JetBlue now allows Blue Basic award redemptions — and tickets are as low as 700 points

If you're a JetBlue loyalist, you've probably noticed that you have not previously been able to redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points on the airline's least expensive fare option, Blue Basic (JetBlue's version of basic economy). Starting this week though, that has changed. JetBlue now has TrueBlue points redemptions available for every class of service — and we're seeing redemptions for as low as 700 points for Blue Basic.

Here's what you need to know about JetBlue's new Blue Basic points redemptions.

JetBlue Blue Basic explained

JetBlue has several levels of seat selection. Blue Basic is the least expensive option, but it's also the most restrictive. The ticket cannot be changed, and there is a fee to select a seat.

Blue Basic is also the last boarding group, and while you are permitted a free carry-on bag, the airline says this is "space permitting." However, if you're looking for great value for money and now points, this is the option for you.

For comparison, regular economy seats, or the Blue level, also include a free carry-on bag (space permitting) — but seat selection is free, and there's no fee to change or cancel a booking.

Related: JetBlue walks back most restrictive part of basic economy policy

The deals

As an example of the deals on offer, you can now book a flight from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C., for just 700 TrueBlue points. (Credit goes to Ryan Smith at Upgraded Points for bringing this redemption to our attention.)

What's especially impressive about this 700-point redemption is that an award redemption for a Blue fare is more than triple this number of points. And on a short shuttle flight such as this, the experience flying Blue Basic and Blue will be largely the same.

For most other routes, we're seeing redemptions between popular destinations for less than 5,000 points in Blue Basic. For example, this flight from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in April is 4,900 points.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Email address

Sign up

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

And this March flight from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) is only 4,200 points.

Added benefits for Mosaic status flyers

JetBlue rewards the most frequent flyers in its TrueBlue loyalty program with Mosaic status. Although not all the program perks are available when flying Blue Basic, some carry over and will also work with a Blue Basic redemption, including:

• Priority security (where available)
• First two checked bags free
• Complimentary beer, wine and liquor (up to three drinks per Mosaic member per flight)
• Even More Space seat at check-in at no extra cost
• Same-day switches with no fee or fare difference
• Dedicated check-in lines and phone support

Related: JetBlue Mosaic elite status: What it is and how to earn it

Best credit cards for earning and redeeming TrueBlue points

JetBlue offers four different cobranded credit cards (all issued by Barclays).

Those who apply for the JetBlue Premier Card can earn 70,000 bonus points and 5 Tiles toward Mosaic elite status after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening. Cardholders will earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

There's the JetBlue Plus Card, currently offering 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 and pay the annual fee ($99) in full within the first 90 days. The card earns 6 points per dollar spent on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants and certain grocery stores and 1 point per dollar spent everywhere else.

Related: JetBlue TrueBlue program explained

Meanwhile, the JetBlue Card offers 10,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days. With this card, you can earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1 point per dollar spent everywhere else.

Finally, there's the JetBlue Business Card, which has a 60,000-point bonus offer: The first 50,000 points of the welcome bonus are released after you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days. The final 10,000 points are released when a purchase is made using an employee card in the first 90 days. This card will earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants and office supply stores and 1 point per dollar spent everywhere else.

You can also transfer points to JetBlue from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards. Do note, however, that the transfer ratio varies. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to JetBlue at a 1:1 ratio, but American Express points transfer at a 250:200 ratio. Meanwhile, the Citi ThankYou transfer ratio can vary depending on the card you're using. Make sure to check transfer rates before you make any moves.

The information for the JetBlue Premier, JetBlue Plus, JetBlue Card, and JetBlue Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

If you've been holding on to JetBlue points waiting for a great redemption opportunity, this new Blue Basic option is for you. Just remember, there are some restrictions that come with the basic fare — but for 700 points, what do you have to lose?

Related reading:

• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
• Best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations