Should you redeem JetBlue points for vacation packages?
Like most airlines, JetBlue offers travel bundles on flights, hotels and rental cars. With JetBlue Vacations, you can book package deals at lower rates than if you were to book everything individually.
Booking through JetBlue Vacations gets you some pretty sweet perks, including free changes, a 48-hour best price guarantee, free inflight alcoholic drinks, extra points, Group B boarding, complimentary airport transfers at select destinations and more. Another benefit: the ability to redeem TrueBlue points.
Although possible, redeeming TrueBlue points through JetBlue Vacations isn't as straightforward as it may seem. Today, we're going to discuss how you can redeem your points for vacation packages and whether this redemption option is even worth it.
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Redeeming JetBlue points for vacation packages
First things first: You can't redeem TrueBlue points to pay for an entire JetBlue Vacations package. However, you can use points to discount one.
To book a vacation package with points, head to the JetBlue Vacations website, punch in your cities and dates, specify the number of travelers and check the box that says "Use TrueBlue Points."
Related: The complete guide to the JetBlue TrueBlue program
Is it worth it?
Like regular TrueBlue redemptions, these awards are priced dynamically. So, the value you'll get when redeeming points through JetBlue Vacations will vary by destination and travel date.
For the sake of this guide, let's take a look at an eight-day trip from New York-JFK to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ). The cash price is $3,926.20 for two travelers and a seven-night stay at the all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotel and Resort Punta Cana. Plus, since this is considered a "VIP Hotel," JetBlue Vacations customers also get a $250 resort credit, complimentary character breakfast and private sliming.
And since this resort is in Punta Cana, complimentary round-trip airport transfers can also be added.
On the other hand, booking with points brings the package down to 28,000 TrueBlue points and $3,574.20 — a $352 discount. In this case, your TrueBlue points are worth 1.26 cents each, which is similar to a JetBlue flight redemption. According to TPG valuations, TrueBlue points are worth 1.3 cents apiece.
You'll receive all of the same perks when booking with points, including the free airport transfers.
Related: Should you use points or cash to book hotels?
So, if you're considering booking a JetBlue Vacations package anyway, redeeming points can be a good way to keep some cash in your pocket. That said, whether or not you choose to pay with points, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of booking through JetBlue.
Pros and cons of booking through JetBlue Vacations
The main benefits of booking through JetBlue Vacations include:
- No JetBlue change or cancel fees and hotels with flexible change policies.
- 48-hour best price guarantee.
- The ability to reserve a vacation package with only a deposit.
- TrueBlue points redemption opportunities.
- Free airport transfers in Punta Cana; Aruba; Cancun, Mexico; or Montego Bay, Jamaica.
- Free inflight alcoholic drinks.
- Earn extra TrueBlue points.
- Guaranteed overhead bin space on domestic flights.
- Group B boarding.
However, as with any online travel agency, there are some potential drawbacks to not booking direct. The main ones are that you won't earn hotel points or elite-qualifying credit for your accommodations. Likewise, if you have elite status with a hotel chain, you likely won't get your usual elite perks.
Related: Online travel agency vs. booking direct: Your guide to the best way to book your next hotel
How to boost your JetBlue TrueBlue balance
If you're looking to book a JetBlue vacation package with points and need to boost your TrueBlue balance, you've got options.
The most obvious way to earn JetBlue points is by flying. You can earn points faster by pooling them with up to seven friends and family members.
However, a quicker option would be to pick up one of JetBlue's three cobranded credit cards: the JetBlue Plus Card, JetBlue Card or JetBlue Business Card. Each of them earns extra TrueBlue points on JetBlue purchases and unlocks special perks when flying with the airline. Plus, if you have the JetBlue Plus Card or its business counterpart, you can get a $100 statement credit every year valid on a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more.
The information for the JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: How to earn points in the JetBlue TrueBlue program
Alternatively, you can transfer points from all major transferable points programs — American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. This means it’s easy to boost your balance if you carry a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express. Just note that the transfer ratios vary by partner and aren't always great.
Bottom line
While there's no way to redeem TrueBlue points for hotel stays or rental cars outright, you can redeem them for discounts on travel bundles through JetBlue Vacations. Overall, the value is fairly consistent with redeeming for flights, so it can be a solid option. Just remember to consider the pros and cons of booking through JetBlue Vacations instead of booking each part of your trip individually.