With the relatively recent addition of Southwest, travelers now have plenty of different ways to get to Hawaii when it comes to flying on US airlines.
But what about adding one more airline into the mix?
Is it possible that you could soon be getting to the Aloha State via JetBlue? Let’s take a look at some of the recent comments made by JetBlue and see how this could potentially play out.
Does JetBlue fly to Hawaii?
JetBlue does not currently fly to Hawaii although there have been talks about them adding flights from the West Coast to Hawaii for a few years.
Would JetBlue ever really fly to Hawaii?
JetBlue is known for its presence on the East Coast in places like New York, Boston, and Florida.
However, they have been steadily expanding their network internationally and moving west along the way with field offices in Salt Lake City. One of the biggest drivers of a more recent expansion into the West may be the potential merger of JetBlue and the ultra low cost carrier, Spirit Airlines.
If that merger is successful, it’s possible that JetBlue could end up flying to Hawaii in the near future.
In fact, in DOT filings JetBlue specifically commented on this saying that if the merger with Spirit Airlines takes place, they would have the capacity at LAX to increase their flight network with one of the additions being flights to Hawaii.
“A larger JetBlue with access to additional Terminal 5 gates will be able to add even more routes from Los Angeles, including Hawaii flying and additional leisure service.”
Indeed, in prior comments JetBlue made references to expanding into Hawaii so it seems like this is something they have had their eyes on for a while.
But with their strong East Coast foundation already built, they have been focused on building out their transatlantic flights which now serve the UK and France.
It’s worth noting that the DOJ is currently suing to block this merger from going through for anti-trust purposes.
If you’ve ever flown JetBlue Mint before, you probably would be very happy to find out that JetBlue is flying to Hawaii. That’s because they offer one of the best lie flat products in the US!
The flight from California to Hawaii and vice versa is not very long, though. From LAX to HNL, it takes about five hours and 50 minutes.
Some airlines use standard recliner seats in first class when flying between these two destinations so I don’t think it’s a guarantee that JetBlue would fly its Mint product.
Also, in the above mentioned prior talks about expanding flights out of LAX, the A220 was brought up as an aircraft of choice which is not equipped with Mint lie flat seats. This would suggest that JetBlue may not be introducing Mint to this route.
Some airlines fly a mix of standard recliner and lie-flat seats to Hawaii from the western mainland but I’m not sure about the odds of JetBlue doing that.
JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines partnership
Even though JetBlue currently does not fly to Hawaii, there are still ways for you to utilize your JetBlue membership to help you get to Hawaii or at least earn extra points when doing so.
JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines have a code share partnership, so it is possible to benefit as a JetBlue member when flying to and from Hawaii.
You can use JetBlue points to book Hawaiian Airlines and the redemption rates aren’t bad. For example, 45,000 points could get you a business class one way from the West Coast to Hawaii. For only 6,000 points you can jump from one Hawaiian island to the other in economy.
The drawback is that you currently have to call in and speak with an agent to make this type of award booking.
TrueBlue members can also earn TrueBlue points on Hawaiian Airlines flights. You can read more about the earning rates here.
JetBlue does not currently fly to Hawaii but it’s possible that they could add routes to Hawaii in the future based on statements made by JetBlue (to the government) regarding the potential merger with Spirit Airlines.
If that merger goes through, we could be seeing JetBlue flights to Hawaii relatively soon.
But even if the merger does not go through, JetBlue seems to have been eyeing Hawaii already and so it’s possible those flights could come into existence regardless of what the DOT allows.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
JetBlue Boarding Policy Guide (Window vs Aisle Seats) [2023]
Every airline has a different type of boarding policy (although a lot of them are pretty similar). JetBlue boards its planes by groups in a pretty standard fashion compared to other US airlines, such as United and American.
So boarding a JetBlue plane is pretty straightforward.
But there are some things that you likely will have questions about such as what boarding group will you likely get based on your seat (window vs aisle).
In this article I will answer all of the questions you may have about JetBlue’s boarding policy and groups.
JetBlue boarding groups order
There are a total of ten JetBlue boarding groups and these include:
Pre-Boarding for customers with disabilities
Mosaic and Mint customers
Even More Space customers (Group A)
Courtesy Boarding
Group B
Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F
All remaining customers
Below, I will go into detail as to who qualifies for each boarding group. Note that the below is an overview and provides general guidance but your specific boarding group may vary.
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
Pre-Boarding for customers with disabilities
If you need pre-boarding it’s recommended that you speak to a crew member at the gate prior to the boarding time.
Just let them know the type of assistance you may need and they can help you out with things like wheelchairs, service animals, or any equipment that might be needed.
If you have a disability and require special travel needs JetBlue recommends that you book your flights as soon as you can and that you add a Special Service Request (SSR).
Adding an SSR is easy and you can do it when you choose your own seat when you book online at jetblue.com or with the JetBlue app.
Just check the box under the traveler info, and dropdown menus will appear. There is no fee to add an SSR.
Unaccompanied minors can also board during pre-boarding as well. However, if they show up at the gate after pre-boarding has already ended or later they may board the aircraft at the end.
Keep in mind that JetBlue usually has designated seats on the last row of the aircraft for unaccompanied minors.
It comes with a number of benefits which include a free first and second checked bag, change and cancellation fees waived, 15,000 bonus points upon qualifying, expedited security line, early boarding, and additional bonus points.
JetBlue Even More Space customers get to board with Group A.
Even More Space is just like economy plus for other airlines and they provide you with extra legroom.
The extra legroom could be up to 7 inches which is pretty significant for economy seats so this can be well worth it for a lot of people who value that extra space for their feet and legs.
Courtesy Boarding for active military personnel and customers traveling with small children
After Group A is courtesy boarding which is for active military personnel and also customers traveling with small children. It’s always a good idea for active military members to have their military ID with them.
If you are traveling with a car seat or a stroller this would be the boarding group you would likely fall into.
Group B is the first general boarding group for JetBlue. If you are seated in the rear of the plane you will likely be a part of Group B.
Also, if you have a window seat towards the back of the aircraft your odds of getting Group B should be pretty high.
Group C
Group C is the second general boarding group and it caters to those in the middle seats, especially for those sitting towards the back of the plane.
However, if you have a window seat and are seated towards the front of the plane then this might be the group you get.
Group D
Group D will be for economy passengers seated in middle seats towards the front of the plane or people in aisle seats towards the back of the plane.
If you are boarding in this group and your plane is full there is a chance that you may not find room for your carry-on items in the overhead storage bin. This is especially true if you are flying on an E-190 aircraft.
Group E
This group will not be called if you are flying on an E-190 aircraft.
Group F
One of the last boarding groups. Again, don’t expect to have overhead storage bin on many flights.
All remaining customers
If you somehow did not fall into any of the above groups such as an unaccompanied minor arriving late you will then board last.
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When do you need to board the plane?
Your exact boarding time is usually dictated by two things: 1) your destination and 2) your aircraft.
The best advice for arriving at the proper time to board is to first see what boarding time is listed on your boarding pass whenever you check in and/or arrive at the airport.
You still need to be diligent about your boarding time even after your boarding time is printed on your boarding pass though.
The reason is that your boarding time could potentially change (and even your gate of departure could also change).
So it is best to double check your boarding times with the schedules available in the airport or with an airport agent.
Still, JetBlue does provide some general guidance for boarding.
For domestic flights each customer must board the aircraft at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
For international flights, each customer must board the aircraft at least 20 minutes prior to departure.
Note: In the event you had a connecting flight on the same itinerary that was late, it’s possible that the flight attendant could delay boarding in order to give you enough time to make it to the plane.
On occasion, it’s possible that you won’t be boarding in a JetBlue boarding area.
This is the case when JetBlue uses another airline’s boarding area such as a boarding gate for British Airways. The boarding process will remain the same although you won’t have the same types of signage to follow.
In these cases, just listen carefully to when your boarding group is called and where they want you to line up since it won’t be quite as clear.
A British Airways boarding area used for JetBlue.
Boarding together on JetBlue
If you are traveling as a group you probably are interested in also boarding together as a group.
If you want to make sure that you will be boarding with other passengers make sure that you are on the same reservation AND that you check in together.
If you are on the same reservation and check in separately you will not be guaranteed to be in the same boarding group. This even applies to Mosaic members.
In the event that you fail to check in together I would contact an agent and see if they can get you in the same boarding group but it may not be possible.
Pre-Boarding for customers with disabilities Mosaic and Mint customers Even More Space customers (Group A) Courtesy Boarding Group B Group C Group D Group E Group F All remaining customers
How many boarding groups does JetBlue have?
There are a total of nine JetBlue boarding groups.
What boarding group will I get if I have a window seat?
You will often get one of the earlier boarding groups such as Group B or Group C but it also depends on where you are located in the plane (back or front).
What boarding group will I get if I have an aisle seat?
You will often get one of the later boarding groups such as Group D but it also depends on where you are located in the plane (back or front).
Will I get to board with my friends and family?
If you are on the same reservation and you also check-in together you should be able to board together.
When do unaccompanied minors board?
Unaccompanied minors will board during pre-boarding unless they arrive later. In that case, they may be the last to board.
What is the latest I can board the plane?
For domestic flights you can board at least 15 minutes prior to departure and for international flights, you must board at least 20 minutes prior to departure.
Final word
As you can probably tell, the boarding policy and boarding groups for JetBlue are pretty straightforward. They allow for pre-boarding and give priority to premium customers at the front and then board according to where people are situated in the plane.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
JetBlue Mint Guide: Routes, Prices, and What To Expect [2023]
JetBlue Mint might be one of the most underrated premium products in the US.
It’s offered by an airline with a reputation for being a budget carrier but the Mint experience can be far from what you would expect based on that reputation.
In this article, I’ll give you an overview of JetBlue Mint. I’ll explain exactly what the product is, and go in to different things like the routes and prices as well as showing you what to expect when you’re actually flying it!
JetBlue Mint overview
JetBlue Mint is the premium business class/first class product offered by JetBlue. It’s considered by many — including myself — to be one of the top ways to fly lie flat across the country (and now internationally).
So don’t let JetBlue’s reputation as a budget carrier deter you from trying out this product because your expectations might just be exceeded in a major way.
JetBlue Mint is a little bit confusing though because it comes in a few different forms. So to clear up some of the confusion, I’ll talk briefly about each of these below.
The older Mint product
The first Mint product is the older product that was announced back in 2013 and started flying in 2014.
You’ll mostly find this product on the A321 flying transcontinental and medium-haul flights across the US or to nearby international destinations, such as the Caribbean.
There are two versions of this product although you will find both versions on the same aircraft.
How is that?
Basically, the Mint cabin has two different types of seats.
One type is a fully enclosed suite, complete with a door and lots of extra space. Seriously, this seat feels like a throne when you’re sitting in it.
The other seat is a lie-flat seat that is side-by-side with another seat. It’s not a bad seat but it has very limited (practically nonexistent) storage and counter space compared to the suite.
On an A321, you’ll find four fully enclosed suites and 12 seats located side-by-side. So the rows alternate with a 2-2 configuration and a 1-1.
It’s really nice that the 2-2 seats have fully lie-flat seats. However, I would always go for the individual suites because it’s just a more comfortable and private flying experience. Also, you can select those seats for no additional cost (which was something that surprised me).
The newer Mint product
The newer Mint product was released in 2021 and it’s used for premium transcontinental routes, transatlantic routes, and on some routes to Latin America. You’ll find it on both the A321neo and A321LR (Long Range).
This newer Mint product also has a special type of seat called the “Mint Studio.” It’s located at the bulkhead row and has a lot of extra space, large 22″ TV, etc. You can even have a guest come and sit with you on your side seat. But the Mint Studio will cost you a little bit extra ($299).
The A321neo features 16 lie-flat seats, which includes 14 Mint Suites and 2 Mint Studios. You’ll have a lie-flat bed that extends all the way to 6’8” and a 17.1” TV screen. The A321LR is going to offer you an identical seat but the cabin will feature 22 Mint Suites and 2 Mint Studios.
JetBlue Mint video review
JetBlue Mint Pricing
Old JetBlue Mint
We analyzed many routes and found that the average one-way price for JetBlue Mint was $1,548.
If you search around long enough, you can find some for under $800 when flying across the country such as between Miami (MIA) and Los Angeles (LAX).
It is possible that you could find even better deals. For example, there have been deals where the prices are almost comparable to economy prices.
So if you’re flexible with your travels you can always just sit back and wait until you hear news of a JetBlue Mint sale.
New JetBlue Mint
The new JetBlue Mint is obviously going to be a more expensive option because of the locations that it flies between.
The average Mint price from New York (JFK) to London (LGW) was $3,564 and from New York (JFK) to London (LHR) it was $3,640.
If you wanted to fly the new JetBlue Mint on a transcontinental route, the prices are a good deal cheaper.
The average transcontinental route from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) came in at $1,703 and it’s even possible to find these for under $1,000 if you’re lucky.
Just like with the old Mint product, you can find flash deals for the new one. I’ve seen deals for the new JetBlue Mint product going for under $2,000 round-trip between New York and London! So keep your eyes open.
JetBlue Mint Routes
Below is a breakdown of the JetBlue Mint routes as of spring 2023. (We will regularly update these routes but if you ever see spot a need to make a change just let us know!)
You’ll notice that the major hubs are Boston and New York as JetBlue has a strong East Coast presence. With that said, they do serve the West Coast at major airports like LAX and SFO.
In addition, it’s possible to get to places in the Caribbean like St. Lucia (UVF) and St. Maarten (SXM) with Mint.
In terms of the transatlantic routes, JetBlue is starting off with routes to London and Paris and I imagine that they will be expanding to other routes overtime. The routes below include both the old and the new product.
Departing Airport
Arriving Airport
Boston (BOS)
Aruba (AUA)
Las Vegas (LAS)
Los Angeles (LAX)
San Diego (SAN)
San Francisco (SFO)
Seattle (SEA)
Bridgetown (BGI)
Liberia (LIR)
St. Lucia (UVF)
St. Maarten (SXM)
St. Thomas (STT)
London-Gatwick (LGW)
London-Heathrow (LHR)
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
Los Angeles (LAX)
San Francisco (SFO)
Las Vegas (LAS)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Liberia (LIR)
Boston (BOS)
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
Miami (MIA)
New York (JFK)
Newark (EWR)
West Palm Beach (PBI)
Miami (MIA)
Los Angeles (LAX)
New York (JFK)
Aruba (AUA)
Las Vegas (LAS)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Palm Springs (PSP)
San Diego (SAN)
San Francisco (SFO)
Seattle (SEA)
Bridgetown (BGI)
Liberia (LIR)
Paris (CDG)
Grenada (GND)
St. Lucia (UVF)
St. Maarten (SXM)
London-Gatwick (LGW)
London-Heathrow (LHR)
Newark (EWR)
Aruba (AUA)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Palm Springs (PSP)
New York (JFK)
San Diego (SAN)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
San Francisco (SFO)
Boston (BOS)
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
New York (JFK)
Seattle (SEA)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
West Palm Beach (PBI)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Aruba (AUA)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
Newark (EWR)
Bridgetown (BGI)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
Liberia (LIR)
Boston (BOS)
Los Angeles (LAX)
New York (JFK)
Grenada (GND)
New York (JFK)
St. Lucia (UVF)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
St. Maarten (SXM)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
St. Thomas (STT)
Boston (BOS)
Paris (CDG)
New York (JFK)
London-Gatwick (LGW)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
London-Heathrow (LHR)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
JetBlue Mint experience
Below, I’ll give you an idea of what the JetBlue Mint experience is like.
I’ll focus on the older Mint product since I have not personally experienced the new one yet. But as soon as I do, I’ll be sure to update this section!
Check-in and baggage allowance
Whenever you arrive at the airport, you will have your own dedicated check-in desk. This should help you avoid longer lines if you need to check a bag or work out some other type of issue.
This line is also available for Mosaic members, which are the JetBlue elite members.
It’s one of the easier premium check-in experiences because unlike some airlines that have multiple lines for different elite members, there’s just one place to go for all elites/premium flyers.
Anyway, if you’re checking bags you’ll be allowed two checked bags of up to 70 pounds each, which is the standard for premium seats in the US. Of course, you also get to bring your carry-on and one personal item with you.
Priority security
With Mint, you can also sometimes take advantage of priority security which could help you get to the security checkpoint quicker. However, when flying first or business class in the US, I just rely on CLEAR and TSA Pre-Check.
Lounge access for Mint?
Unfortunately, JetBlue does not have a lounge network like the legacy carriers do.
Personally, I feel like at some point JetBlue is going to enter the lounge game, especially now that they are serving transatlantic flights. And that’s just not me speculating — there is some evidence that they have plans in the works.
I think JetBlue will be able to deliver a lounge product or airport dining experience at a really high level, although balancing their low costs with the expenses of a high quality lounge may not be so easy. We’ll see how it plays out.s
Boarding
During boarding for your JetBlue flight, you will be the first to board right after pre-boarding. There should be a priority line for Mint and Mosaic members and that is where you will line up.
Just be aware that sometimes JetBlue may be using a boarding area of a different airline, such as British Airways, so your boarding signs may look a little different. You’ll still get priority though.
Your seat or suite
Depending on the type of seat you were able to choose, you will either be in a 2-2 or 1-1 configuration.
If you are in a 2-2 seat you will have less extra space but will still have a fully lie flat seat. If you are in the window seat, then you will have to hop over the person next to you to get aisle access.
As you can tell from the photos below, there is limited space between you and the other passenger so it could get a little bit awkward but the middle divider does provide some level of privacy.
However, if you have selected one of the amazing suites then you will have tons of extra space including extra compartments for storage and counter space. It’s actually a great workstation with three power outlets in addition to USB ports.
With one quick push of a button, you can close the suite door and have a much more private flying experience.
If you want to get extra comfortable, you can play around with the inflatable seat cushions which can provide you with enhanced lumbar support. They also have a massage function which works pretty well. All of these can be controlled from a small panel located on your armrest which I found to be pretty responsive and easy to use.
While the 15″ screens on JetBlue Mint were in need of updating (mostly for just lacking high definition and responsiveness on the touchscreen), the Master & Dynamic headphones issued were high-quality and did a solid job of canceling out the background noise. Just make sure that you request them if you need them because they won’t be waiting for you at your seat like some other airlines.
Another area where JetBlue does not skimp is the bedding. I think the Tuft & Needle pillow they issued me was one of the best I’ve ever been given in business class!
Service
One thing that surprised me on my recent JetBlue Mint flight was the service.
I have not flown a lot of Mint flights so I don’t know if the service is always that great, but on my flight from MIA to LAX, I experienced some of the best service I’ve ever had on a flight.
And that’s coming from someone who has flown on most of the top of international first class products, including Singapore, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad, etc.
The main crewmember had anticipatory service down to perfection and was extremely professional and personable. I honestly could not have asked for a better flight attendant and that was something that really surprised me!
Dining and drinks
Another thing that was a pleasant surprise was the dining.
Pre-departure beverages will come out promptly during boarding and we even received multiple refills while waiting for the cabin to complete boarding.
If you’re a drinker you can go for one of the complementary alcoholic beverages known as the “Mint Condition” which consists of Bombay Sapphire gin or Tito’s handmade vodka, ginger, lime, cucumber, mint. (They also have a non-alcoholic version of this special beverage.)
As for the dining, back in 2020 JetBlue partnered with Delicious Hospitality Group to deliver their catering. So you’re going to receive quality dining from the same people who have brought you highly rated NYC restaurants like Legacy Records, Charlie Bird, and Pasquale Jones.
In the morning flight out of Miami, I enjoyed a pretty amazing Charlie Bird breakfast with avocado toast, crêpes, and delicious maple bacon. Compared to the breakfasts that I have had flying first class on American, Delta, and United, this was easily the best.
I’ve heard mostly good things about the dining on other JetBlue Mint flights so I think that you can count on a quality meal when you fly JetBlue Mint.
JetBlue likes to keep things fresh so they are constantly changing up the menu every couple of months. If you want to check out the menus you can do so here.
Amenity kits
Another way that JetBlue surprised us is that they issued us two separate amenity kits.
The first amenity kit had items like an eye mask, earplugs, toothpaste tablets, and toothbrush, while the second Wanderfuel amenity kit had various items like pain cream, moisturizing eye gels socks, lozenges, and lip balm.
I appreciated all the unique freebies and also liked how they utilized sustainable packaging as sometimes amenity kits feel very wasteful to me.
Wifi
You’ll be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi on your flight.
I found the Wi-Fi to be easy to connect to and relatively fast which allowed me to get work done and be pretty productive. The fact that the Wi-Fi is free and reliable is a major plus for Mint in my book.
Lavatory
I know a lot of people don’t pay too much mind to the lavatory but if you’ve ever had to go quite often on the plane, it helps to know what to expect. There is a lavatory at the front of the cabin and one just behind.
But what’s great is that there are two lights at the front of the cabin that will tell you which ones are open so you can easily get up and go when you need to and not play a guessing game.
Priority luggage
It’s not uncommon when flying first class to be offered priority luggage.
This means that your bag will be among the first to hop off the plane and it will cut down on your waiting time (and potentially stress and worry about the location of your bag).
The problem with this is that a lot of times the priority luggage tag basically means nothing. I understand that sometimes things happen and you can’t always count on it to work the way it is supposed to. But with some airlines, it’s like that tag is essentially meaningless 90% of the time.
However, on my first experience with JetBlue our bag was the second one to come out which was very impressive. Obviously, there was a little bit of luck that went into it but it was great to see the priority luggage perk actually mean something.
Final word
Overall, I can’t say enough great things about JetBlue Mint. It’s an amazing feeling whenever your expectations are exceeded in a major way and that was the case when I flew JetBlue Mint.
I can’t recommend the experience enough so if you have been on the fence about booking your first flight with JetBlue Mint, I’d highly recommend that you give them a shot!
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
JetBlue Mint A321 Review (MIA-LAX) [2023]
For quite a while, I heard so many good things about JetBlue Mint that I was highly curious about the product. I envisioned it being a relatively solid experience but the flying experience turned out to far exceed even my best expectations.
In this article, I will review my recent flight from MIA to LAX on the JetBlue A321 Classic with Mint and explain just how this flight blew me away!
JetBlue Mint A321 Video Review
If you are a video person, be sure to check out the entire video review I did for this flight here:
Booking
Like some other premium products, prices can fluctuate by a lot for JetBlue Mint.
If you’re flexible with redeye flights or early morning flights, you may be able to find the good deals easier.
In this case, the price for the 7 AM nonstop flight was about half the price of the other nonstop time and so we only had to pay around $730 per seat which I thought was great value, especially while earning 5X with the Platinum Card!
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
Check-in
We arrived to a pretty empty MIA around 4:30 AM for check-in and made our way to the exclusive JetBlue check in desk for Mint and Mosaic members.
The agent working at the desk was clearly not in the best mood.
I sympathize with her because it was so freaking early but at the same time when you are the first point of contact with Mint/elite customers you have to do a little better than early morning stank eye.
After checking a bag, we made our way to security where we breezed through thanks to CLEAR and Pre-Check.
The CLEAR staff was very friendly and professional which unfortunately I’ve found to be decreasingly common over the past few years.
After screening, it was time to take a very short tram ride over to our gate which only took a couple of minutes.
We did have the option to spend a little bit of time at a Priority Pass lounge (Turkish) but, it just did not really seem worth it. Plus, I was trying to save my appetite for the flight.
Boarding
After we made our way over to the gate, I realized that we would not be boarding in a typical JetBlue boarding area.
Instead, we had to go downstairs and board at a British Airways gate. It took me back to the days of living in the UK but was a little bit odd.
For the most part, boarding went pretty smooth. A couple of potential line cutters were turned away, including one who tried to swoop under the stanchion belt.
I don’t know what it is about boarding a plane that makes some people act a fool but it’s one of the weirdest things.
JetBlue A321 Classic with Mint cabin
The cabin has a total of 16 Mint seats but they are not all the same, as the cabin has a unique configuration.
The rows alternate with odd rows having two side-by-side seats and even rows featuring a fully enclosed single suite.
The side-by-side seats are more of your typical domestic first class product although they still have the lie-flat feature.
From the bookings that I have done, there was no additional cost to select the fully enclosed single suite, so it was just a matter of booking early and selecting that seat. I highly recommend going with that suite since you have the optimal level of privacy and extra room.
JetBlue A321 Classic Mint suite
As soon as I finally saw the Mint suite, 2A, with my own eyes, I could tell that I was going to really like the seat.
One of the first things I look for in a business class seat is what type of counter space and storage it offers. This suite clearly had a lot of counter space and it also had ample storage space
The main counter area featured two power outlets (with two USB ports) so it’s a great laptop station.
The other side of the seat had a reading lamp, additional storage pouches, and one more outlet.
There’s also a really deep compartment that opens up that could fit things like amenity kits, headphone cases, and more.
Then you also have a couple of storage pouches in the front including one directly below the TV monitor and one further down. So you’re definitely covered with the storage space!
Overall, I found the seat to be very comfortable and just a great way to fly transcontinental.
With its central design, it very much has a “throne” type of feel to it, which is only amplified by the fact that only four seats are comparable within the Mint cabin. In other words, it gives you more of a first class feel while surrounded by business class.
And obviously with a seat like this legroom is not an issue. It’s also nice that they have a floor ramp that gives your legs a place to rest in the upright position.
As for privacy, it’s great even whenever the suite door is open.
To close the door on your seat, there is a little latch button you pull and that slides out the door. Sometimes the door will slide all the way closed but other times I had to give it a little bit of a push. With the door closed, it’s obviously a lot more private although you don’t have the tallest suite walls.
Unlike the headphones that I had just received on my American Airlines business class flight, that were extremely worn and even a bit of tattered, these felt very fresh.
I really loved the design and high quality feel of the headphones and the sound was great.
One thing that was a nice touch is that when JetBlue requested for us to return the headphones about 15 to 20 minutes before landing, they offered to supply us with ear buds so we could finish anything we were watching.
The flight would offer us two amenity kits: one pre-flight and one that we would receive just before landing.
The pre-flight Tuft and Needle amenity kit came in recyclable packaging and included toothpaste tablets, a toothbrush, earplugs, and an eye mask.
Tuft and Needle amenity kit
Now, let’s talk about the only true complaint I had. And that would be the in-flight entertainment.
I thought the screen was just dated. It was reasonably sized but with lower picture quality and the responsiveness of the touchscreen was severely lacking.
An IFE remote comes out from the side so you can use that to navigate but overall the IFE just has an “old school” feel to it.
But now let’s get back to the good stuff.
One thing I really liked was getting pre-departure beverages. Not just that, but I received multiple refills while we were boarding without even having to ask.
That was the first sign that service was going to be on point, but it was going to be a lot better than I ever anticipated!
Eventually, it was time for an on-time departure and we took off around sunrise, offering amazing views of Miami.
Dining (breakfast)
With such an early flight and no real time for enjoying lounge access, I was holding my appetite for the flight and I’m glad that I did because breakfast was exceptional.
Basically, for breakfast you can choose 3 of 5 options which included: strawberries, chia pudding, avocado toast, crepes, and frittata. You could also add on some bacon. Here’s a look at the menu:
It started with a large, flaky croissant.
Lots of airlines give you croissants that are mediocre or feel sort of like an afterthought but this one was clearly a prized croissant. Delicious!
After the croissant came out some heavy turbulence started. We would have some pretty noticeable turbulence throughout the flight, which made the service that much more impressive.
Anyway, after the turbulence break, I was able to pop out my tray table which can easily be done by pulling a small tab.
Then the full breakfast was served.
Initially, the bacon seemed like a bit much as this maple bacon was pretty heavy and thick and not the typical bacon I go with. But I decided to give it a shot and indulge and it was worth it.
When the avocado toast first came out, I didn’t even recognize it, as it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
But it turned out to be one of the best breakfast dishes I’ve probably ever had. The tomatillo sauce added a twang on the avocado that really set off the flavor.
The crepes, loaded with hazelnuts, ricotta, and praline sauce were on point and made even better with juicy strawberries.
In the drink department, Brad was served up the signature “Mint Condition,” which was mixed and poured at his seat. He had high remarks for the cocktail along with other drinks he tried like the Bloody Mary.
Here’s a link at the drink menu:
By the way, this breakfast absolutely blew the American Airlines breakfast I just had out of the water. It was a night and day difference.
About midway through the flight, I was offered a cheese plate which I definitely did not need but still accepted, mostly out of curiosity. Nothing but good things to say about that.
I found the seat controls to be pretty straightforward. It’s very easy to go from the upright position, to recline, to fully lie-flat with just one button. I enjoyed using the massage feature and thought the floor light was a pretty cool addition.
The lumbar support function took a little while to get going but seemed to work fine for me after some trial and error. Brad on the other hand had some issues which led to us both receiving a $200 flight credit (without even asking for anything)!
That was just another reason why the service was tremendous on the flight.
Now for the sleeping experience.
I didn’t really have any intention of getting shut eye on this flight so I only made the bed to briefly test it out.
I forgot to deflate the lumbar support which made it a bit uncomfortable but I think had I deflated that it would’ve been a lot better.
I really did love the pillow which was one of the most comfortable pillows I’ve been given by an airline.
One thing about this bed is that it’s great for tall people as the foot well is extremely deep. I felt like I just kept sliding sliding underneath the seat in front of me!
I found the in-flight wifi very easy to use. I loved that it was free and it gave me a reliable connection throughout the flight.
Another feature that I really loved about the cabin is the lavatory lighting system upfront. You can instantly see which lavatories are occupied so that there is no confusion when getting up to go.
I was surprised to be issued a second amenity kit towards the end of the flight.
This one had pretty much everything I needed including honey lozenges, pain cream, and lip balm, along with socks. It also came with rejuvenating eye gels.
As an aside, I really appreciated the recyclable amenity bags. Especially on trips where we do a lot of long-haul flights back to back, I start to really notice the waste that goes into amenity kits.
While premium bags are cool, I wouldn’t mind if more airlines made the switch to more sustainable packaging.
As we approached LAX, the cabin lit up with natural light and I was able to get a better well lit view of the suite. The more I looked at it, the more I really appreciated the design.
Record amounts of snowfall had been hitting California and it was impressive to see so much of the landscape covered in snow.
It was also just a beautiful day in Los Angeles.
When we landed our bag was the second bag to come out. So many times priority luggage bag tags don’t mean anything so it was a nice surprise to see our bag come out so quickly. Pretty much the cherry on top of what was an amazing flight.
Service levels
While I loved the breakfast and seat, the biggest thing that stood out on the flight was the level of service. The main flight attendant provided a level of attentiveness that is really hard to achieve.
He anticipated all of our needs throughout the entire flight, yet it never felt like he was over doing it which can happen with some overeager flight attendants.
He was world-class professional, committed to getting things right the first time, and patient with every passenger, including the passengers in front of us who tried to sneak in an economy passenger!
I’ve flown on most of the top first class products out there and the service level on this flight was right on par with some of the best. It was impressive to witness and it really changed the way that I view JetBlue.
Final word
This flight could not have come at a better time.
After a very mediocre AA flight, I was seriously questioning my passion for long-haul flying. It had been so long since my last long-haul flight and I was surprised how meh the entire experience felt. It seriously made me wonder if I just didn’t have the love for flying anymore.
But then this flight came along and woke me up. It reminded me that flying is still something that I love and it also reminded me how much of a difference great service can make on a flight. I was officially out of my little flying slump!
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
JetBlue Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide (Forms & Fees) [2023]
The JetBlue unaccompanied minor policy is pretty standard but there are some importance differences compared to some of the major airlines like Delta, American, etc. So you’ll definitely want to read this article and find out about those.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the unaccompanied minor policy for JetBlue including things like fees, forms, and all the rules. I’ll also walk you through the entire experience so you’ll know what to expect and then finally offer some tips to make your experience as smooth as possible.
What is the JetBlue unaccompanied minor policy?
JetBlue requires children ages five through thirteen traveling without an accompanying passenger aged 14 or older to travel as unaccompanied minors (UMs).
This age limit is the same as other airlines like Delta, though it differs from Southwest. I’ll get into all of the specific details you need to know below.
What are the JetBlue unaccompanied minor fees?
The JetBlue unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 each way for both domestic and international flights. This can be booked and paid online when making a reservation on jetblue.com. $150 is not as cheap as Southwest (which is only $50) but it is on par with the legacy carriers (which charge $150).
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JetBlue unaccompanied minor rules
Age requirements
As stated, you must pay the unaccompanied minor fee for children traveling alone between the ages of five and 13. A child who has already reached their 14th birthday and is traveling alone is not considered an unaccompanied minor. But that doesn’t mean that your minor still can’t get special assistance. If you would like to request special assistance for your minor, you can call: 1-800-JETBLUE.
If a minor has already turned 14 by the date of the flight, that minor may accompany another minor between the ages of 2 and 13 and the younger minor may be escorted without the unaccompanied minor status.
Unaccompanied minors may not travel with an infant between the ages of three days and two years or a child between the ages of 2 and 4 years.
Nonstop flights
JetBlue only allows unaccompanied minors on nonstop flights. There are no exceptions, so you cannot book connecting flights. Also, unlike Southwest, JetBlue does not allow unaccompanied minors on direct flights (flight that makes a stop but do not change aircraft). So JetBlue is one of the least friendly when it comes to booking connections for unaccompanied minors.
JetBlue also does not provide any escort for unaccompanied minors to flights connecting with other airlines.
Limit of three unaccompanied minors
JetBlue limits the number of unaccompanied minors booked on each flight to a total of three. Thus, the maximum number of unaccompanied minors that you could send out would be three.
Seating
Unaccompanied minors will always be seated in seats “ABC” on the last row of the aircraft. This is different from other airlines that don’t alway have a specific spot on the plane where children will sit. Due to the proximity to the lavatory (which is located in the back of the plane) this is a perfect place for younger kids to sit to prevent accidents.
How to book a JetBlue unaccompanied minor reservation
When you attempt to proceed to book a flight on JetBlue.com for a child with no adult you will see the following pop-up screen, notifying you of all of the unaccompanied minor requirements.
As you proceed through the booking, you will then see the unaccompanied minor fee added in to your total.
JetBlue unaccompanied minor form (PDF)
Here is the JetBlue unaccompanied minor form. As you can see, you’ll need the information for the parent/guardian dropping off the child as well as the parent/guardian picking up the child. Be sure to enter the name as it appears on the photo ID of the person dropping off and picking up the child.
JetBlue requires you to fill out and print three copies of this form when you arrive at the airport.
I would be sure to review the fine print in the disclaimer at the bottom of the form just so you know what you could potentially be held liable for.
I authorize JetBlue to take whatever actions its employees and agents consider appropriate to ensure the Child safe custody, up to and including returning the Child to the airport of departure. I also agree to indemnify and hold harmless JetBlue from and against all claims resulting from taking such action and to reimburse JetBlue for any reasonable costs incurred therefrom. I confirm that the Child has all necessary travel documents, as well as sufficient funds to pay any immigration/transit fees or taxes, required by the applicable laws of each country to which the Child is traveling
Also, while you can list medication conditions and allergies, ” JetBlue crewmembers do not administer any medication.”
Dropping off at the airport
Give yourself plenty of time
One mistake that many people make when dealing with unaccompanied minors is that they don’t plan properly and fail to allocate sufficient time to make it through the airport. When you’re dealing with an unaccompanied minor, you’re going to need to find time to:
So be sure to arrive earlier than you usually would if it were just a normal flight. Your goal will be to arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes prior to the flight’s scheduled departure time.
At the time of check-in the adult with the unaccompanied minor must provide the following documents:
Photo ID (License, passport etc.)
Contact phone number and address
The name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at the destination
Note that if you are given a gate pass, it is still TSA’s decision as to whether a young child may pass through security with the adult, so it’s not 100% guaranteed. Also, not all airports issue gate passes, especially when trying to get one for an international arrival. Check the unaccompanied minor section under the specific airport the unaccompanied minor is traveling from to determine if a gate pass may be issued.
International routes
For some international destinations, you’ll need to provide additional documentation for the minor when departing. For example, you might be required to submit a notarized letter that spells out specific information like:
Parent’s names
Child’s Name
Name of anyone traveling with the child
Notarized signature of the absent parent (s)
Travel Dates
Destinations
Airline
Brief summary of reason for traveling
Or you might need to supply a copy of their birth certificate and a copy of their parent’s or legal guardian’s ID. Thus, it’s a good idea to contact the nearest embassy or consulate to get the latest info on these special requirements. You can also click here to see requirements for many of these countries.
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Must be accompanied until the plane departs
A parent or guardian must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air. This is a key thing to remember because many people assume that they don’t need to stick around after escorting the minor to the gate which is a big mistake.
The reason you need to stick around is that the plane could come back to the gate even after it has left the gate and the airlines want to make sure that someone will be around to look after the minor in that scenario.
After the plane has departed be sure to call the parent/guardian picking up the child to let them know that the flight has departed.
In the air
A JetBlue flight attendant will keep tabs on the child during the flight but they do not continuously monitor them (they aren’t babysitters). Therefore, you want to make sure that your child is okay with being left along for a little before deciding to to let them fly alone.
The goods news is that JetBlue has in-flight entertainment which should keep them busy, though I would recommend to give them a small back pack with toys, a tablet, etc., which will help occupy your child. Note:JetBlue accepts no responsibility for the content viewed by your child.
Snacks are always a good thing, too, though JetBlue does provide in-flight food (for a cost).
Pick-up
The person picking up the minor will need to check in at the JetBlue ticket counter to obtain an escort pass so they can get through security. This person must be at least 18 and they must show a valid, government-issued ID.
JetBlue states that parents and guardians picking up an unaccompanied minor should arrive at the gate 30 minutes prior to scheduled arrival but I would recommend 45 minutes to be on the safe side.
Many times planes can arrive very early which is why they want you to arrive so early. The parent or guardian will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of pick up.
JetBlue will not release an Unaccompanied Minor to anyone other than the designated parent or guardian listed on the form. If something unexpected comes up and that guardian can’t make it to the pick-up, you need to call JetBlue ASAP to modify the form.
JetBlue unaccompanied minor FAQ
What is the JetBlue unaccompanied minor age requirement?
Children ages five through 13 must travel with a passenger aged 14 years or older or they will have to travel as an unaccompanied minor.
How much is the JetBlue unaccompanied minor fee?
The unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 each way.
How can I avoid the fees?
You can avoid the unaccompanied minor fees by using a credit card with an airline credit such as the Amex Platinum Card.
Can an unaccompanied minor fly on connecting flights?
JetBlue does not allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.
Where does an unaccompanied minor sit?
Unaccompanied minors are always seated in the last row of the aircraft.
Can I book an unaccompanied minor online?
Yes, you can book a flight for an unaccompanied minor on JetBlue by going through the online booking process.
Do I need to arrive early at the airport?
It’s generally a good idea to arrive at the airport about 30 minutes early when dropping off an unaccompanied minor.
This will give you plenty of time to obtain your escort pass and make your way to the gate after getting through security.
Do unaccompanied minors get to board early?
Yes, unaccompanied minors get to board with pre-boarding.
Can unaccompanied minors fly on international routes?
Yes, unaccompanied minors may fly on international routes but they may need to submit additional documentation.
Final word
Overall, the JetBlue unaccompanied minor policy is pretty straightforward. It has very similar age requirements compared to other airlines and the unaccompanied minor fees are in the middle of the pack. I like that they have three designated seats in the back of the plane (near the lavatory) but they do impose strict rules on connections so that’s a bit of a bummer.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
JetBlue Airways is one of my favorite domestic airlines with a solid product in both economy and business. Probably the best transcontinental business class experience you can get. However, JetBlue does charge for bags on their cheapest fare and it does add up.
In this article, I’ll discuss the specific baggage fees for carry-ons, checked bags, and international flights and show you some ways to avoid these fees. I’ll also talk about special circumstances such as overweight baggage, pet policies, and military privileges.
JetBlue allows one free personal item on all fares and one free carry-on luggage (except Blue Basic) but charges flat checked baggage fees depending on how many pieces of luggage you want to be checked.
Bags bought on or before January 15, 2020, will have slightly cheaper checked baggage fees than bags bought on or after January 16, 2020. I will go into detail below.
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How can I avoid the baggage fees?
There are a few different ways that you can avoid baggage fees with JetBlue.
JetBlue Mosaic
JetBlue’s one tier loyalty program is called Mosaic which is very straightforward compared to other loyalty programs. To obtain Mosaic status, you need to achieve one of the following bullets below:
15,000 flight points
30 segments and 12,000 flight points
Spend $50,000 on the Barclay JetBlue Plus Card
Mosaic members receive 2 free checked bags on any JetBlue flight and many other benefits like expedited security, early boarding, and complimentary alcoholic beverages onboard. You can read more about Mosaic status here.
Fare options
Blue Basic, Blue, Blue Plus,Blue Extra, and Mint are the different fares JetBlue allows you to choose from while booking. The difference between these fares are the fees, expedited security, and seat. Blue Basic and Blue fare, JetBlue’s cheapest fares, come with no checked bags. For Blue Plus and Mint it goes as follows:
Blue Plus: 1 free checked bag
BlueFlex: 2 free checked bags (fare not being sold anymore)
Mint: 2 free checked bags
Each fare is priced differently on each route and changes every day depending on the seats left for that fare on that route and on that day.
Blue Plus fares are normally $27 more than Blue fares, but there is a major downside, JetBlue got rid of Blue Plus from many of its routes.
Credit Cards
You can utilize certain credit cards to receive a free checked bag, reduce, or eliminate your baggage fees on JetBlue
JetBlue Plus Card
The JetBlue Plus Card is a decent credit card that gives you 1 checked bag, $100 credit after purchasing a vacation package, 50% off on in-flight purchases, spend $50,000 get Mosaic status, and 10% points rebate. It does have a $95 annual fee, but it is a good airline card if you’re a Jetblue loyalist.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the hottest travel rewards credit cards. It earns 3X the points on dining and travel and comes with a host of valuable benefits. One of these perks is a $300 travel credit that can be used on anything that codes as travel, including your baggage fees.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
One of my favorite cards to use to cover miscellaneous travel purchases is the Capital One Venture card. It earns 2% cash back on all purchases toward travel, and the points can be used to cover virtually any travel purchase.
JetBlue Airlines personal item and carry-on restrictions
Each passenger can bring onboard one personal item and one carry-on bag.
Personal item
Each passenger can bring one personal item onboard and can be anything that is able to go under the seat in front of you. Personal items must not exceed:
17″ Length (43.2 cm)
13″ Width (33 cm)
8″ Height (20.32 cm)
JetBlue gate agents are lenient, so as long as it looks like it will fit under the seat, they will let it go. Some examples of personal items would be a briefcase, purse, laptop, and small backpack
Carry-on
Each passenger can bring one carry-on onboard. The carry-on must not exceed:
22″ Length (55.88 cm)
14″ Width (35.56 cm)
9″ Height (22.86 cm)
Again, JetBlue gate agents are lenient. They never check how big your suitcase it, sometimes I have seen people bring on huge bags that have to be shoved in the overhead bins.
Liquids
The same TSA standards apply to JetBlue flights as it does to any other US flight. You can review a list provided by the TSA of permitted and prohibited items which may be included in carry-on baggage including the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
JetBlue Airlines checked baggage fees
The prices below are for one-way flights, not roundtrip, and must not exceed 62″ (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions or exceed 50 pounds (22.68 kg). The fees below apply to checked bags added at the airport or within 24 hours of departure.
Tickets booked on or after 1/16/2020:
1st checked bag: $35
2nd checked bag: $45
3rd+ checked bag: $150
Tickets booked booked on or before 1/15/20:
1st checked bag: $30
2nd checked bag: $40
3rd+ checked bag: $150
If you wish to add a bag to your reservation 24 hours or less prior to departure, then it will cost you an extra $5. So, if you want to check a bag at the airport, it will cost you $40 for your 1st bag and $50 for your 2nd bag.
It is sad that JetBlue keep raising its fees faster than any other airline. That is why JetBlue has two different prices for tickets bought before or after a certain date. When you compare to other airlines, JetBue is being more pricey for baggage.
Checked bags must not exceed 62″ (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions or exceed 50 pounds (22.68 kg), otherwise, there will be a fee.
Do note boxes aren’t accepted as checked baggage on international flights, except for flights to/from Cuba.
JetBlue Airlines baggage fees for international flights
JetBlue charges the same baggage fees as any domestic flight. JetBlue makes it simple for baggage fees, unlike other US carriers that have fees that vary between different international destinations.
The prices below are for one-way flights, not roundtrip, and must not exceed 62″ (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions or exceed 50 pounds (22.68 kg)
Tickets booked on or after 1/16/2020:
1st checked bag: $65
2nd checked bag: $105
3rd+ checked bag: $200
Tickets booked booked on or before 1/15/20:
1st checked bag: $30
2nd checked bag: $40
3rd+ checked bag: $150
Do note: Dominican Republic, Haiti, Peru, and Trinidad & Tobago have certain requirements for checked luggage. It’s best to refer to their webpage about international travel for the most accurate information.
JetBlue Airlines excess checked baggage fee
Overweight bags and/or bags that exceed the dimensions will receive an extra fee:
Bags that weigh 51 lbs (23.13 kg) to 99 lbs (44.91 kg), the fee will be $150 per bag.
Bags that exceed dimensions of 63″ in (160 cm) to 80 in (203.3 cm)(including wheels and handles), the fee will be $150 per bag.
When can I check-in bags for JetBlue Airlines?
You can check-in as early as 6 hours prior to the scheduled departure (depending on your departure city). For airports that only serve one JetBlue flight a day, the check-in counters typically only open up 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure.
Bags must be checked in at least 40 minutes prior to the scheduled departure on domestic flights. For international flights, bags must be checked in at least 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
Can I travel with smart luggage (smart bags) on JetBlue?
You are allowed to travel with smart bags on JetBlue but you must have the lithium battery removed from the bag and the battery carried in the cabin.
The bag (without the battery) can be transported as a carry-on or checked bag.
JetBlue Airlines military baggage fees
If you’re active duty in the US military, your bags can fly for free in the following circumstances:
Active duty traveling for leisure: 2 bags free
Active duty traveling for duty: 5 bags free
Any dependents on the same PNR (passenger name record) as the active duty passenger will receive the same baggage waivers.
For leisure travel, you will be required to show DoD Common Access Card at the check-in counter to have the baggage fees waived. While traveling on orders, you must show both DoD CAC and travel orders at the check-in counter.
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Sports equipment and special items on Jetblue flights
Some equipment and items they allow are as follows:
Bicycles
Baseball
Bowling
Surfing
Drones
Fishing
Golfing
Scuba
Skateboards
Skis/Snowboards
Kitesurfing
Windsurfing
and otherequipment
JetBlue Airlines pet policy
Pets can travel on JetBlue for $125 each way. JetBlue recommends paying in advance at booking or calling 1-800-538-2583. You can also pay at the “Full Service” check-in counter and add your pet to the flight, but there is a limited amount of pets on each flight.
Pet carriers count towards one carry-on bag. Pet carriers cannot exceed 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H and a total weight of 20 lbs with the pet carrier. You must have ID tags, pet license, approved pet carrier, and vaccinations with documentation.
At the airport, check-in your pet at the “Full Service” counter. At security remove your pet and carry or walk it while the pet carrier is x-rayed. While onboard your pet must stay inside the carrier.
Pets can not travel to Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia, Cayman Islands, and Trinidad and Tobago. Pets aren’t allowed on interline flights, which are partner airlines.
When you travel with your pet, you will earn 300 TrueBlue points on each segment.
What if my bags are lost or damaged?
If your bags are lost or damaged make sure you report it to JetBlue. It is imperative to make the claim in person, but you can still contact JetBlue after leaving the airport within 4 hours of landing.
You can either go to baggage services at the airport or call the Customer Baggage Assistance center at 1-866-538-5438.
What if I lost an item on JetBlue?
You can contact JetBlue lost and found by filling out their online form here, but it is best to find a crewmember at the airport before leaving and reporting the lost item to the JetBlue crewmember.
Final word
JetBlue does provide free amenities like good wifi, lots of legroom, and limited seatback entertainment, they have to charge somewhere, and it’s with checked bags. Luckily loyal JetBlue Mosaics and JetBlue Plus Card holders can have bags fly for free. However, Jetblue is just like any US airline, and bags don’t fly free.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
Is JetBlue Airways Safe? [2022]
Based out of New York, JetBlue is one of the most popular airlines in the US. They are a low-cost carrier but still offer premium experiences with great in-flight entertainment and very competitive business class products.
But how do they compare on the safety side of things?
In this article, I’ll break down all of the different safety concerns you might have over JetBlue and give you an idea of how they rank compared to other airlines.
Is JetBlue Airways Safe?
Yes, JetBlue Airways is certified by the FAA and generally a safe airline to fly on.
However, there are multiple factors to consider when deciding how “safe” an airline actually is. Below, I’ll go over some of these factors including the statistics for fatal crashes, fleet overview, and pilot certification.
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As you can tell, fatal accidents on aircraft are very rare and many years nonexistent. So if you want to get an idea of how safe an airline is, it makes sense to look to other data such as the type of fleet that they operate.
Did you know? The original name of JetBlue was going to be “Taxi” complete with a yellow livery to associate the airline with New York. However, this branding strategy was scrapped after JP Morgan allegedly threatened to pull its funding unless the name was changed.
JetBlue’s Fleet
Here’s an overview of JetBlue’s fleet as of October 2021:
Airbus A220-300: 8
Airbus A320-200: 130
Airbus A321-200: 63
Airbus A321LR: 3
Airbus A321neo: 18
Airbus A321XLR: — 13 TBA Deliveries scheduled to begin in 2023
Embraer 190: 60
The most common aircraft you will find with JetBlue is the Airbus A320-200 and theAirbus A321-200.
There have been fairly recent crashes with the A320 though.
There was the December 2014 AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crash, which killed 162 people.
Bad weather was a major factor but an official report found that “fault in the plane’s rudder control system, along with crew action, contributed to the crash.”
There was also the fatal Airbus A320 crash on Germanwings Flight 9525 but that crash was caused by a suicidal co-pilot.
So while you can find some fairly recent accidents associated with the A320, the general consensus is that it is among the safest aircraft. I certainly would not worry about flying in an A320.
JetBlue Airways Embraer 190 N228JB. Photo by Matt Hintsa.
Pilot qualifications and pay
Some of the requirements to become a JetBlue Airways pilot reportedly include:
1,500 hours total time in airplanes
500 hours in fixed wing airplanes
Recency of flight experience will be considered
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification
Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Ability to obtain a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Radio License
Valid Passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States
Three reference letters from pilots who can personally attest to the candidate’s flying skills (must bring originals to interview)
High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma
That sounds pretty good but according to Epic Flight Academy it’s behind all of the following airlines :
Air Canada
American Airlines
Delta Airlines
Hawaiian airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
The good news is that the pay for captains is above airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit by a good margin.
JetBlue did have a bizarre incident with a pilot in 2012 on JetBlue Flight 191.
On that flight, one of the pilots suffered a mental breakdown and started on a diatribe about terrorism, 9/11, and hinted about the plane crashing.
Luckily, the co-pilot was able to trick him into leaving the cockpit and then locked him out, allowing passengers to subdue him.
The plane ultimately landed without any injuries but it must’ve been a pretty frightening ride for the passengers.
On-time stats
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), in 2020 JetBlue ranked in the middle to lower of the pack for on-time arrival percentage among major US carriers.
Middle to lower of the pack does not sound too impressive but they are just below United and American.
More recent data from 2021 shows that JetBlue landed in the bottom three for US carriers on time percentage:
JetBlue operates out of the Northeast heavily so they have to contend with harsh winter weather which could be a reason why they are not highly ranked for being on time.
But still, if you put a high priority on arriving on time, JetBlue may prove to disappoint you more than other airlines.
Cancellations
JetBlue recently ranked as one of the worst airlines for cancellations.
In July 2021, BTS data shows the highest marketing carrier rates of canceled flights:
This finding is significant because if you want to blame JetBlue’s issues on winter weather that obviously is not a valid excuse in July.
The good news is that if you look at cancellations in the first half of 2021, JetBlue didn’t do that bad, coming in ahead of Frontier, Alaska, American, and United.
Complaints and fines
Usually, when researching complaints and fines it’s not hard to find a multitude of FAA fines and passenger complaints. But for JetBlue, there were not a lot of complaints that stuck out.
In fact, it seems that JetBlue is one of the airlines that receives a lower level of complaints.
Coronavirus safety
JetBlue has a strong focus on disinfecting their planes.
They use Sani-Cide EX3, a hospital-grade disinfectant effective against COVID-19. They’ve also put extra effort into disinfecting the common surfaces in the airport terminals like the kiosks and counters.
Like other airlines, JetBlue takes care of the air in the aircraft with high-quality filters.
All of their planes are equipped with hospital-grade HEPA air filters, which are said to remove 99.97% or more of particles, bacteria and viruses.
In addition to that, all of the air inside of the cabin is completely changed approximately every three minutes and is made up of roughly 50% fresh air and 50% HEPA filtered air. Read more about their practices here.
Why do people fly JetBlue?
People fly JetBlue for a few main reasons.
JetBlue has some of the best in-flight entertainment available.
They are known for offering a seatback television screen on every seat which is something that most airlines cannot offer.
For example, one of their competitors Southwest doesn’t even offer screens on any aircraft.
JetBlue also has an amazing business class product (Mint) that is arguably the best way to fly around the US.
In addition to those two reasons, JetBlue also offers competitive fares since they are a low-cost carrier.
They are also a travel partner with several of the major banks which makes it really easy to transfer frequent flyer points over to them.
Final word
Overall, JetBlue has a solid record in terms of safety of its prior flights and the type of fleet that it utilizes.
They are not necessarily great at being on time but do a pretty good job of avoiding cancellations when compared to other US carriers.
They also don’t have an extensive record with FAA fines and passenger complaints so they seem to be doing a pretty good job in terms of customer service.
And as far as coronavirus goes, they have done a lot to keep environments very sterile to keep passengers safe.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
Southwest vs JetBlue (Credit Cards, Policies, etc.) [2021]
Both Southwest and JetBlue are two of the most popular low cost carriers in United States. They both offer some low fares that you can take advantage of to various locations in the country (and abroad) but they also come with some additional features that set them apart from other airlines.
In this article I will take a look at different aspects of what these two airlines have to offer and compare them to each other. I’ll cover everything from credit cards and legroom to baggage fees and flight networks.
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
Credit cards
First, let’s take a look at the type of credit cards offered by these two airlines. We will start with Southwest.
Southwest credit cards
Southwest credit cards are issued by Chase and there are three different personal credit cards and two business credit cards. One way that Southwest immediately stands out with its credit cards is that they offer (mid-tier) premium cards (although JetBlue is rumored to be introducing some soon).
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards Hotel and Car Rental Partner purchases
20% back on in-flight drinks, WiFi, messaging, and movies
No foreign transaction fees
Earn tier qualifying points towards A-list Status
$149 annual fee applied to your first billing statement
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card
9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases.
2 points per $1 spent on social media and search engine advertising, Internet, cable and phone services and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available
Inflight WiFi Credits
A-List credits
Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check Fee Credit
Employee cards added at no additional cost
$199 Annual Fee
With Southwest, you can get both a personal and a business credit card and sometimes earn enough Rapid Rewards to earn the coveted Companion Pass.
The Companion Pass is special because it allows a companion to fly for free with you for up to two years. This applies even on award flights! It is one of the most valuable perks and should be considered by anybody who does a lot of flying domestically.
JetBlue has three credit cards issued by Barclays. The most popular airline card is probably the JetBlue Plus, which comes with the following features:
6X on JetBlue purchases
2X on Restaurants and grocery stores
Free first checked bag
TrueBlue Mosaic benefits for one year after you spend $50,000 or more on purchases annually with your card
5,000 points on account anniversary
10% rebate on points redemptions
50% savings on eligible inflight purchases including cocktails and food
$99 annual fee
Something worth noting is that, unlike Southwest, JetBlue does have an option for a no annual fee credit card. Your earning rate on JetBlue gets cut in half at only 3X and you lose some other benefits like the free checked bag, but if you are not a fan of paying an annual fee, JetBlue might be more appealing to your wallet.
And finally, the JetBlue cards may offer 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening.
My pick
Overall, I am a bigger fan of the Southwest credit cards because of the opportunity to earn the Southwest Companion Pass. If you time your Southwest credit card offers, you can earn the Companion Pass without ever having to fly a single flight on Southwest!
Still, the JetBlue Plus card has a lot of value to offer. I like its 5,000 points every anniversary, 10% rebate on points (which adds value to the sign-up bonus), and the ability to spend into elite status.
And while JetBlue points have not been worth quite as much as Rapid Rewards in my experience, the JetBlue Plus card offers better earnings on airline (JetBlue) travel purchases with 6X.
As far as credit scores needed for these airline cards they both require good to excellent credit. If your credit score is below 700 you probably want to focus on increasing your score and then applying for these cards at a later time.
Each bank also has its own specific rules about credit card eligibility and I would suggest you to use WalletFlo to help you navigate those rules.
Transfer partners
Both Southwest and JetBlue are transfer partners of Chase Ultimate Rewards. But JetBlue is also a transfer partner of the other programs including:
American Express (250 Amex points for every 200 points)
Capital One (2:1)
Citi (1:1).
Thus, there are more opportunities to transfer your points in to JetBlue and you could build up a JetBlue points balance up quicker.
Flight network
JetBlue serves a lot of flights out of New York, Boston, and Washington but in some other parts of the country, you’ll need to connect through one of those locations. For example, if I want to fly JetBlue out of Houston it is usually a very inefficient route to places outside of the East Coast.
Meanwhile, Southwest has many flights out of Chicago, Baltimore-Washington, Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas, Phoenix, and other major cities.
I have found Southwest to be much easier to get around the country because they offer more flight options to a lot of destinations out of major cities. JetBlue will offer you a lot of options when traveling to or from the East Coast, but you can find plenty of flights just about anywhere with Southwest.
Keep this in mind, in 2017, Southwest transported 157,000,000 passengers compared to JetBlue’s 40,000,000. Thus, Southwest serves almost 4 times the amount of passengers as JetBlue, which isn’t surprising considering JetBlue’s fleet size is around 280 and Southwest’s is around 750.
When it comes to international flights, JetBlue has more destinations though both serve some very popular international destinations and you can read about Southwest international destinations here. Also, Southwest just started to fly routes to Hawaii.
Southwest has better punctuality than JetBlue. They also have fewer cancellations. You have to attribute a lot of the delays and cancellations to geography but because you often have to route through the Northeast with JetBlue, that data is still relevant.
Although delays and cancellations may be more common, I do like JetBlue’s no overbooking policy.
Baggage fees
Southwest will allow you to fly with two free checked bags on every flight. This is a significant potential savings for many people and should always be factored into the flight price.
With JetBlue, you will have to pay for your first checked bag and here are the prices you can expect:
Southwest allows for free changes, which is a huge factor to consider when making a booking. Meanwhile, JetBlue will charge you fees depending on how expensive your fare was.
For example, for changes in cancellations to Blue and Blue Plus fares under $100, you would have to pay $75 per person plus difference in fare and for fares between $100 and $149.99, you would have to pay $100 per person plus difference in fare. The price continues to go up the more expensive the fare.
Update: As of June 8, 2021, JetBlue eliminated change and cancel fees for most fares, except Blue Basic.
The lack of baggage fees and change fees is what really distinguishes Southwest from JetBlue in my opinion. It sort of solidifies Southwest as more of a budget airline.
Travel funds
JetBlue does have a more generous policy when it comes to its travel credits. With JetBlue you can use them for other people. So if you have three other people traveling with you, you could book their flights with funds from your Travel Bank.
This is not the same as the travel credits for Southwest, which require you to use them for the passenger who received the credit. One workaround for those travel credits for Southwest is that you can convert them into LUV vouchers which can be used for other people although there is a fee associated with that conversion. You can read more about Southwest travel credits here.
Legroom
JetBlue is known for having great legroom in its aircraft. Below, you can see just how much legroom JetBlue has:
A320: 34″
A320: 32″
A321: 33″
A321: 32″
Embraer E-190: 32″
Now compare those results with Southwest.
Boeing 737-700: 31″
Boeing 737-800: 32-33″
Boeing 737 MAX 8: 32-33″
So in some cases the legroom is actually the same. However, since JetBlue flies the A320 for most routes and Southwest flies these 737-700 on most routes, you’ll usually get an extra inch or two of legroom with JetBlue. An extra inch or two may not sound like a whole lot but it can actually go pretty far when it comes to comfort. This is especially true if you are on the taller side.
Boarding
With Southwest there is an open boarding policy. This means that you do not have assigned seats and instead you find your seat as you board. It is not as chaotic as it sounds since you are given a boarding position at check-in and the process usually goes pretty smoothly in my experience.
With JetBlue, they have more of a traditional boarding process where you can reserve your seat. Some people despise the open boarding policy with Southwest, while others like me don’t mind it all. It all depends on how much assurance you need about your seat. You can always look into Southwest EarlyBird for help with securing a better seat with Southwest, though.
Business class
Southwest has something called Business Select but this is not a “true” business-class. I say that because there are no special seats with extra leg room in Southwest planes. But that doesn’t mean that you will not get any additional perks. If you purchase a Business Select ticket you can get the following benefits:
Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding
Fly By lane access
Free premium drink
12 Rapid Rewards per dollar spent
Fully refundable fare
Standby
However, JetBlue has a real business class. In fact, it is arguably one of the best products for flying around the US, especially from a value perspective. This product is known as Mint and gets fantastic reviews. There are two different versions of Mint seats and one of them includes a suite. So if you truly value luxury and comfort, Southwest can’t compete with this. (It should be noted that this type of cabin is only available on select routes.)
Image via JetBlue.
Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!
Elite status
Southwest A-List
Southwest has two levels of elite status.You can earn A-List If you meet the following requirements in a calendar year:
25 one-way qualifying flights OR
35,000 tier qualifying points
Here are the Southwest A-List benefits.
Priority boarding
Priority security and check-in lanes
25% bonus earning (7.5X per dollar for Wanna Get Away fares)
Free same day standby
Dedicated A-List phone number
You can earn A-List Preferred if you meet the following requirements in a calendar year:
50 one-way qualifying flights OR
70,000 tier qualifying points
The benefits for A-list Preferred are extremely similar to the benefits for A-List.
Priority boarding
Priority security and check-in lanes
100% bonus earning (12X per dollar for Wanna Get Away fares)
Free same day standby
Dedicated A-List phone number
Free in-flight wifi
JetBlue Mosaic
JetBlue only has one level of elite status and it is known as Mosaic. It can be earned by meeting the following requirements:
15,000 base flight points within a calendar year OR
Fly 30 segments plus 12,000 base flight points within a calendar year.
You will normally earn 3 base flight points for every dollar spent, so spending $5,000 will get you Mosaic. Here are all of the Mosaic benefits.
First and second bag free
Change and cancellation fees waived
15,000 bonus points upon qualifying for Mosaic
Expedited security line
Early boarding
Complimentary drinks
6 points per dollar if you book a Blue fare on jetblue.com
Some of the key Mosaic benefits like free baggage and no change fees are already provided by Southwest to non-elites so they don’t feel as valuable in the context of this comparison. I really like the 15K bonus for achieving Mosaic status but 7.5X per dollar for Wanna Get Away fares offers more value than 6X TrueBlue points on Blue fares.
It’s also nice that Southwest continues to reward frequent flyers with a second-tier of A-List, which allows for even higher earnings on flights of at least 12X. So to me, Southwest has the more rewarding program for frequent flyers.
In-flight entertainment
In-flight entertainment is going to be better on JetBlue. The reason is that they have built-in TV screens and planes more equipped with Wi-Fi (JetBlue is the only airline with free high-speed Wi-Fi at every seat).
With Southwest, there aren’t any TV screens and you have to bring your own device in order to stream in-flight entertainment. The internet connections are not always so great so streaming can be a frustrating experience.
Partners
JetBlue is partnered up with a lot of well-known international carriers. This gives it a distinct advantage because you can earn miles with a lot of different airlines including:
Aer Lingus
Aeroflot
Air China
Air India
All Nippon Airways
Asiana Airlines
Avianca Airlines
Azul
British Airways
Brussels Airlines
Cape Air
Cathay Pacific
Southwest does not have a long list of partners so JetBlue easily wins this.
Southwest vs JetBlue FAQ
Who has the better credit cards?
Southwest has more credit card options than JetBlue and arguably better overall credit cards because of the opportunity to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.
These cards include the:
– Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card – Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card – Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card – Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card
Which is the bigger airline?
In 2017, Southwest transported 157,000,000 passengers compared to JetBlue’s 40,000,000. Thus, Southwest serves almost 4 times the amount of passengers as JetBlue, which isn’t surprising considering JetBlue’s fleet size is around 280 and Southwest’s is around 750.
JetBlue has more legroom than Southwest. You typically will have 1 to 3 inches more of leg room with JetBlue.
Who has the better business class?
JetBlue has a true business class known as “Mint.” It’s one of the best business class cabins for a US airline and is superior to the Business Select experience offered by Southwest.
Final word
Overall, each airline has its strengths and weaknesses. I personally feel like Southwest has more value to offer for those looking to travel on a budget. With the potential savings of the Companion Pass and the two free checked bags and no change fees, there is a lot of potential to save. It is also very nice to have a much more expansive flight network which makes finding cheaper (and more convenient) flights easier.
JetBlue also has a lot of value to offer but they also have more of a premium experience with more legroom, better in-flight entertainment, and of course a true business-class product. My only major complaint is the smaller flight network which makes flying JetBlue very inconvenient out of some major cities.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
JetBlue Lost and Found Guide (What to Expect) [2021]
Leaving something behind on a plane can be a pretty stressful and difficult experience. You might think that your odds of recovering your lost item are extremely low but that is not necessarily the case. In this article, I will break down how to recover an item from the JetBlue lost and found and give you an idea of what the process is like.
JetBlue lost and found
Items left on an airplane are returned to their owners all the time so if you have left something on the plane don’t lose hope and just follow these guidelines.
If you are exiting or have just exited the plane and realize you left an item on the plane you should contact the gate agent immediately. However, if you have already left the airport then you will need to file a claim online.
NOTE: This is a different process than losing your luggage. If your luggage has been lost or it’s not showing up at the baggage claim there is a separate process for reclaiming your baggage.
Below, I will walk you through the steps of what to do when you lose an item on a JetBlue plane.
Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!
Still at the airport?
If you believe that you have lost an item on a JetBlue plane and you are still at the airport then your first point of contact is JetBlue (not the airport).
If you are just exiting the plane, walking down the jet bridge, strolling through the terminal, or still within the airport and you realize that you left something in the plane you should immediately contact a JetBlue agent.
You could do this by stopping at one of the desks at the gate for that airline or heading to an information desk area. I would personally try to head to the nearest gate to my flight and speak with someone right there.
If you recognize any crew members from your flight those would be the best people to speak with in the moment.
They might be able to head into the plane and retrieve your item right then and there.
But in other cases they may not have that access and they might end up sending your lost item to baggage services.
Between flights, airlines will usually freshen up the planes. This would typically involve picking up trash, wiping down surfaces, and replacing items like linens. So this is hopefully the time when an airline will discover your lost goods.
This process may begin as soon as passengers are deplaning and that is why it is so important to notify an airline agent that you have a lost item on board.
Some crews are much more effective than others which means that not every crew member is going to give your seat area a close look.
After an aircraft is finished flying for the day it will likely get a more thorough cleaning that night. If for some reason your item was not found before, this might be the time when it is found.
This means that you may need to take into consideration the final destination of your aircraft and follow up with airline agents at that location. Ideally, the airline will trace where your plane ended up that night but it is best to take this type of inquiry into your own hands.
It’s best to try to resolve a lost item before you leave the airport.
If you’ve already left the airport
If you have already left the airport then JetBlue recommends that you file a report online. (This needs to be filed within 14 days of the item getting lost.)
The online reports are easy to file and they are processed through a place called NetTracer which is an entity used by a lot of airlines.
The form is going to ask you a lot of basic questions regarding the lost item. You’ll need to select things like the category, color, and date lost. You’ll also be able to input things like the brand name, model, serial number, etc.
They note that: “The serial number of your device is the most efficient way to reunite you with your lost item.”
So do your best to get your serial number. If you are looking for a lost Apple item, the serial number can be found in iTunes under Device List or found on Apple under your iCloud account.
You then need to supply your contact information and then also your itinerary information, which includes your departure airport, arrival airport, and flight number.
After you submit all of your information you should receive a lost report number and a confirmation email.
If your item is discovered then you will receive notification from JetBlue and then you will need to provide verification that you owned the item.
Airport lost and founds
If there is a possibility that you may have left your item in the airport such as around the TSA security point or perhaps in the customs area then you likely need to contact the airport and ask about their lost and found.
And even if you believe your item was left on the plane you still probably want to follow up with the airport’s lost and found if you are unable to retrieve your items from the airline. Sometimes lost items can bounce around and end up in various parts of the airport.
Tip: Airports often have a dedicated webpage for the lost and found and also a specific email address and phone number that you can call.
Will airlines return items?
In an ideal scenario, the process of recovering your item will look something like this:
You report the lost item,
A JetBlue staff member locates your lost item,
The airline sends you a notification
You verify ownership of the item
You then make shipping arrangements to retrieve your items.
With that said, you never quite know what an airline is going to do when it comes to lost items. But don’t underestimate their willingness to help.
You would be surprised about some of the stories out there regarding generous airline employees.
I’ve seen stories of people leaving items like books from the library on a plane and the airline returning the book to the library (before it was even due).
I’ve also heard of countless instances of crew members going above and beyond to scramble to deliver the lost item to a passenger about to board another flight or sitting around at baggage claim. There are some really good people out there.
So if you leave something on the plane there certainly is hope that you will get it back but it is just never guaranteed.
One reason is that the item may just get lost within the system or it may just simply never be found. But there also is the darker side to lost and found.
For example, there are reports of aircraft cleaners finding laptops and selling them for a quick profit. I tend to think that these instances are in the small minority but the point is that they can happen.
So you never really know what you might get.
The communication problem
The common problem with lost items at the airport or the airlines is usually communication.
Sometimes it can be really difficult to receive updates or to get into contact with the right person. No communication is not always a horrible sign because there are some instances out there of items mysteriously getting returned despite no communication from the airline.
The communication problem is why it is really smart to attach your name and contact information such as your phone number or email address to your items that you travel a lot with. This could be done by printing out a small sticker or even getting something sewn into your clothing.
But if you have contact information on your items the odds of you retrieving them back go up substantially.
In addition to putting your contact information on your items, there are two ways that you might be able to increase the odds of recovering your item and that is by leveraging your cabin class and status.
You might have better luck if you are flying first class and leave an item in your seat since there are fewer seats, more contact with crew members, and JetBlue might feel compelled to go above and beyond for you given your ticket class (e.g., Mint).
For example, I once had an item misplaced at an airport and the airline said that because I was flying first class they were going to deliver the item to my hotel.
Also, if you are a frequent flyer such as a Mosaic member then you might be able to leverage that to get better service for tracking down your item. So when on phone calls or writing emails I would try to mention these things but just don’t take it so far so that you sound like an entitled prick.
How long should you wait?
Every airline will have its own waiting period but JetBlue states that they will search for your item approximately 30 days from the date the item is reported missing.
If they are not successful in locating the lost item they should send you an email letting you know that they have not been able to find it.
Shipping expenses
If your item is located JetBlue will send you an email with a link so that you can purchase the shipping to have your item sent back to you.
Destroyed items
JetBlue will not destroy passports if they find them. Instead they will send them to the US Department of State, Passport Services, and Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section. However, all other personal documents will be destroyed.
Other items that are never claimed will be salvaged and all proceeds will reportedly be donated to charity.
Final word
The key to recovering a lost item with JetBlue is to act quickly and try to get a gate agent to search your seat area as soon as possible. If that doesn’t happen then filing a claim online is the route you will have to go. The more detailed and specific your report is, the better chances you have of seeing your item again but at the end of the day you never really know how things like this will shake out.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
JetBlue Mosaic Status Review: (Matches, Challenges, Benefits) [2020]
Are you interested in receiving special perks like free checked bags and priority boarding when flying on JetBlue? If so, then you might be interested in earning JetBlue Mosaic elite status.
In this comprehensive article, I will tell you everything that you need to know about JetBlue Mosaic status. I will cover everything such as how to qualify for the status with flights, credit cards, and status challenges and matches. And I will also go over all of the benefits that you can expect to receive with the status.
This article also includes the new 2020 Coronavirus update.
JetBlue Mosaic status is the sole elite status for JetBlue, which is the sixth-largest US airline and one of the most highly respected low-cost carriers. Mosaic status offers a range of benefits like free checked bags and many others that I will discuss below.
Unlike other programs such as United Airlines who have multiple tiers of elite status such as Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K, etc., JetBlue only has one single tier of elite status.
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
How to get JetBlue Mosaic status
There are a few ways that you can get JetBlue Mosaic status.
Qualify with flights
The first way that you can get JetBlue Mosaic status is by qualifying with flights.
There are two ways to do this.
Earn 15,000 base flight points within a calendar year OR
Fly 30 segments plus earn 12,000 base flight points within a calendar year.
You will normally earn 3 base flight points for every dollar spent, so spending $5,000 will get you Mosaic. However, JetBlue has offered promotions in the past where you can earn two times the base flight points.
A “segment” means any origin-destination pair. A one-way flight (whether non-stop or including a connection) is one segment, and a roundtrip flight (whether non-stop or including a connection) is two segments.
Flying the minimum number of segments and/or earning enough base points in the current year will qualify you through the following calendar year. So, for example, if you meet the requirements in October 2020 then you will retain your status through the remainder of 2020 and until December 31, 2021.
2020 Coronavirus update:
JetBlue reduced the qualifying points and segment minimums by 50 percent for Mosaic qualification. Here are the reduced thresholds:
7,500 qualifying points (vs. 15,000 points for the calendar year)
6,000 qualifying points and 15 segments (vs. 12,000 points and 30 segments)
Mosaic customers will continue to receive an award of 15,000 bonus TrueBlue points upon qualification.
Also, for 2021 you’ll get additional benefits based on the amount of qualifying points you earn.
10,000 Mosaic Qualifying points – 10,000 bonus points
20,000 Mosaic Qualifying points – Gift Mosaic status to anyone of your choosing (valid through 2022)
30,000 Mosaic Qualifying points – Free round-trip flight certificate in Core Experience (valid for one year)
Companion pass benefit
Due to the pandemic, JetBlue is also offering a companion pass benefit for Mosaic members.
You can enjoy unlimited companion passes for travel booked and flown from January 1, 2021 through May 20, 2021. You will need to book through the dedicated mosaic line 1-877-JET-TRUE (538-8783)
Credit cards
The JetBlue Plus Card will allow you to earn Mosaic status after you spend $50,000 in a calendar year. I definitely would not go chasing that requirement because I do not fly JetBlue, and I could put $50,000 of spend in a year to much better use.
However, if you do you go this route you should note that it could take several weeks or even a couple of months for your Mosaic status to show up after you meet your spend. So you might want to email JetBlue and request for them to expedite the process.
The JetBlue Plus card also earns 6X points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases, gives you a free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation, and gives you 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary, among other perks.
For 2021, you can also get Mosaic elite status with $30,000 spent on purchases with your JetBlue Plus or JetBlue Business Card + 4,000 Mosaic Qualifying points during the calendar year.
Tip: Check out the free app WalletFlo so that you can optimize your credit card spend by seeing the best card to use! You can also track credits, annual fees, and get notifications when you’re eligible for the best cards!
JetBlue Mosaic status challenge
Sometimes you can enroll in a status challenge in order to earn Mosaic status. An example of the prior status challenge was earning 3,750 base flight points in 90 calendar days.
That challenge would require you to spend $1,250 in three months which isn’t that bad if you already had flights planned. However, that type of challenge is not quite lucrative enough to get me to go out of my way to spend that much money.
Something cool about these challenges is that if you are a current Mosaic member, sometimes you can still take advantage of these challenges and secure your status for the next year. Many status challenges exclude current elite members so this is a bit of a unique perk.
JetBlue Mosaic status match
JetBlue is also known for offering generous status matches to Mosaic status, though these are not always offered. Here are the different airlines that could be matched in the past and their corresponding elite levels.
Alaska Airlines®: Mileage Plan™; MVP® Gold or MVP® Gold 75k
Typically, you will be matched for the remainder of the year in which you applied for the status match. JetBlue will also likely enroll you in their status challenge so that you can hold onto your Mosaic status for the next calendar year if you meet the requirements for the challenge.
Purchase JetBlue Mosaic status
Toward the end of a calendar year, JetBlue might offer you a chance to purchase Mosaic status. If you have zero base points the price will likely be around $5,500 for the status. That is wayyy too high for my liking and I don’t think that I would ever go for that.
However, if you are short on base points, you might be able to purchase the amount of base points needed to get you Mosaic status and in those instances it could be a better deal. For example, if you were only a few hundred points short of getting elite status, then it could make sense to jump on the offer.
Extended benefits (coronavirus update)
JetBlue is extending status of all current Mosaic customers through 2021, whether status was obtained through travel or spend on the JetBlue Plus Card.
What are the JetBlue Mosaic status benefits?
First and second bag free
You and others on your itinerary can check both the first and second bag for free – no matter which fare option you chose.
So with Mosaic status you could be saving $70 per flight per person when checking two bags in.
Change and cancellation fees waived
JetBlue change and cancellation fees will be waived for Mosaic members and others on their itinerary. You should note that this is only when you book through JetBlue.com.
The amount for your change and cancellation fees will depend on the type of fare that you purchase. For example, for changes and cancellations to Blue and Blue Plus fares under $100, you would have to pay $75 per person plus difference in fare and for fares between $100 and $149.99, you would have to pay $100 per person plus difference in fare. The price continues to go up the more expensive the fare.
So with Mosaic status you could be saving several hundred dollars in the event that you needed to make necessary changes or cancellations.
If you utilize a third party booking sites such as an online travel agency you likely will not be able to have your cancellation and change fees waived.
Bonus points
You will receive 15,000 bonus points upon qualifying for Mosaic. In the past, JetBlue has given this bonus even for those who have completed status challenges. I would always try to confirm that this is still is the case before expecting those points though.
If you reach Mosaic status via the credit card, I do not believe that you will receive the 15,000 points.
Expedited security line
You will get access to an expedited security line. If you really want to expedite your security line experience, you should seriously consider getting TSA Pre-Check. That will allow you to breeze through security without having to take out your liquids, electronics, light coats, belts and shoes. Read more about the program here.
Courtesy Boarding for active military personnel and customers traveling with children in car seats or strollers.
General Boarding by group:
Group B
Group C
Group D
Group E (N/A for E-190 aircraft)
All remaining customers
So as you can see, you will be among the first passengers to board right after pre-boarding.
Additional bonus points
Earn an additional 3 TrueBlue points per dollar on your JetBlue flight, for at least 9 points per dollar if you book on jetblue.com. This bonus is a great way to rack up your points but keep in mind that these bonus points will not count toward earning Mosaic status for the next year — only base flight points count for that.
Earning 9 points per dollar at a valuation of 1.4 cents per point would be a 12.6% return on your spend. Compare that to what you can earn if you are A-List Preferred with Southwest Airlines, which allows for returns up to 36% for Business Select!
That to me is a pretty significant difference between JetBlue and Southwest — Southwest Airlines is much more rewarding for their top elites when it comes to putting money back in their pocket.
JetBlue Mosaic phone number
You will have access to a dedicated customer service line.
The JetBlue Mosaic phone number is: 1-877-538-8783.
Many people have good things to say about the customer service line and so this could be a very helpful benefit if anything ever comes up.
Complimentary drinks
You will be able to enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages onboard. The drinks are not available on flights operating with express or no inflight service (flights under 340 miles) or where prohibited by law.
Also, this perk applies only to the qualified Mosaic member and may not be transferred. So if someone else is flying with you, they may not be able to partake with you (for free).
Here are the products you might find and the normal prices you would have to pay:
Beer ($7)
Angry Orchard Hard Cider
Brooklyn Brewery Lager
Bud Light®
Samuel Adams Octoberfest
Heineken®
Lagunitas Pale Ale
Spirits ($7)
Bacardi® Rum
Bombay Sapphire® Gin
Dewar’s® White Label® Scotch Whisky
Jack Daniel’s® Whiskey
Tito’s® Handmade Vodka
Wine
Redwood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon California 2015 ($7)
Reserve Selection ($7)
KWV Classic Collection Chenin Blanc ($7)
Ambre Selina Extra Dry Sparkling Wine ($9)
JetBlue Mosaic upgrades
JetBlue Mosaic does not have an official upgrade policy but JetBlue is known to offer upgrades to the Even More Space seats when available. With Even More Space seats you’ll enjoy up to 38″ of legroom.That is a whole lot of legroom.
Check with an agent at the gate if you are interested in getting upgraded since these are usually given last-minute. Some airports should have a designated Mosaic desk for you to inquire with.
Update: Mosaic members can request same-day Even More Space seats for free for themselves and eligible travel companions on their reservation. Request will be honored in the order they are received based on availability.
To make a request, see an airport crewmember at the Mosaic desk, ticket counter, Just Ask desk, or gate.
Unfortunately, there is no official policy for upgrading Mosaic members to Mint but upgrades to Mint class can happen (though rare and mostly due to over bookings).
Lounge access?
Unlike some other major airlines, JetBlue does not have any airport lounges. This is likely because the lounges do not fit the business model similar to Southwest Airlines. However, with the addition of the Mint class maybe there is hope in the future for some select airports to open up lounges (one can always dream).
Tracking JetBlue Mosaic Status
You will be able to track your activity on the TrueBlue homepage once signed in with their Mosaic trackers. Simply log in and then click on “My Activity” and you will be able to see your progress.
JetBlue will also notify you via e-mail when you’re close to qualifying for TrueBlue Mosaic and once you reach the qualification criteria you will receive an e-mail.
Does points pooling affect Mosaic status?
JetBlue has a cool points pooling system that allows families and friends to pool miles together. However this pooling will not affect your Mosaic status eligibility, since it is based solely on your individual travel and the number of TrueBlue Points you earn individually.
Points in a Points Pooling account that are earned by other Participants will not count towards your eligibility for TrueBlue Mosaic or any other TrueBlue offers, badges or bonuses.
Earning JetBlue TrueBlue points
There are a lot of ways to earn TrueBlue points.
Transfer partners
JetBlue is a transfer partner of the major credit card rewards programs, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points. Thus, it is one of the easiest programs to rack up points for.
These do not count towards Mosaic eligibility.
Earning points by flying
You can earn bonus points when you fly with JetBlue and make your booking directly on www.jetblue.com. You should note that only JetBlue base flight points are eligible for TrueBlue Mosaic. So all of the bonus points that you might earn below will not count towards your Mosaic eligibility.
Here are the bonus rates for purchasing flights:
Members who have purchased a Blue fare can earn an extra 3 bonus points per dollar for a total of 6 points per dollar spent.
Members who have purchased a Blue Plus fare can earn an extra 4 bonus points per dollar for a total of 7 points per dollar spent.
Members who have purchased a Blue Flex fare can earn an extra 5 bonus points per dollar for a total of 8 points per dollar spent.
Members who have purchased a Mint fare can earn an extra 3 bonus points per dollar for a total of 6 points per dollar spent.
You’ll also earn 300 points for every JetPaws fee paid and 200 points when purchasing each Even More Space seat.
Special Bonuses
JetBlue will also offer special bonuses for earning points.
Here are a few examples of ongoing bonuses you might come across:
Take 3: Earn 5,000 bonus points when you purchase and fly 3 roundtrip flights in a calendar year.
Lucky 7: Earn 7,000 bonus points when you purchase and fly 7 roundtrip flights in a calendar year. (Lucky you.)
Go Long: Earn 10,000 bonus points when you purchase and fly 10 one-way flights of 1,600 miles or more in a calendar year.
Once again, these will not count towards Mosaic eligibility.
Travel packages and activities
TrueBlue members earn 6 points per dollar on the base price (excluding taxes and fees) of JetBlue Vacations packages, including the JetBlue flight, hotel, car, and activities purchased at the time of booking.
Cruise vacation packages are eligible to earn TrueBlue points on the base airfare purchase price for the flight portion of the package.
JetBlue Mosaic Status FAQ
How many flights are needed to earn JetBlue Mosaic status?
In a normal year, you will need to earn 15,000 base flight points or fly 30 segments plus earn 12,000 base flight points in order to earn JetBlue Mosaic status.
Can I get JetBlue Mosaic status with a credit card?
The JetBlue Plus Card allows you to earn Mosaic status after you spend $50,000 in a calendar year.
Does JetBlue offer challenges for Mosaic status?
You can often find status challenges to earn JetBlue Mosaic status. The requirements may vary but prior challenges have required you to earn 3,750 base flight points in 90 calendar days.
Does JetBlue offer status matches for Mosaic status?
Yes, sometimes you can match your status from other airlines to obtain Mosaic status.
Below are some airline programs that match to Mosaic status.
–Alaska Airlines®: Mileage Plan™; MVP® Gold or MVP® Gold 75k –Virgin America®: Elevate® Silver, Elevate® Gold –Delta®: SkyMiles Medallion® Gold, Platinum or Diamond –United®: MileagePlus® Premier® Gold, Platinum or Premier1K® –American Airlines®: AAdvantage Platinum® or Executive Platinum® –Southwest Airlines®: Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred or Companion Pass – Emirates: Emirates™; Skywards Silver, Gold or Platinum
Can I purchase JetBlue Mosaic status?
In some cases, you can purchase JetBlue Mosaic status.
This could cost you over $5,000 if you do not have any base points but in other cases it may only cost you a few hundred bucks depending on how many points you already have.
What are the main JetBlue Mosaic status benefits?
The main benefits include a free first and second checked bag, change and cancellation fees waived, 15,000 bonus points upon qualifying, expedited security line, early boarding, and additional bonus points.
Do you get free drinks with JetBlue Mosaic status?
Yes, you will get free alcoholic beverages on flights over 340 miles.
Do you get upgrades with JetBlue Mosaic status?
Although there is not an official upgrade policy, JetBlue will sometimes offer you upgrades to Even More Space seats when available.
Unfortunately, there is no policy for upgrading Mosaic members to Mint but upgrades to Mint class can happen.
Do you get lounge access with JetBlue Mosaic status?
JetBlue does not offer airport lounges so this is not a possibility for Mosaic members.
Can I track my status?
Yes, you can track your progress towards Mosaic status by signing in and clicking on “my activity.”
Do points transferred to JetBlue count towards JetBlue Mosaic status?
Unfortunately, whenever you transfer points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards, those points do not count towards elite status.
Final word
There are many different ways that you can earn JetBlue Mosaic status. With all of the different status matches and challenges offered throughout the year, this is one of the easiest elite statuses to earn. There are some pretty decent benefits for Mosaic members, so I would definitely look into these various options and see which could be the best route for you to go.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
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