JetBlue to call new first-class ‘BlueFirst,’ expand basic fares

• JetBlue expands ‘basic’ to more cabins
• JetBlue’s new ticket types
• More fare options in more cabins

First-class is coming to JetBlue later this year.

Within the next few months, the airline plans to debut domestic-style, first-class recliners on many of its planes.

Eventually, you’ll see those new seats on all JetBlue aircraft that don’t already have the airline’s high-end Mint cabin.

JetBlue hasn’t said exactly when you’ll start seeing those first-class seats appear — just that they’ll start to debut by the end of 2026.

But the carrier is confirming the much-anticipated name for the new first-class cabin: BlueFirst.

It’s a very on-brand name for the carrier’s new seats, an ode to both the airline’s signature color and its loyalty program (TrueBlue).

More significantly, the seats should be a welcome addition to the front of its planes, giving the airline a true premium seating option between its coach and lie-flat Mint cabins.

More New York City flights coming: JetBlue wins Spirit’s slots at LaGuardia

What will the seats and service be like? And will BlueFirst have the same top-notch food that’s a hallmark of its upper-tier Mint cabin?

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We’ll have to wait and see, but the New York-based carrier is promising a “fresh new take” on first-class. Expect to hear more in the coming months about what that will mean for travelers.

Read more: JetBlue’s first-ever lounge makes JFK debut

JetBlue expands ‘basic’ to more cabins

In the meantime, JetBlue will become the latest U.S. airline to lean more heavily into “basic” fares.

The carrier on Monday revealed it plans to sell basic first-class tickets as part of the new cabin, which will have tighter restrictions than a standard ticket: These passengers cannot select their seats and will be subject to change and cancellation fees. They will earn fewer points than they would on a standard ticket.

Basic extra legroom (EvenMore) fares are also on the way.

It’s basically an expansion of the basic economy concept to the front of the plane.

JetBlue is following in the footsteps of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. In recent months, the two legacy carriers have begun selling basic versions of their premium seats, expanding the “unbundled” fare concept to more cabins.

Going forward, JetBlue will sell tickets in four cabins:

Within those cabins, it’ll sell three fare types:

• Base: think basic fare
• Standard: a regular fare for that cabin, essentially
• Flex: a fully refundable fare, which costs a little more

One exception? There won’t be a base offering in Mint, meaning JetBlue won’t sell “basic business” as Delta and United do now.

Deep dive: Basic economy and the ‘evolution’ that’s sweeping over airlines’ cheapest fares

JetBlue’s new ticket types

Here’s a rundown of JetBlue’s new fare types and key differences based on which one you purchase.

Generally speaking, you’ll pay more for a Flex ticket and less for a Base fare, but the base ticket type will come with added restrictions.

Two other things to know:

• JetBlue’s basic economy fare, previously “Blue Basic,” will be called “Main Basic,” going forward.
• Passengers flying Main Base and EvenMore Base don’t get access to the airline’s BlueHouse lounge network when flying on a Main Basic fare — even if they carry JetBlue’s premium credit card.

More fare options in more cabins

This is the latest example of a major U.S. airline significantly expanding its menu of ticket options.

For years, passengers have had to weigh “regular” or “basic” fares in economy — and whether they were willing to trade a lower base fare for fewer benefits included in their booking.

Increasingly, those choices are becoming a reality when booking nicer and more expensive seats, too

Here’s how JetBlue President Marty St. George framed the move:

“In two simple clicks, customers will be able to book what’s right for them,” he said. “First, the onboard experience, and then the fare option, depending on their preferences around seat selection and refundability.”

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