How to get upgraded on JetBlue Airways
Are you looking to score an upgraded seat on JetBlue? If so, there's a way — as long as you have JetBlue Mosaic status.
If you don't have Mosaic status, don't fret: For those without status, there's also the option of redeeming your TrueBlue points to get an upgrade without paying a dime. These upgrade options include Even More Space seats that offer more legroom and lie-flat Mint seats.
Here's what you need to know about getting a free JetBlue upgrade.
Book Even More Space seats for a JetBlue upgrade
Within JetBlue's economy-class cabin, you'll find Even More Space seats with up to 7 inches of extra legroom. These seats will also give you Group A boarding and access to expedited security lanes (where available).
The cost for Even More Space seats varies by route. When booking your flight, the seat map will show the price to purchase Even More Space seating. An Even More Space seat is available on all JetBlue flights for all economy fares. If you book a Blue Basic fare and pay for an Even More Space seat, you can bring a carry-on bag onto the flight for free. Unfortunately, though, there's no way to use your points for this upgraded seat option.
If you need to change or cancel your JetBlue flight before departure, JetBlue will refund the seat upgrade fee.
Related: The complete guide to the JetBlue TrueBlue program
Upgrade to an Even More Space seat with JetBlue status
Instead of paying to select an Even More Space seat, those with JetBlue Mosaic status can potentially score an upgrade based on their status level.
Last year, JetBlue introduced four tier levels: Mosaic 1, Mosaic 2, Mosaic 3 and Mosaic 4. Those with Mosaic 2, 3 or 4 status are able to select an Even More Space seat for free during the booking process (pending availability). Travelers with Mosaic 1 status are eligible for a complimentary Even More Space upgrade but not until checking in for their flight.
Best of all, this Even More Space upgrade also applies to traveling companions on the same reservation.
Related: JetBlue baggage fees and how to avoid paying them
Get a JetBlue upgrade to Mint seats
JetBlue offers a premium cabin called Mint on select aircraft. The Mint cabin contains fully lie-flat seats with adjustable firmness cushions, a massage feature and a Tuft and Needle-designed comforter and pillow.
Each Mint seat has a TV with free on-demand movies, shows and other entertainment options. On some routes, you'll even find revamped seats, offering a private suite with a closing door. When booking a Mint seat, you'll also receive additional benefits, such as two complimentary checked bags, priority boarding and access to priority security lanes (when available).
Mint cabins are typically available on longer routes, including select transcontinental, Latin American and Caribbean flights, and all flights to or from London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Amsterdam and Paris. The JetBlue Mint route map shows all city pairs offering Mint seats.
Related: JetBlue's first Amsterdam flight is in the books; what it was like on the inaugural
Pricing for Mint is typically more favorable than lie-flat, premium-cabin seating on other airlines. However, Mint is usually significantly more expensive than standard economy seating. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get a JetBlue Mint seat without the hefty price tag.
Book a JetBlue Mint seat with points
You can redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points if you're looking to save some cash on a Mint seat. Since JetBlue uses a dynamic pricing scheme, the award rate is directly tied to the cash price. In short, the more expensive a flight is, the more points it will require.
However, there isn't a set rate at which you can redeem JetBlue points for Mint. TPG's valuations peg the value of JetBlue points at 1.4 cents each, so you'll typically want to aim for that redemption rate when redeeming JetBlue points.
Related: 6 things JetBlue should change about Mint business class
If you don't have enough points in your account to book a Mint seat, JetBlue also allows you to use a combination of points and cash (this is the case for all JetBlue reservations made with points). Additionally, you can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards to JetBlue TrueBlue.
If a particular route offers a JetBlue Mint seat, the option (with the number of points required) will be displayed right next to all other fare classes. If a Mint booking option does not appear, then, unfortunately, that particular route doesn't offer Mint seats.
If you are booking through the JetBlue app, you'll need to click on each flight option to see if there's Mint seating. Additionally, on the app, you'll easily see whether Mint is an option for the city you are flying to or from by looking for a green icon next to the city name.
Upgrade to a Mint seat with JetBlue status
If you have JetBlue Mosaic 3 or 4 status, you'll have the opportunity to earn Mint upgrade certificates. Once earning JetBlue Mosaic 3 status, you'll receive four Move to Mint certificates. Those who qualify for JetBlue Mosaic 4 status will then receive another two Move to Mint certificates.
These upgrade certificates allow you to book a regular economy-class ticket and then apply your certificate to the flight of your choice (pending availability). To upgrade your seat, select the "Move to Mint" option under your "Manage trip" details. (Keep in mind that you must apply your certificate at least two hours prior to departure to successfully upgrade your seat.)
The number of certificates required per flight is dynamic and can change based on the route and flight price. For example, a family of four can potentially fly from New York to Los Angeles one-way in a Mint seat with these certificates once during the year. If you're flying solo, you can redeem one certificate at a time and enjoy a seat in the front of the plane four times throughout the year on the same route (as long as the route only requires one certificate). Just note that the Move to Mint certificate holder must be traveling to redeem the certificates.
Related: How to increase the value of your JetBlue TrueBlue points by 10%
Unfortunately, you aren't able to use an upgrade certificate when booking a Blue Basic fare, though if you're using points, this won't matter, as this fare class isn't available for points bookings. The certificates also can't be used with group bookings and JetBlue Vacations packages. Remember, too, that pets and unaccompanied minors aren't allowed in Mint seats.
Bottom line
JetBlue only offers complimentary upgrade certificates for Mint to those who have earned Mosaic 3 or Mosaic 4 status — and the routes are limited. There's no space-available upgrade or waitlist option for Mint, even if you have Mosaic status.
If your flight doesn't offer Mint seats or you don't have any upgrade certificates to burn, know that you can upgrade to an Even More Space seat for free when booking your flight if you have Mosaic 2, 3 or 4 status. Even with Mosaic 1 status, you'll have the chance to snag an Even More Space seat, though you'll have to wait until check-in for your flight to see if one is available for you to grab.
While JetBlue's upgrade policy isn't nearly as good as the upgrade policies for Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, it's far better than the lower-cost airlines such as Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
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