Is JetBlue taking a completely different approach to eliminating change fees?
Of the major U.S. airlines, JetBlue has historically done things differently.
Consider the onboard experience. All flyers are treated to plush leather seats, live DirecTV, free Wi-Fi, plenty of legroom and an unlimited selection of brand-name snacks (pre-pandemic, of course). JetBlue's business-class offering, Mint, revolutionized the premium transcon market and totally disrupted the legacy pricing model.
And now, in response to most major U.S. airlines permanently eliminating change fees, JetBlue appears to be taking a different approach too.
Stay up-to-date on airline and aviation news by signing up for our brand-new aviation newsletter.
The origins of the no-change-fee policies
When the pandemic came stateside, airlines quickly realized that customers were unsure of what the future would hold. In February, JetBlue became the first U.S. carrier to temporarily suspend change and cancel fees for new bookings.
Carriers quickly realized that the pandemic was more serious than originally imagined. They soon added existing bookings to the temporary change-fee waivers.
When first introduced, these limited-time waivers only covered a few weeks of travel dates. Over the course of the last seven months, airlines realized that things weren't getting better. As such, they've updated the eligible travel dates countless times.
This months-long process culminated in United's industry-jolting news on Aug. 30. The Chicago-based carrier announced that it's permanently eliminating most change fees for domestic travel. Within 48 hours, the other major U.S. airlines matched. (Southwest, of course, has never charged change fees.)
Except for the ultra-low-cost carriers, JetBlue is the sole major U.S. airline to not announce any permanent adjustments to its change-fee policy.
Related: How airline no-change-fee policies stack up against Southwest
JetBlue's unique approach to change fees
Today, JetBlue revealed it will start flying 24 new leisure-focused routes in a bid to lure travelers onto its jets. As part of the news, the New York-based carrier announced that it's going to extend its "Go Back and Forth with Confidence" change-fee waiver.
You won't be charged a change or cancellation fee for any JetBlue flights booked through Feb. 28, 2021. This policy includes all domestic and international destinations, as well as basic economy (Blue Basic) tickets.
What's interesting is that JetBlue isn't permanently eliminating change fees. Instead, the carrier offers:
“One of the first carriers to suspend these fees in response to the pandemic, JetBlue strongly believes that this policy serves the needs of its customers and will continue to monitor and assess the need for any changes or additions to the company’s policies across the travel journey.”
For now, JetBlue is breaking with the industry on change fees. Instead of outright eliminating them, the airline continues to extend its generous temporary waiver into the first quarter of 2021. The implication is that the carrier isn't ready to make sweeping, long-lasting adjustments to its fare structure.
Perhaps the number one perk of TrueBlue Mosaic elite status is waived change fees. If JetBlue goes ahead and permanently ditches these fees, there's very little reason for customers to push for Mosaic.
It's also possible the carrier is taking its time to craft a measured response to its competitors. When Delta first announced updates to the SkyMiles program back in April, there was a rush for other airlines to match. JetBlue took more than a month to announce TrueBlue updates, but it was well worth the wait. The carrier included some lucrative perks like the ability to gift a full year of status to a friend or family member.
Ultimately, JetBlue may not have a choice
Though JetBlue continues to extend its temporary waivers, the carrier could soon feel pressure to adopt a no-change-fee policy.
As part of the carrier's upcoming strategic partnership with American Airlines, the intention is for the two carriers to codeshare on a slew of New York-focused routes.
When codesharing, airlines often try to align policies as much as possible. Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group, recently remarked in an interview with TPG that "given JetBlue's upcoming partnership with American Airlines, it's surprising we haven't heard anything about a no-change-fee policy. JetBlue has no choice but to remain competitive and in line with AA."
As such, extending the temporary waivers might work for now, but once the partnership begins, Hartevelt expects JetBlue to match. Now the waiting game begins to see if they do.
Related: Here’s how American and JetBlue should team up to reward frequent flyers
What does "permanent" even mean?
Nonetheless, JetBlue might be on to something.
Just because its competitors have all adopted permanent no-change-fee policies doesn't mean that the pesky $200 surcharges are actually gone for good. While the carriers have changed their policies, there could be a temptation to bring them back down the road if demand again begins to approach record levels seen in 2019.
Harteveldt said it best. "There's no such thing as permanent in the airline industry."
JetBlue planes parked at JFK (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)
The elimination of change fees is a smart move during the uncertainty around the pandemic. Until the industry sees an enduring recovery, airlines are likely to continue to use this policy to generate more bookings and reassure passengers that they can modify their plans if something comes up.
And while the industry's recovery is expected to take at least a few years, JetBlue doesn't need to make long-lasting adjustments right now. The airline can wait until it has a better picture of the recovery to see if it actually needs to implement such a policy.
Related: How airlines may choose to make up for those recently eliminated $200 change fees
Bottom line
JetBlue just double-downed on its temporary change-fee waiver. The airline "strongly believes" that this is sufficient for the short term.
However, the upcoming partnership with American might tip JetBlue's hand and force it to adopt a more permanent policy. But if "permanently eliminating change fees" only means until after the pandemic, then perhaps JetBlue is making the right move by sticking to temporary waivers.
Either way, all eyes are on JetBlue. It may just continue to do things differently.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.