I know policy is to charge $25-30 to make any changes - any chance of getting this waived for extenuating circumstances, or are they very strict about this?

The $30 change fee has been in effect for some time, however if you change your flight(s) online, you save 5 bucks and it's $25.

JetBlue has been more strict recently in charging the fee, as they have been "too nice." Other airlines charge a crazy $100 change fee + difference in fare which can often turn out to be much more than jetBlue due to the higher fare caps.

Even under extenuating circumstances, I would expect to pay the $25 change fee...unless you get lucky and get someone very nice and understanding on the phone who sees your loyalty to jetBlue. Don't count on it but you never know.

***Also, keep in mind that if the difference in fare is greater than $100, jetBlue will WAIVE the $25/$30 change fee as a courtesy.

thanx

an update - I took your advice, and called three times; the first two customer service reps said "the policy is not to allow changes without a fee, except when there's a death in the family", and they were very firm about this. the third one changed my reservation immediately, without a problem, with no fee. just goes to show that rules are meant to be broken

thanx again for your help!