JetBlue Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

JetBlue Airways, a U.S.-based low-cost carrier, operates domestic and international flights to over 100 destinations. Its missed flight policy, including the “Flat Tire” or “Late Show” policy, is governed by its Customer Service Plan, Contract of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, U.S. DOT regulations, and EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights to/from the EU/UK. This policy outlines options for passengers who miss their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. Note that JetBlue will cease operations at Miami International Airport (MIA) effective September 3, 2025, but this policy applies to all other operational routes.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in by the deadline (30 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 60 minutes for international flights) or arrive at the boarding gate (15-20 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Blue Basic), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. Notify JetBlue within 2 hours of the scheduled departure via the Manage Trips section, app, or airport counter to request standby rebooking or preserve ticket value as a travel credit (valid for 12 months). A no-show fee ($50 USD) may apply for refund requests after missing a flight, and the ticket status must be changed to “open.” Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., $20-$30 USD). Refundable tickets (e.g., Blue Extra, Mint) retain value for 12 months if unused, with no penalty if canceled before departure.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets (e.g., Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Basic). Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, a $75 USD same-day switch fee (waived for Mosaic members), or a $100 USD change fee ($200 USD for transatlantic routes), plus fare differences. Blue Basic fares booked after March 18, 2024, cannot be changed, only canceled with a fee. Changes must be made via the Manage Trips section, app, airport counters, or the original booking channel. If the same fare is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Blue Extra, Mint Refundable) can be refunded for the unused portion with no penalty if canceled before departure. Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as travel credits (valid for 12 months) within 7-14 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods through the original purchase channel. Requests must be made within 12 months from issuance.
• 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from JetBlue (ticket number starting with “279”), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the Manage Trips section or app. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not qualify, and refunds may take longer.
• Flat Tire/Late Show Policy: If you miss your flight but notify JetBlue within 2 hours of the scheduled departure, you may be rebooked on a standby flight at no cost or for a reduced fee (e.g., $75 USD same-day switch fee), subject to availability. This applies to domestic and select international routes. Visit an airport customer service desk for faster processing, especially during peak periods. If no flights are available, you may be placed on a standby list or rebooked for a later date with applicable fees.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a JetBlue-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “279”), JetBlue will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost. If the delay exceeds 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international) at your final destination and is within JetBlue’s control (e.g., mechanical issues), you may be eligible for compensation: €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for 1500-3500 km, or €600 for over 3500 km under EU/UK 261 (for flights departing from EU/UK airports), or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. For delays of 3+ hours, meals or vouchers are provided; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport, subject to availability. Retain receipts for reimbursement. JetBlue has faced penalties for chronic delays, so compensation processes are strictly monitored.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or security issues). JetBlue will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less an administrative fee. Passengers are responsible for additional expenses (e.g., accommodation, transport). Travel insurance is recommended.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time with valid documentation, JetBlue will seek volunteers first. If involuntarily denied boarding, you will be rebooked on the next available flight and may receive compensation ($200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules or €250-€600 under EU/UK 261, depending on delay duration). Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel voucher. Meals or refreshments are provided while waiting.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to medical emergencies or bereavement, JetBlue may waive rebooking fees or offer travel credits with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Care form. Approval is reviewed case-by-case, and documentation must be provided promptly to avoid rejection.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact JetBlue immediately via the Manage Trips section, mobile app, or airport customer service desk within 2 hours of the scheduled departure to request standby rebooking or preserve ticket value as a credit (valid for 12 months). Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123). Visiting an airport counter may expedite rebooking, especially during peak periods.
• Explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, credits, or fee waivers. For special circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, bereavement), submit documentation via the Customer Care form promptly.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Trips section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Blue Basic fares are restrictive, while Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint offer more flexibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Care form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 7-14 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods; claims are acknowledged within 7 days and processed within 30 days. Keep the reference number to track status.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delays.
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents). Request an Insurance Verification Form via Customer Care for insurance claims.
• For EU/UK 261 claims (flights departing from EU/UK airports), submit directly to JetBlue to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the UK CAA or EU national authorities. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight.

Additional Information

If JetBlue cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), or cancels with less than 14 days’ notice, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. For cancellations or significant delays within JetBlue’s control, you may receive a full refund (including fees for baggage, seats, or meals) or rebooking on the next available flight. Compensation for EU/UK flights (€250-€600) or U.S. flights ($75-$650 USD) can be filed up to 6 years after the flight for EU/UK claims or within 1 year for U.S. claims. For delays over 3 hours, meals or vouchers are provided; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Retain all receipts for expenses and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. JetBlue’s recent $2 million DOT penalty for chronic delays emphasizes adherence to compensation protocols. For unresolved claims, escalate to the U.S. DOT, UK CAA, or EU national authorities. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. For more details, review JetBlue’s Contract of Carriage, Customer Service Plan, or Customer Bill of Rights.