue Blue and Blue Extra fares is ticket flexibility. With Blue Extra, you’ll enjoy the perk of having no change or cancellation fees.

This is a great option for those who have unpredictable schedules or simply want the freedom to change their minds without incurring additional costs.

On the other hand, the Blue fare comes with change and cancellation fees, which vary depending on the route and time before departure.

2. Boarding Early

With Blue Extra, you’ll receive priority boarding, allowing you to get settled into your seat sooner. Blue Extra fares also include priority boarding and expedited security screening.

3. TrueBlue Points

Blue Extra fares come with a higher number of TrueBlue points per dollar spent, which means you’ll accumulate rewards faster towards future flights.

4. Seat Selection

When it comes to seat selection, Blue Extra passengers have access to earlier seat selection, giving you a better chance of securing your preferred spot on the plane.

On the other hand, Blue fare passengers have access to seat selection, but only within 24 hours of departure.

JetBlue Blue vs Blue Extra at a Glance

Features JetBlue Blue JetBlue Blue Extra
Change/Cancellation Fees Applicable fees No fees
Early Boarding Not available Available
Checked Bag Allowance Additional fees apply Additional fees apply
Seat Selection Standard selection Expanded selection
TrueBlue Points Earning Standard rate Standard rate

Is it worth paying extra for JetBlue Blue Extra?

Deciding whether to pay extra for JetBlue Blue Extra depends on your travel needs, preferences, and budget. To help you make an informed decision, let’s break down the added benefits of Blue Extra and examine if they’re worth your hard-earned cash.

Time-Saving Perks

Blue Extra offers expedited security and priority boarding, which can save you precious time at the airport. If you’re a frequent traveler or simply appreciate a hassle-free experience, these advantages might be tempting. However, if you’re not usually in a rush, it’s worth considering whether this feature justifies the additional cost.

Flexible Travel Plans

One of the most significant benefits of Blue Extra is its flexibility. With no change or cancellation fees, you can easily modify your travel plans without worrying about hefty charges. If your schedule is unpredictable, or you value peace of mind, this perk might be worth the extra investment.

Don’t Base Your Decision on Baggage Allowances

It’s essential to note that both Blue and Blue Extra fares include the same baggage allowance – one carry-on and one personal item. If you’re expecting extra checked luggage with Blue Extra, you might be disappointed. Therefore, base your decision on the other benefits rather than baggage allowances.

Do I Personally Go for Blue Extra?

Most of my flights are shorter than 2 hours, mainly on the east coast from North Carolina on flexible timelines, so I’m less inclined to go for Blue Extra.

However, back when I was flying to the West Coast regularly, those little perks added up.

1) It’s harder and more expensive to cancel longer haul flights, so having the change / cancellation fees was a big deal. 2) Getting some additional selection on longer haul flights (I prefer aisle seats for me legs) is a bigger deal. On short flights less than 2 hours I can just get through it.

So my personal advice might be something similar. If you are doing short hops irregularly, Blue Extra might not be worth it. For longer haul and/or regular trips, the value adds up.

JetBlue Compared to Other Airlines

Our editorial team has also compared a variety of other airlines directly against JetBlue. See what you might be missing!