JetBlue Drops Change Fees Permanently; No New Perks for Mosaic
Feb 16, 2021, 3:28 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 153
JetBlue Drops Change Fees Permanently; No New Perks for Mosaic
Well this is disappointing. JetBlue is introducing some changes:
- All change fees are permanently ended.
- All fares “Blue” and above now come with overhead bin space guaranteed. If you have to check your carry-on, you get a $25 credit.
- Blue Basic fares no longer come with a carry-on.
- Blue Basic fares can be changed or refunded for a flat fee.
So far it’s dropping on news sites and the blogs before a press release has been put out about it.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/jetblu...inners-losers/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...ts/6759125002/
Unfortunately, it looks like they’re not doing anything for their Mosaic members, nor do they intend to:
- All change fees are permanently ended.
- All fares “Blue” and above now come with overhead bin space guaranteed. If you have to check your carry-on, you get a $25 credit.
- Blue Basic fares no longer come with a carry-on.
- Blue Basic fares can be changed or refunded for a flat fee.
So far it’s dropping on news sites and the blogs before a press release has been put out about it.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/jetblu...inners-losers/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...ts/6759125002/
Unfortunately, it looks like they’re not doing anything for their Mosaic members, nor do they intend to:
Dave Clark, vice president of sales and revenue management, reasons that “the new Mosaic benefits announced late last year have several new benefits. The free extra-legroom Even More Space at the gate is the marquee benefit that replaces flexibility.” - TPG
Feb 16, 2021, 3:42 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: SPG Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, JetBlue Mosaic, AA Platinum, National Executive Elite
Posts: 599
Wow, this is a huge announcement! It is absolutely INSANE that they're allowing Mosaic to become worthless, though. They're basically daring their most valuable customers to find another airline. The best & easiest thing they could've offered Mosaics would've been free EMS seats (at booking) for Mosaic member and one companion.
Also, in reading the graphic above, it seems to me that they'll be tagging all bags taken on-board. It also implies they will ONLY allow 1 bag per person to be placed in the overhead bin. Right...?
Also, in reading the graphic above, it seems to me that they'll be tagging all bags taken on-board. It also implies they will ONLY allow 1 bag per person to be placed in the overhead bin. Right...?
Last edited by moulder3; Feb 16, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Feb 16, 2021, 3:48 pm
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
It is more than a little weird that people care so much about what the other person does or does not get. It does not affect value.
No US carrier charges change fees any longe That happened last summer for the rest.
Charging change fees is a competetive disadvantage for B6 and large businesses which are the backbone of commercial air travel simply directed their massive spend to carriers with no change fees.
You can jump ship to AA, UA, DL or AS and find that the grass isn't greener.
No US carrier charges change fees any longe That happened last summer for the rest.
Charging change fees is a competetive disadvantage for B6 and large businesses which are the backbone of commercial air travel simply directed their massive spend to carriers with no change fees.
You can jump ship to AA, UA, DL or AS and find that the grass isn't greener.
Feb 16, 2021, 4:21 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 153
I want to clarify this point because it comes up a lot:
It's not that I care about what someone else does or does not get; I couldn't care less if everyone on my flight gets various benefits. The reason I come here to discuss this is to not complain about others, but to think about the incentive structure. It's not about what others get; it's about what I can get and what I have to do to get it.
Previously, there was a large incentive to qualify for Mosaic status, as it got you waived change fees, something rare in the industry. Now, I can get that without any elite status, on JetBlue as well as on other airlines.
This makes me wonder if it's worth it to do any extra effort to qualify for Mosaic status? It also makes me wonder what the future of Mosaic status is if JetBlue does not seem to desire to want to incentivize their flyers to become Mosaic.
Furthermore, I learned something from this thread already that does change my calculus: the only way to get access to free "same day switch" waivers is to be JetBlue Mosaic! It looks like this policy also matches United and American's policy, so I can't just gain this benefit by flying with another carrier, either. Most of my savings as a Mosaic with change fee waivers came from same day changes anyway, so that is a big tip to the "I will still re-qualify" column.
Previously, there was a large incentive to qualify for Mosaic status, as it got you waived change fees, something rare in the industry. Now, I can get that without any elite status, on JetBlue as well as on other airlines.
This makes me wonder if it's worth it to do any extra effort to qualify for Mosaic status? It also makes me wonder what the future of Mosaic status is if JetBlue does not seem to desire to want to incentivize their flyers to become Mosaic.
Furthermore, I learned something from this thread already that does change my calculus: the only way to get access to free "same day switch" waivers is to be JetBlue Mosaic! It looks like this policy also matches United and American's policy, so I can't just gain this benefit by flying with another carrier, either. Most of my savings as a Mosaic with change fee waivers came from same day changes anyway, so that is a big tip to the "I will still re-qualify" column.
Last edited by RememberTheConcord; Feb 16, 2021 at 4:32 pm
Feb 16, 2021, 4:35 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Cape Cod
Programs: Free agent
Posts: 1,535
Excited to see the basic fares get restricted. Not surprised to see Mosaic hanging in the wind, at least for now. The benefits are good for a small subset of people on certain routes. They don't need to cater to VIP customers and thus they don't bother to.
Feb 16, 2021, 5:08 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 153
An email just went out to Mosaic members:
Hi, XXXXXX.
As always, your loyalty means the world to us.
How we travel continues to evolve, and we're evolving what's included in our fares so travelers can choose what's most valuable to them and provide peace of mind with flexibility and a better boarding experience.
More travel flexibility.
Of course, you have enjoyed the freedom of changing or cancelling your plans with most fares as part of your Mosaic perks, but we want to let you know about some changes you'll be seeing in the coming weeks that add to your flexibility:
Getting a handle on carry-ons.
Starting 7/20/21, our new carry-on bag policy will guarantee overhead bin space to those traveling on a Blue, Blue Extra or Mint fare or who book an Even More® Space seat on domestic flights within the U.S.,—or you get a $25 Travel Bank credit1. That's right—no more guessing if there will be room for your bag on board, no matter when you board.
Looking ahead, we'll continue to review and refine your Mosaic offerings to best meet your needs.
To learn more, and get answers to frequently asked questions, please visit jetblue.com/fares or call the dedicated Mosaic line.
Again, we appreciate your loyalty and look forward to welcoming you on board soon.
Here's to blue skies,
Don Uselmann
Vice President, Loyalty
Hi, XXXXXX.
As always, your loyalty means the world to us.
How we travel continues to evolve, and we're evolving what's included in our fares so travelers can choose what's most valuable to them and provide peace of mind with flexibility and a better boarding experience.
More travel flexibility.
Of course, you have enjoyed the freedom of changing or cancelling your plans with most fares as part of your Mosaic perks, but we want to let you know about some changes you'll be seeing in the coming weeks that add to your flexibility:
- We'll continue to waive change and cancel fees for all travelers on all fares, including Blue Basic, through 3/31/21.
- Starting 4/1/21 all travelers, including Mosaics, will be able to change or cancel a Blue Basic fare for a fee (fare difference applies). With our current fare options, the fare is forfeited with any changes and cancellations even for Mosaic members, so the new policy allows you flexibility on these fares.
- Mosaics will now be permitted to make free same-day switches on all fares (including Blue Basic). Currently, same-day switches are not permitted on Basic fares and the fare is forfeited.
Getting a handle on carry-ons.
Starting 7/20/21, our new carry-on bag policy will guarantee overhead bin space to those traveling on a Blue, Blue Extra or Mint fare or who book an Even More® Space seat on domestic flights within the U.S.,—or you get a $25 Travel Bank credit1. That's right—no more guessing if there will be room for your bag on board, no matter when you board.
- While Blue Basic fares booked on or after 2/25/21 for travel 7/20/21 or later will not allow a carry-on bag and only allow a personal item that fits under the seat, rest assured that Mosaic members (and their eligible travel companions) will continue to get a carry-on bag that can be placed in the overhead bin with ALL fares, including Blue Basic.
Looking ahead, we'll continue to review and refine your Mosaic offerings to best meet your needs.
To learn more, and get answers to frequently asked questions, please visit jetblue.com/fares or call the dedicated Mosaic line.
Again, we appreciate your loyalty and look forward to welcoming you on board soon.
Here's to blue skies,
Don Uselmann
Vice President, Loyalty
Feb 16, 2021, 9:24 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Programs: AS 75K, DL Platinum
Posts: 631
It is more than a little weird that people care so much about what the other person does or does not get. It does not affect value.
No US carrier charges change fees any longe That happened last summer for the rest.
Charging change fees is a competetive disadvantage for B6 and large businesses which are the backbone of commercial air travel simply directed their massive spend to carriers with no change fees.
You can jump ship to AA, UA, DL or AS and find that the grass isn't greener.
No US carrier charges change fees any longe That happened last summer for the rest.
Charging change fees is a competetive disadvantage for B6 and large businesses which are the backbone of commercial air travel simply directed their massive spend to carriers with no change fees.
You can jump ship to AA, UA, DL or AS and find that the grass isn't greener.
It is certainly true that B6 must eliminate change fees to stay competitive. But that doesn’t address the main questions at hand: how does B6 expect to retain elites with no differentiation? Should they offer elite upgrades to Mint, for instance, as other US airlines offer?
Feb 16, 2021, 9:30 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: LAS ORD
Programs: AA Pro (mostly B6) OZ♦ (flying BR/UA), BA Silver Hyatt LT, Wynn Black, Cosmo Plat, Mlife Noir
Posts: 5,992
Previously, there was a large incentive to qualify for Mosaic status, as it got you waived change fees, something rare in the industry. Now, I can get that without any elite status, on JetBlue as well as on other airlines.
This makes me wonder if it's worth it to do any extra effort to qualify for Mosaic status? It also makes me wonder what the future of Mosaic status is if JetBlue does not seem to desire to want to incentivize their flyers to become Mosaic.
This makes me wonder if it's worth it to do any extra effort to qualify for Mosaic status? It also makes me wonder what the future of Mosaic status is if JetBlue does not seem to desire to want to incentivize their flyers to become Mosaic.
Feb 16, 2021, 9:43 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,404
The big move today is JetBlue doing away with the free carry-on bag with their basic economy fare. That's horrible for a lot of people, myself included. It makes JetBlue fares non-competitive to me in most situations.
I can't believe I'm saying it, but I think AA is now the most customer friendly airline in America. You can buy just about any ticket and not regret it.
I can't believe I'm saying it, but I think AA is now the most customer friendly airline in America. You can buy just about any ticket and not regret it.
Feb 16, 2021, 11:40 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: LAX/SFO
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Fortune Wings Club Gold
Posts: 356
The big move today is JetBlue doing away with the free carry-on bag with their basic economy fare. That's horrible for a lot of people, myself included. It makes JetBlue fares non-competitive to me in most situations.
I can't believe I'm saying it, but I think AA is now the most customer friendly airline in America. You can buy just about any ticket and not regret it.
I can't believe I'm saying it, but I think AA is now the most customer friendly airline in America. You can buy just about any ticket and not regret it.
I'm pretty frustrated with this change. I fly transcon a decent amount and got the Jetblue card recently in anticipation of future travel. Guess I'll just burn my points and stay with AS/AA.
Feb 17, 2021, 12:39 am
#14
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,696
I want to clarify this point because it comes up a lot:
It's not that I care about what someone else does or does not get; I couldn't care less if everyone on my flight gets various benefits. The reason I come here to discuss this is to not complain about others, but to think about the incentive structure. It's not about what others get; it's about what I can get and what I have to do to get it.
Previously, there was a large incentive to qualify for Mosaic status, as it got you waived change fees, something rare in the industry. Now, I can get that without any elite status, on JetBlue as well as on other airlines.
This makes me wonder if it's worth it to do any extra effort to qualify for Mosaic status? It also makes me wonder what the future of Mosaic status is if JetBlue does not seem to desire to want to incentivize their flyers to become Mosaic.
Furthermore, I learned something from this thread already that does change my calculus: the only way to get access to free "same day switch" waivers is to be JetBlue Mosaic! It looks like this policy also matches United and American's policy, so I can't just gain this benefit by flying with another carrier, either. Most of my savings as a Mosaic with change fee waivers came from same day changes anyway, so that is a big tip to the "I will still re-qualify" column.
It's not that I care about what someone else does or does not get; I couldn't care less if everyone on my flight gets various benefits. The reason I come here to discuss this is to not complain about others, but to think about the incentive structure. It's not about what others get; it's about what I can get and what I have to do to get it.
Previously, there was a large incentive to qualify for Mosaic status, as it got you waived change fees, something rare in the industry. Now, I can get that without any elite status, on JetBlue as well as on other airlines.
This makes me wonder if it's worth it to do any extra effort to qualify for Mosaic status? It also makes me wonder what the future of Mosaic status is if JetBlue does not seem to desire to want to incentivize their flyers to become Mosaic.
Furthermore, I learned something from this thread already that does change my calculus: the only way to get access to free "same day switch" waivers is to be JetBlue Mosaic! It looks like this policy also matches United and American's policy, so I can't just gain this benefit by flying with another carrier, either. Most of my savings as a Mosaic with change fee waivers came from same day changes anyway, so that is a big tip to the "I will still re-qualify" column.
Feb 17, 2021, 12:41 am
#15
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,696
I remember when JetBlue marketed itself as the friendliest, most comfortable airline. Now they charge the highest baggage fee of any domestic airline and don't allow carry-ons. Spirit-tier, indeed.