If you're in the market for more legroom, delectable snacks, and complimentary live TV at every seat, then your choice of jet travel may be very blue indeed. JetBlue, the former upstart from Queens, New York, has carved out a comfortable niche within a crowded airline industry over the past 15 years, all while pioneering the concept of premium amenities at low-cost carrier prices. As counterintuitive as this approach may seem, JetBlue has not only been very successful in proving its feasibility, but it has thrived under a promise by founder David Neeleman "to bring humanity back to air travel."
Roses are red,
Jets are...Blue?
He certainly put his money where his mouth is, because the new airline swiftly garnered an admirable reputation as much for its range of inclusive enhancements as for its culture of exceptional customer service. And perhaps just for good measure, JetBlue went on to rank "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Low-Cost Carriers in North America" by J.D. Power & Associates 11 consecutive years in a row (2005-2015). Yes, it blue our minds as well.
In celebration of this once in a blue moon event, let's take a quick look at where JetBlue jets to so you can book the next flight out. While it definitely helps to be located near the U.S. Northeast, JetBlue has quickly expanded far beyond its original operating base at JFK. Today, the carrier serves more than 85 cities, including international destinations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. JetBlue's five major focus cities, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Long Beach, and San Juan, Puerto Rico provide additional non-stop and connecting flights.
TrueBlue, JetBlue's frequent flyer rewards program, was established in 2002. It was introduced as a zone-based program initially, allowing members to accumulate points based on the distance of their flights. Following general trends in the industry, however, TrueBlue transitioned into a revenue-based model in 2009, with both points earning and redemption based on the price of a ticket. JetBlue's elite status tier, Mosaic, was revealed in 2012, with an aim to recognize its most loyal and valued members. The JetBlue blue bloods, shall we say?
Joining TrueBlue
Joining the TrueBlue program is as simple as slipping on a pair of blue jeans, and anyone around the world can sign up for free. You can also request points for eligible flights you've already taken, up to a full year prior to the date you joined. Once you're an official TrueBlue member, go hog wild filling out your profile. Upload that stunning selfie with the blue filter as your member picture, pick your favorite JetBlue destinations, even create an ultimate dream itinerary to the Blue Ridge Mountains and add it to your TrueBlue Wishlist.
Earning TrueBlue Points
As a TrueBlue member, you'll earn 3 points per dollar spent on the base fare for all JetBlue flights. Keen on doubling that amount? Simply book all your flights on JetBlue.com, and you'll instantly be bumped up to 6 points per dollar spent. Yeehaw! (cue bluegrass music). Of course, elite status members receive an additional bonus on top of the base points, but we'll get to that in a minute.
Bonuses & Badges
JetBlue has created over 400 badges that members can collect for completing JetBlue-related activities like flying, interacting with partners, and getting social. The more tasks you complete, the more badges you'll collect, and the more bonus points you can potentially pocket. For example, you can earn 5,000 bonus points just for flying 3 round-trip JetBlue flights in one calendar year. Or how about connecting your Facebook profile to your TrueBlue account, which will net you another 50 points. Level up as you accumulate badges, and compete with friends and strangers alike on the community leaderboards.
Earning TrueBlue Points With Partner Airlines
Despite having a presence in more than 85 destinations throughout North and South America, JetBlue understands that there are times when you'll need to explore somewhere a bit more exotic. Conakry, Guinea perhaps? Or how about Thiruvananthapuram, India? In these rare instances, why not fly with one of JetBlue's partner airlines? It's certainly more comfortable than hitching a ride on a blue whale. Not to mention, you'll continue to rack up TrueBlue points even when you can't fly on JetBlue. Click on the links below to learn more about each partner airline and their specific earn rates:
JetBlue Credit Card Partners
Earning TrueBlue points by flying is the surefire way to accumulate a massive stockpile of points, but why let limitations bog you down? Stop singing the blues and start collecting points through virtually every purchase you make. With the JetBlue Card from American Express, cardmembers can earn two points per dollar spent directly with JetBlue and one point per dollar spent everywhere else. Best of all, 10,000 bonus points can be yours just for spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account. Let's review all the benefits below:
JetBlue Card From American Express
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of card membership.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent directly with JetBlue.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else.
- Get a statement credit for 50% off select inflight purchases such as movies, meals, and cocktails with your card.
- Get a $50 statement credit each year you purchase a JetBlue Getaways vacation package with your card.
- $40 annual fee.
More JetBlue Credit Cards
Unfortunately, the JetBlue Card from American Express is only available to U.S. residents, excluding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But no need to feel azul, my Boricua amigos, because JetBlue and Santander Bank have teamed up to issue the Santander JetBlue MasterCard. Virtually all of the benefits are identical to the American Express card. In addition, although members will only earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of opening the account. Additionally, the $40 annual fee is not waived for the first year.
In addition, residents of the Dominican Republic can apply for the Banco Popular JetBlue MasterCard. New cardholders will receive 2,000 bonus points after activation, and 2 points per $1 (or its equivalent in Dominican Pesos) spent directly with JetBlue. The annual fee is RD$1600. Sacre bleu!
More Earning Partners
Ever shop at Bloomingdales? Try making it Bluemingdales by accessing the retailer through JetBlue's very own online mall, ShopTrue. You can browse hundreds of popular brands, all while earning points for every dollar you spend. From hotels to rental cars to magazines to yes, even online surveys, every waking moment of your life can be devoted to hoarding TrueBlue points. Just don't forget to sleep or bathe every once in a while, lest you lose your sanity when the blue screen of death strikes.
Purchase, Transfer, And Pool Points
Say you're short just a few points for that reward flight to Las Vegas, and you've already bought front-row tickets to see the Blue Man Group. There's no need to worry, because JetBlue lets you purchase points in increments of 500, up to 30,000 points per transaction. If you're bringing a few friends along, you can even gift points to their TrueBlue account so they have enough to book reward flights as well. Note that there is a maximum purchase limit of 60,000 points per calendar year, and points can take up to 72 hours to post to your account.
What good are all these points if you have no one to share them with? Luckily, JetBlue lets you transfer points for a nominal fee to your favorite people (aka anyone with a TrueBlue account). Transfers must be in increments of 1,000, up to 30,000 points per transaction. A maximum limit of 60,000 points may be transferred/received per calendar year, and points can take up to 24 hours to post to your account.
Family Pooling
One of the best features of TrueBlue is the ability to pool your points together with family members for free. Luckily, JetBlue has loosened the term "family" to include just about anyone you can think of. The only restriction states that families must comprise of two adults, and up to five children under the age of 21. Unfortunately, blue birds, blue fin tuna, blue mussels, blue poison dart frogs, and inanimate blue objects do not count. If you can obtain Jay-Z and Beyonce's blessing, however, feel free to add Blue Ivy to your modern family. Once a head of household has been designated, each member can decide how many points they would like to contribute. With family pooling, rewards goals are met faster, and that dream vacation for the entire family is suddenly within reach.
Membership Rewards Transfers
An alternative transfer opportunity is also available to those who participate in the American Express Membership Rewards program. Transfers into your TrueBlue account must be in increments of 250 Membership Rewards points and at a ratio of 5:4 (250 Membership Rewards points = 200 TrueBlue points). Note that a minimal Airline Excise Tax Offset Fee is charged for all transfers.
Using TrueBlue Points
TrueBlue points never expire. Period. However, unlike a perfectly aged wedge of blue cheese, TrueBlue points won't become tastier (or more valuable) as they get older. So in the midst of chasing down every last point, stop and smell the blue jasmine, and be sure to redeem some for a well-deserved vacation.
As with all revenue programs, the points required to redeem for a flight is directly tied to the cost of a ticket. Simply head over to JetBlue.com, search for any flight, and view the price by points. While there is no set value assigned to TrueBlue points, on average, you should expect to redeem them for about 1.0-1.4 cents per point in coach class. Reward seats are not capacity controlled, and there are zero blackout dates, so any available revenue seat can be redeemed using TrueBlue points.
Redeem With Hawaiian Airlines
TrueBlue points can be redeemed for flights on all Hawaiian Airlines routes. Simply contact JetBlue at 1.800.JETBLUE (1.800.538.2583) to check for seat availability and the total price in points (also based on the revenue cost of a ticket). Note that there is a mandatory $25 fee for all call center reservations.
More Redemption Partners
Perhaps you've already visited every destination in JetBlue's and Hawaiian Airline's portfolio. Naturally, you'd want to know how else you can spend your hard-earned points. Look no further, because we've created a table with additional redemption partners below. Want to use points for a vacation package? JetBlue Getaways can grant your wish. Want to decorate that coffee table with stacks of magazines? Go ahead and redeem your points for a dozen subscriptions. Feeling altruistic? JetBlue True Giving has you covered with more than 2.5 million causes available in their database.
Status Points And Tier Benefits
TrueBlue Mosaic is JetBlue's sole elite status tier. Earning flight points to qualify for Mosaic is identical to earning reward points: 3 flight points per dollar spent on the base fare for all JetBlue flights. Bonus points, points earned from JetBlue credit cards, and additional points earned from JetBlue partners do not count towards elite status qualification.
There are two ways to reach Mosaic status, the first requires flying 30 segments and earning 12,000 flight points within one year, and the second is based purely on earning 15,000 flight points within one year. If your travel plans typically include inexpensive short-haul flights, you should consider qualifying through the first method. Alternatively, if you only fly a few expensive long-haul flights every year, then the second method is probably a better fit. Either way, you'll be able to keep your Mosaic status for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualify, in addition to the entire following year. Let's take a look at the perks that come with scaling the status summit of TrueBlue Mountain.
Benefits | Mosaic Status |
|---|---|
| Requirements to reach Mosaic status | 30 segments + 12,000 flight points within 1 year OR 15,000 flight points within 1 year |
| Qualification bonus points | 15,000 bonus points upon qualifying for 2015 Mosaic status |
| Bonus points for JetBlue flights | Earn an additional 3 TrueBlue points per dollar spent on your JetBlue flight |
| Fees | JetBlue change and cancellation fees waived for Mosaic members and others on their itinerary |
| Even More® Space | Redeem your points for an Even More Space seat |
| Even More® Speed | Complimentary access to expedited security lines |
| Early boarding | Be among the first to board for early access to overhead bin space |
| Complimentary checked bags | You and others on your itinerary can check both the first and second bags for free |
| Customer service | Access to a dedicated 24/7 customer service line |
JetBlue Mint
In June 2014, JetBlue unveiled Mint, its brand new premium cabin on select JFK-LAX flights. To say Mint is a game changer would be an understatement, as JetBlue becomes the very first domestic carrier to introduce fully-enclosed lie-flat suites on the transcontinental route. And that's just the beginning. At 6'8", Mint seats offer the longest flat beds in the domestic premium market. Incidentally, they are also the widest among the competition.
Needless to say, flying in the Mint cabin provides plenty of extra perks. From dedicated check-in lines and early boarding at the airport to complimentary Wi-Fi and scrumptious tapas-style meals designed by Saxon+Parole, Mint is truly an unprecedented experience on JetBlue, and possibly on any domestic carrier. Seats feature cushions with adjustable firmness and even massage functions. Best of all, flying with Mint doesn't entail spending an arm and a leg, since fares start at just $599 one-way.
JetBlue recently announced the expansion of Mint, with three daily round-trip flights from Boston to San Francisco starting in March 2016, and Boston to Los Angeles starting in Fall 2016. In March 2016, JetBlue will also begin a seasonal weekly Mint flight from Boston to Barbados, further expanding the popular service. Mint currently operates daily round-trip flights from New York JFK to San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as weekly service from New York JFK to Aruba and Barbados.
JFK Terminal 5 Lounge Access
While JetBlue currently doesn't operate their own lounges, all passengers traveling through JetBlue's dedicated Terminal 5 in JFK can access the new pay-per-use Airspace Lounge near Gate 24. Entry fees start at $25 with no membership required. The lounge offers complimentary espresso, cappuccino, soft drinks, snacks, printing and scanning, internet terminals, Wi-Fi, as well as private restrooms and shower facilities. Plus, you'll receive a $10 credit to purchase items from the Airspace premium menu of alcoholic beverages and meals.
Want to learn more about the Airspace Lounge in JFK and other lounges when traveling with JetBlue? Simply download the LoungeBuddy app, complete your profile by entering your elite status, lounge membership, and credit card information, and we'll tell you exactly which lounges you have access to and the amenities included inside. It's simply the easiest way to find your airport oasis.
Conclusion
With award-winning service, the most personal space offered to domestic passengers, complimentary live TV at every seat, magnificent snacks, free checked bags, and low fares, JetBlue truly encompasses all the best attributes of modern air travel. Flying with JetBlue means there is nothing to sacrifice and everything to gain. It's no wonder passengers have made JetBlue the fifth largest carrier in the U.S. in less than 15 years. So go ahead, book your next flight with JetBlue, download LoungeBuddy, and treat yourself to a superior travel experience. Oh, and go eat some blueberries. They're great for you.
JetBlue Contact Information
Telephone Numbers
- From the United States: 1.800.JETBLUE (1.800.538.2583). 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Visit the JetBlue worldwide phone numbers website for all other countries.
Emails
- To share your questions, concerns, suggestions, and compliments, visit the JetBlue website to access a whole suite of email submission forms.
Request Receipt
- To request an electronic receipt for a flight taken within the past 13 months, fill out and submit this form with the required information.
Social Media
