JetBlue puts BlueFirst first-class seats on sale for select flights
JetBlue’s BlueFirst cabin can now be booked on select flights, with service beginning Dec. 8 from Boston to Fort Lauderdale.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
JetBlue BlueFirst first class is now available to book on select flights across more than 30 routes, the airline said. The cabin will not begin flying until Dec. 8, when JetBlue plans its first BlueFirst service from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, a distinction travelers should keep in mind when searching schedules.
JetBlue said select Fort Lauderdale–LaGuardia flights will follow within days, with more routes added as aircraft receive the new cabin. CNBC reported the sale announcement Oct. 15. BlueFirst will be used on aircraft without JetBlue’s Mint cabin; Mint remains the airline’s lie-flat business-class product on longer flights.
What does JetBlue BlueFirst first class include?
According to JetBlue’s announcement, BlueFirst is a dedicated two-by-two cabin. Its seats offer up to five inches of recline and up to seven inches of additional legroom compared with the airline’s Main seats. Each seat has a 13.3-inch screen that can connect by Bluetooth.
JetBlue said all BlueFirst fares include a carry-on bag, a personal item, Group 1 boarding, and priority check-in and security access at select airports. The airline also lists dedicated overhead-bin space and baggage benefits among the service’s priority features.
Food varies by flight length. JetBlue said BlueFirst passengers on flights of 899 miles or more will receive a FirstFare meal with an entrée, side and dessert, while premium snacks will be offered on every BlueFirst flight.
Which BlueFirst fare should travelers book?
BlueFirst Base includes one checked bag. Free seat selection opens within 24 hours of departure, while ticket changes and cancellations carry a fee.
BlueFirst includes two checked bags, free advance seat selection, and no change or cancellation fees.
BlueFirst Flex includes the BlueFirst benefits, plus a refund to the original form of payment when canceled before departure and no fees for same-day switches or standby.
The airline is advertising limited-availability introductory one-way fares of $299 between Boston and Fort Lauderdale, $249 between LaGuardia and Fort Lauderdale, and $299 between JFK and Liberia, Costa Rica. Those prices are promotional offers rather than a stated standard fare.
Availability will be uneven during the rollout. The Points Guy reported that retrofits mean only certain flights or dates on a listed route may have BlueFirst, and AFAR gave the same caution. Travelers should check the cabin and seat map on the specific flight before booking rather than assume every JetBlue frequency on a participating route has the new seats.
JetBlue also said eligible Mosaic members booked on eligible fares can receive space-available upgrades before departure at launch, subject to seats being available. Its Premium Upgrade Certificates can be used for either Mint or BlueFirst at variable redemption rates, the airline said.
This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.