JetBlue passengers with Basic Economy tickets will soon be able to bring a carry-on bag in addition to their personal items – as long as space permits.
The airline announced on Tuesday that Blue Basic fares will include hand luggage from September 4, regardless of when the traveler purchased their ticket.
“Carry-on luggage is an important part of the journey for customers, and when given the choice between JetBlue’s award-winning service and another airline’s basic offering, we want JetBlue to be the easy winner,” said JetBlue’s president, Marty St. George , said in a statement. “We are always looking for ways to develop our offering in response to customer preferences. This is a win-win as we improve the customer experience and keep JetBlue competitive in our industry.”
JetBlue customers previously had to buy a more expensive ticket package or pay extra for a seat with even more space if they wanted to store carry-on luggage in the overhead bin.
When the change takes effect, United Airlines will be one of the few remaining major U.S. airlines not to allow carry-on bags with a basic economy ticket.
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All airlines still allow a personal item, such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag, that fits under the seat in front of you, on Basic Economy tickets.
JetBlue acknowledges that even with the discount, some customers with Blue Basic tickets may still need to check their rollaboards.
“While many JetBlue aircraft are equipped with larger baggage areas to accommodate more customers, in the event of space constraints, customers may be required to check their carry-on bags at the gate at no additional charge,” the airline’s statement said. “Customers who want to board earlier to take advantage of overhead bins will now find even more value in purchasing the more flexible Blue fare: JetBlue’s second-lowest fare, including free advanced seat selection, no cancellation or change fees and general boarding. Blue Basic customers remain the last group to board.”
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwicher@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: JetBlue Basic Economy tickets will soon include a carry-on bag
