As part of the update, the New York-based carrier eliminated change and cancellation fees for all tickets, except for those booked in basic economy, which will soon carry a $100 (or $200) change fee, depending on the destination.
But, the news came with a major catch: starting on July 20, Blue Basic flyers can no longer bring a full-size carry-on bag. (One personal item like a briefcase or backpack will still be allowed.)
When traveling on a basic economy fare, all bags will need to be checked, at $35 for the first, $45 for the second and $150 for the third or more. You can receive a $5 per bag discount by pre-paying during online check-in.
But, what happens if you show up at the gate with a full-size carry-on? Well, you're going to pay up.
JetBlue just quietly added a steep penalty for those who might attempt to skirt the rules. The gate-check fee will vary depending on how many total bags you've already checked, per the chart below:
| Number of bags checked before security | Gate-check fee |
|---|---|
| 0 | $65 |
| 1 | $65 |
| 2 | $180 |
As you see, the gate-check fee is $20 to $30 more than checking your bag at the counter. A carrier spokesperson confirmed these changes and told TPG that this new fee is meant to ensure compliance.
Related: Complete details of JetBlue’s overhauled fare structure
Theoretically, basic economy flyers could check in online, print their boarding pass and head straight to the gate with a full-size carry-on. Of course, that's skirting the rules, and by adding the new gate-check fee, JetBlue is incentivizing travelers to check their bags pre-security. The fee should also help speed up the boarding process by reducing the number of gate-checked bags.
Select customers are allowed to bring a full-size carry-on bag with a Blue Basic ticket, as follows:
- Mosaic elite members
- Basic economy passengers who've upgraded to an extra-legroom Even More Space seat
- Active military members
- Unaccompanied minors
If you don't qualify for one of the four exceptions, then be sure to follow the rules, or prepare to pay up at the gate.
Related: Winners and losers from JetBlue’s overhauled fare structure
When announcing the new basic economy restrictions, JetBlue president and chief commercial officer Joanna Geraghty explained the move as a way to better compete with budget carriers, like Spirit and Frontier.
Geraghty wrote in an internal memo that "even though our current Blue Basic gives more bang-for-your-buck than ultra-low-cost carriers, many travelers still choose stripped-down, a la carte offerings if the competitors' fare is slightly cheaper."
Well, with the new gate-check fee, JetBlue's basic economy bag policies are nearly identical to Spirit's, which similarly charges a penalty for checking your carry-on bag at the gate.
Of course, JetBlue's onboard experience is still significantly more comfortable than its budget competitors. With free Wi-Fi, live TV, power outlets and reclining seats, you might forget about all the restrictions once you've boarded the plane.
