JetBlue Airways’ cancellation policy is designed to offer flexibility for most fare types while maintaining restrictions for its lowest-cost options. Below is a concise overview based on available information:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy: You can cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund to the original payment method, provided the flight is at least 7 days away (168 hours). This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, and complies with U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Refunds are processed within 7 business days for credit card payments or 20 days for cash/check. This policy does not apply to group bookings (9+ passengers).
General Cancellation Rules:
- Refundable Fares: Can be canceled before departure for a full refund to the original payment method, with no fees, if processed via JetBlue’s website or app. Refunds must follow industry standards (e.g., through ARC/BSP for agencies). If not canceled before departure, the value becomes a JetBlue travel credit, valid for one year from issuance.
- Non-Refundable Fares (Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, Mint): No cancellation fees for most fares, except Blue Basic. If canceled before departure, the full value is issued as a JetBlue Travel Bank credit, valid for one year from the original booking date. Credits can be used for airfare, taxes, or change fees on JetBlue-operated flights but not for extras like baggage or partner airline bookings. If not canceled before departure, the ticket value is forfeited.
- Blue Basic Fares: Subject to a cancellation fee of $100 per person for travel within North America, Central America, or the Caribbean, or $200 for other routes. The remaining balance is issued as a Travel Bank credit, valid for one year. No refunds to the original payment method are available after the 24-hour window.
- Award Flights: Points are redeposited to the TrueBlue account if canceled before departure, with no fees. Taxes and fees (e.g., $5.60 domestic, up to $100 international) are issued as Travel Bank credits, valid for one year. If not canceled, points and fees are forfeited.
- Mosaic Members: No cancellation fees for same-day cancellations across all fares, including Blue Basic. Non-refundable fare cancellations incur standard fees, with refunds as travel credits.
Cancellation Fees:
- No fees for Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, or Mint fares.
- Blue Basic: $100–$200 per person, depending on the route.
- A $25 non-refundable fee per person applies for cancellations made via phone or online chat, but not for online cancellations at jetblue.com.
- Same-day switches (not cancellations) cost $75, unavailable for Blue Basic.
Airline-Caused Cancellations:
- If JetBlue cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund to the original payment method, even for non-refundable tickets, or rebooking on the next available flight at no cost. Refunds are processed within 7 days for credit cards or 20 days for cash/check.
- For “Controllable Irregularities” (e.g., maintenance, crew issues), you may receive additional compensation per JetBlue’s Customer Bill of Rights, such as up to $100 travel credit, meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or ground transport, depending on the delay duration.
- For EU/UK flights, EC 261/UK 261 may apply, offering €250–€600 compensation for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather).
- JetBlue notifies passengers of cancellations via email or phone, but third-party bookings may cause communication gaps. Check flight status proactively.
Special Cases:
- Bereavement: For a passenger’s death, a full refund is issued for the deceased and traveling companions with a death certificate submitted within 14 days. For immediate family member deaths, JetBlue may waive fees with documentation (e.g., obituary).
- Illness: Non-refundable tickets remain non-refundable, but cancellations before departure keep the ticket in “OPEN” status for use within one year, subject to change fees.
- Weather: If weather disrupts flights, cancellations are fee-waived, and the unused ticket portion is issued as a travel credit. No cash refunds unless JetBlue cannot rebook.
- Travel Insurance: Optional insurance (5%–10% of trip cost) may cover cancellations for covered reasons (e.g., illness). Some travel credit cards include this benefit. “Cancel for Any Reason” policies are pricier but offer more flexibility.
