JetBlue Eliminates Overhead Bin Carry-On Option From Basic Fare

New York-based airline carrier JetBlue overhauled its fare structure, eliminating ticket-change fees for all tiers except for its most basic fare. However, there are also other changes coming to the company’s most basic fare option.

The airline announced earlier this month that beginning on July 20, travelers who book a Blue Basic ticket would not be able to use the overhead bin. They will be allowed one bag that fits comfortably under the seat or have the option to check their luggage. Travelers can expect to pay $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second and $150 for the third, and so on. By pre-paying during online check-in, you can save $5 off the price. What happens if you show up at the gate with a full-size carry-on? Well, the airlines bumped up gate-check fees to deter patrons from doing so.

The airline will begin guaranteeing overhead bin space for its other ticket tiers. If they can’t deliver, they will issue the flyer a $25 credit. 

Blue Basic option was meant to compete with budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier. By changing what’s included, the airline aims to persuade travelers to spring for the more expensive ticketing options while also making those no-frills fares cheaper than they already are. JetBlue acknowledges that the 

“Currently, our Blue and Blue Basic offerings are very similar to each other,” JetBlue President and COO Joanna Geraghty said in a statement to staff, according to CNBC. “We need to better differentiate the two by making Blue the gold standard while strategically focusing on lowering the price of Blue Basic.”