ADVERTISEMENT
JetBlue reveals name for new first class, brings basic fares to more cabins
Sean Cudahy
Senior Aviation Reporter
Sean Cudahy is an aviation reporter covering news about airlines, frequent flyer programs and consumer travel issues.
July 27, 2026
•
6 min read
Jump to section
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
First-class is coming to JetBlue later this year.
Within the next few months, the airline plans to debut domestic-style, first-class recliners on many of its planes.
Eventually, you'll see those new seats on all JetBlue aircraft that don't already have the airline's high-end Mint cabin.
JetBlue hasn't said exactly when you'll start seeing those first-class seats appear — just that they'll start to debut by the end of 2026.
But the carrier is confirming the much-anticipated name for the new first-class cabin: BlueFirst.
It's a very on-brand name for the carrier's new seats, an ode to both the airline's signature color and its loyalty program (TrueBlue).
More significantly, the seats should be a welcome addition to the front of its planes, giving the airline a true premium seating option between its coach and lie-flat Mint cabins.
More New York City flights coming: JetBlue wins Spirit's slots at LaGuardia
On board a JetBlue Airbus A321LR. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
What will the seats and service be like? And will BlueFirst have the same top-notch food that's a hallmark of its upper-tier Mint cabin?
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
Email address
Sign up
Submitting...
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
We'll have to wait and see, but the New York-based carrier is promising a "fresh new take" on first-class. Expect to hear more in the coming months about what that will mean for travelers.
Read more: JetBlue's first-ever lounge makes JFK debut
JetBlue expands 'basic' to more cabins
In the meantime, JetBlue will become the latest U.S. airline to lean more heavily into "basic" fares.
The carrier on Monday revealed it plans to sell basic first-class tickets as part of the new cabin, which will have tighter restrictions than a standard ticket: These passengers cannot select their seats and will be subject to change and cancellation fees. They will earn fewer points than they would on a standard ticket.
Basic extra legroom (EvenMore) fares are also on the way.
It's basically an expansion of the basic economy concept to the front of the plane.
JetBlue is following in the footsteps of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. In recent months, the two legacy carriers have begun selling basic versions of their premium seats, expanding the "unbundled" fare concept to more cabins.
Going forward, JetBlue will sell tickets in four cabins:
| Cabin | Details |
|---|---|
| Main | JetBlue's economy seats (previously labeled coach "Core," but that moniker is going away) |
| EvenMore | Extra legroom |
| BlueFirst | Domestic first-class, which will soon debut on planes that don't have Mint |
| Mint | JetBlue's lie-flat business-class product available on certain aircraft |
Within those cabins, it'll sell three fare types:
- Base: think basic fare
- Standard: a regular fare for that cabin, essentially
- Flex: a fully refundable fare, which costs a little more
One exception? There won't be a base offering in Mint, meaning JetBlue won't sell "basic business" as Delta and United do now.
Deep dive: Basic economy and the 'evolution' that's sweeping over airlines' cheapest fares
JetBlue's Mint cabin on an Airbus A321LR. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
JetBlue's new ticket types
Here's a rundown of JetBlue's new fare types and key differences based on which one you purchase.
Generally speaking, you'll pay more for a Flex ticket and less for a Base fare, but the base ticket type will come with added restrictions.
| Cabin | "Base" fare class<br>(basic) | Standard fare class | "Flex" fare class<br>(refundable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fares | Main Base<br>EvenMore Base<br>BlueFirst Base<br>Note: No base Mint fares | Main <br>EvenMore<br>BlueFirst<br>Mint | Main Flex<br>EvenMore Flex<br>BlueFirst Flex<br>Mint Flex |
| Full-size carry-on bag | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seat selection | Not included | Yes | Yes |
| Chance/cancellation fee | Yes | No | No |
| Refundability | Travel credit | Travel credit | Full refund to the original form of payment |
| TrueBlue points | 1 point per dollar | 3 points per dollar | 3 points per dollar |
Two other things to know:
- JetBlue's basic economy fare, previously "Blue Basic," will be called "Main Basic," going forward.
- Passengers flying Main Base and EvenMore Base don't get access to the airline's BlueHouse lounge network when flying on a Main Basic fare — even if they carry JetBlue's premium credit card.
More fare options in more cabins
This is the latest example of a major U.S. airline significantly expanding its menu of ticket options.
For years, passengers have had to weigh "regular" or "basic" fares in economy — and whether they were willing to trade a lower base fare for fewer benefits included in their booking.
Increasingly, those choices are becoming a reality when booking nicer and more expensive seats, too
Here's how JetBlue President Marty St. George framed the move:
"In two simple clicks, customers will be able to book what's right for them," he said. "First, the onboard experience, and then the fare option, depending on their preferences around seat selection and refundability."
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- Which US airline is best? TPG's 2026 rankings
- Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
- Was the 'fast, free' Wi-Fi really slow on your flight, too? Here's what's going on
Featured image by SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Read Original at The Points Guy →