JetBlue is enhancing its policy by offering complimentary carry-on bags for passengers flying with Blue Basic tickets starting on September 6. Previously, customers with Blue Basic tickets had to either upgrade their fare or pay extra to bring a carry-on onboard. The airline’s president, Marty St. George, stated that carry-on bags are an essential part of travel for customers, and JetBlue wants to ensure it is the preferred choice among other carriers.
The new policy applies to all Blue Basic tickets, regardless of when they were purchased. In cases where space is limited, JetBlue will check carry-on bags at the gate at no extra cost to the customer. Passengers with Blue Basic tickets will still board among the last and may be subject to a cancellation fee not applicable to other fares.
This enhancement comes as other airlines also improve customer retention efforts. For example, Spirit Airlines recently increased its checked bag weight limit and extended the validity of travel vouchers from 90 days to one year. JetBlue has been working towards profitability by reducing flights in less lucrative cities in favor of stronger markets in recent years. According to The Associated Press, JetBlue has incurred losses of more than $2 billion since 2019.
