JetBlue Basic Economy Gets Boost: Carry-On Bags Now Included

JetBlue Airways passengers booking a basic economy fare class, which the airline calls Blue Basic, can now bring a carry-on bag for free in addition to a personal item.

The price change, which was announced in June and went into effect on Sept. 6, 2024, marks a departure from the airline's previous policy, which had restricted basic economy passengers on domestic flights to a single personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse.

By allowing passengers to bring a carry-on item, JetBlue joins the ranks of most other major airlines, which allow both a carry-on and personal item for basic economy customers. Only a few major U.S. airlines still charge extra for a carry–on bag on standard fares, including Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

» MORE: Which JetBlue card is right for you?

The fine print

The pricing update comes with some fine print, though: The ability to bring a carry-on bag aboard is space permitting. Since Blue Basic travelers also tend to be the last to board, that means Blue Basic passengers may have to check their bags anyway if the folks in front already filled up the overhead bin space.

At least this time they’ll be able to send their first carry-on along with the other checked luggage for free, avoiding the previous checked bag fee of $35 to $40 on domestic flights (JetBlue uses variable peak pricing to determine exact checked bag fees).

This price change does not affect existing rules around checked bags, which still cost travelers on Blue, Blue Basic or Blue Extra fares between $35 and $40 for the first bag. Prices for a second checked bag range from $50 to $60. Passengers traveling on Blue Plus get their first checked bag for free.

Fees are under more scrutiny

The JetBlue news signals an increasing trend in the travel industry toward fewer fees and more pricing transparency.

The change comes at a time when some regulators are cracking down on junk fees. The California junk fee ban, which went into effect in July 2024, requires that mandatory fees be displayed at the time of booking. That prohibits hotels from tacking on surprise resort fees at checkout, for example. (Because bringing luggage is not truly a requirement to travel, baggage fees aren't prohibited under this ban.)

Elsewhere, increased pressure for price transparency has led to some changes. For example, many cruise lines are moving to upfront pricing displays nationwide. And Airbnb recently rolled out a total price display, that makes it easier to compare listing on total price, versus base price plus other fees like cleaning fees.

How to get free checked bags on JetBlue

Now, all JetBlue passengers can bring a personal item and carry-on bag for free. As far as checked luggage goes, you can avoid the fee by holding certain JetBlue branded credit cards. Both the JetBlue Plus Card and theJetBlue Business Card offer the first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to three companions on the same reservation. To qualify for this benefit, you must use your JetBlue credit card to book your ticket.