Any last-minute changes in travel plans can be stressful, but JetBlue Airways aims to make cancellations, flight delays as hassle-free as possible. Whether you booked a budget-friendly Basic Blue fare or a premium Mint fare, understanding the JetBlue cancellation policy is essential to manage your travel smoothly.
This in-depth guide serves as a one-stop resource for JetBlue passengers looking for all detailed and accurate information about cancellations, flight delays, and compensation options. Here’s everything you need to know:
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What are the Rules for Cancelling a JetBlue Flight?
As per JetBlue’s cancellation policy, all flight tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Within this validity period, passengers can request a flight change. In addition,
- To avoid the forfeiture of the ticket, the cancellation must occur before the scheduled departure time.
- There are no cancellation costs for Mint, Blue, Blue Plus, or Blue Extra.
- A 25 USD service fee applies for cancellations made over the phone.
- In case of a refundable fare, cancel anytime before departure for a full refund. In case of a no-show, the unused portion becomes a travel credit valid for 12 months.
- In case of a non-refundable fare, a cancellation fee may apply. The remaining value is issued as a travel credit. If passengers do not cancel before departure, all money, including any extras, is forfeited.
How Does the 24-Hour Cancellation Rule Work?
As per JetBlue’s 24-hour cancellation policy, any JetBlue flight that is booked 7 or more days before the departure date, passengers have 24 hours to cancel the reservation for free. In addition:
- This policy applies to all fare types, including nonrefundable Blue Basic fare
- The 24-hour cancellation rule does not apply to JetBlue Vacations packages
- The refund is processed to the original method of payment within 7-10 business days.
For instance, if you book a flight on May 19, 2025, for travel on May 28, 2025, JetBlue allows cancellation by May 20, 2025, with no cancellation fee.
To cancel the flight, visit the “Manage Trips” section on JetBlue’s official website or mobile app. Enter your confirmation code and last name, and follow the prompts to cancel the reservation.
What Are the JetBlue Cancellation Fees for Different Fare Types?
JetBlue cancellation fee varies with the fare type. Check out the table below:
Fare Type | Cancellation Fee | Refund Option | Validity/Notes |
Blue Basic | 100 USD (North/Central America, Caribbean)200 USD (Other routes) | The remaining value becomes a Travel Bank credit | Valid for a year from the booking date |
Mint, Blue, Blue Plus, and Blue Extra | No cancellation fee | Full refund or converted to Travel Bank credit | Valid for a year from the booking date |
Government / Military Fares | No cancellation fee | Full refund or free changes | NA |
For Travel agency: Any Basic Blue fare booked after April 3, 2025, via a GDS tool like Amadeus or Sabre, cancellations are allowed in the GDS with applicable fees and fare differences.
Are There Exceptions to JetBlue Cancellation Fees?
JetBlue waives the cancellation penalty under the following circumstances:
- If a passenger or member of the immediate family passes away. To claim a refund, passengers must submit a valid death certificate within 14 days.
- Passengers affected by public health emergencies, quarantines, or serious communicable diseases.
- Due to any deployment or transfer, active military personnel and their immediate family are exempt from JetBlue cancellation fees.
What Happens If I Don’t Cancel JetBlue Flight Before Scheduled Departure?
As per JetBlue’s cancellation policy, a non-show occurs if you fail to board your flight before its scheduled departure. Here’s what happened:
Blue Basic fare: The entire value of the ticket would be forfeited, inaclusing add-on services like extra baggage fee or seat upgrtades.
Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, Mint fares: The Entire ticket price associated with the ticket and add-ons like EvenMore Seats would be forfeited.
How to cancel a JetBlue flight?
Passengers can cancel the flight via the “Manage Trips” section on jetblue.com or can contact the airline over the phone, or directly contact the travel agency.
Cancel Online: To cancel a JetBlue flight, go to the “Manage trips” section.
- Enter the passenger’s last name and your six-digit booking reference.
- After you retrieve your reservation, choose the trip that you need to cancel.
- Click on “Trip details.
- The page will display a list of flight segments that you need to cancel. Select the entire itinerary or single leg from your journey.
- At the checkout page, you will see the summary of how your refund is processed. Details about whether you will be compensated with cash or a card for the return will be provided to you.
- If you have used points, the refund breakdown will display the number of points that will be returned to your TrueBlue Reward Account.
- Just confirm the cancellation to complete it when you’ve reviewed the facts.
Cancel by Phone (JetBlue Customer Support): If you prefer personal assistance, you can cancel your flight by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583). The number is available 24/7.
Cancel at the Airport: Passengers have the option to cancel the JetBlue flight at the airport, provided that the reservation must be cancelled anytime before flight departure. All you need to do?:
- Visit the JetBlue check-in counter at the airport.
- Ask the JetBlue staff to cancel your flight.
- Provide your booking reference as well as a valid ID for verification.
- Ask the agent to cancel your flight.
- The airline staff will guide passengers through the refund or credit process and provide a cancellation receipt.
What Happens If JetBlue Cancels or Delays My Flight?
If your JetBlue flight is disrupted by any of the following reasons:
- Your flight is cancelled.
- For domestic flights, the departure or arrival flight schedule is delayed by three hours, and for international flights, it is delayed by six hours.
- The departure or arrival airport is changed
- A connection is added to your upcoming travel itinerary
- Any Mint passengers are moved to the Basic Blue cabin
- Any disabled passengers whose connecting flight or aircraft changes, affecting their accessible facilities
- Any schedule change that leads to a missed connection or fails to meet the minimum connecting time.
JetBlue will:
- Help the passenger book on the next available flight
- The airline will keep passengers on the delayed schedule if there is no availability
Passengers who are not happy with the changed schedule or alternate flight arrangement can:
- Reebok to another flight within 5 days at no extra fee.
- Get a refund for the portion of the ticket that was not utilized if you decide to cancel the flight.
Passengers must rebook or cancel the flight before the scheduled departure to avoid a no-show. In this case, passengers may lose the eligibility for a refund or rebooking.
Also Read: Can I Cancel My Volaris Flight?
What Compensation Is Available for Flight Delays or Cancellations?
For any flight cancellation or delay that is within JetBlue’s control, passengers are entitled to the following compensation:
Event | Description | Credit Amount |
Flight Cancellation | Within 4 hours of departure | 50 USD |
Flight Cancellation | After the scheduled departure | 100 USD |
Flight Delay | 4–4:59 hours | 75 USD |
Flight Delay | 5–5:59 hours | 100 USD |
Flight Delay | 6–11:59 hours | 150 USD |
Flight Delay | 12+ hours | 200 USD |
Onboard Departure Delay | 3–4:59 hours | 100 USD |
Onboard Departure Delay | 5–5:59 hours | 175 USD |
Onboard Departure Delay | 6+ hours | 250 USD |
Onboard Arrival Delay | 1:30–1:59 hours | 50 USD |
Onboard Arrival Delay | 2+ hours | 100 USD |
For travel to/from Canada: If the JetBlue flight is delayed by 2 hours or more, or your baggage is lost or delayed, passengers are protected under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). Submit your claim form here.
For travel to/from Europe/UK to the U.S.: If you’re flying from the EU or UK, you may qualify for flight delay or flight cancellation under EC 261 or UK 261. Submit a claim form here.
Hotel accommodation: If any flight delay or disruption led to an overnight stay for the passenger, the airline will offer:
- Hotel room alongside ground transportation, subject to availability.
- If no hotel is provided, the passenger can claim reimbursement for the reasonable hotel and transport costs. The claim must be submitted within 10 days.
Meals during prolonged delays: if there is a three-hour or longer delay, the airline may offer:
- Meal vouchers
- The impacted passengers are provided complimentary meals and drinks on board.
Overbooked Flights (Denied Boarding): Any passenger who ave been denied boarding after they were issued a boarding pass due to overbooking, the airline:
- Offer a compensation of 2150 USD per passenger, subject to the Contract of carriage.
How Can I Get a Refund for a Canceled or Delayed JetBlue Flight?
Any cancellations made prior to departure will be fully refunded using the original payment method within 7–10 business days. In addition:
- The refundable fare would be processed back to the original method of payment in 7–10 business days for credit cards.
- Non-refundable fare would be convered into the travel credit and remind valid for future booking up to 365 days from the date of booking, as per Jetblue refund policy.
- Any add-on services like unaccompanied minor fee, pet travel fee, seat selection or extra bag fee would be refunded to the original form of payment.
Below is the refund timeline based on the method of payment, as well as for ancillary purchases:
Refund Type | Processing Time | Notes |
JetBlue Travel Credit | Immediate | Issued to your Travel Bank |
TrueBlue Points | Immediate | Credited back to your TrueBlue account |
Credit Card Refund | 7–10 business days | Refunded to the original payment method |
Partner flight ticketed by JetBlue | Immediate (varies) | Contact JetBlue for assistance |
JetBlue flight via a partner site | Varies | Contact your travel agent |
Extras (seats, bags, pets, etc.) | 7–10 business days | Refunded to the original payment method |
How Do Weather-Related Delays and Cancellations Work?
Natural events such as storms, torrential rains, and strong winds can delay or cancel the flight. JetBlue offers:
- The airline may issue a fee waiver, allowing no JetBlue cancellation fee would be charged to cancel the flight.
- Similarly, if passengers decide to rebook the flight, no fare difference and JetBlue change fee apply.
- Waiver is offered if the domestic Jetblue flight is delayed by 3 hours or more and international flight is delayed by 6 hours or more.
- If JetBlue cancels or disrupts a flight scheduled due to weather-related reasons, passengers can rebook the flight within 5 days. No cancellation fee will apply.
How Do TrueBlue and JetBlue Vacations Cancellations Differ?
In case a passenger cancels a TrueBlue redemption booking, the points are refunded to the TrueBlue account. A cancellation fee may apply.
For JetBlue vacations, cancellation can be made online or by calling 1-844-JB-VACAY. Jetblue cancellation fee may apply, and a 24-hour cancellation rule does not cover this package.
How Do Travel Agencies Handle JetBlue Cancellations?
The ARC agencies follow a different JetBlue cancellation policy. For instance
- Blue Basic fares cannot be exchanged.
- The booking value is converted into the travel credit and is valid for 1 year from the date of booking.
- Non-refundable fares remain in OPEN status.
For BSP travel agencies: The Blue Basic fares can be cancelled online using the “Manage Trips” feature to convert the value into a travel credit. A cancellation fee may apply. In addition:
- Other non-refundable fares upon cancellation would be retained in “OPEN” status.
Can I Make Same-Day Changes Instead of Canceling?
JetBlue same-day flight change is available after midnight on the day of travel. Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint rates are all subject to the same-day adjustments. In addition:
- The same-day change fee is 75 USD. No fare difference may apply
- Blue Extra fares and Mosaic members are exempt from the same-day change cost.
- Blue Basic fares, including for Mosaic members, are not eligible for same-day changes.
Conclusion
JetBlue’s cancellation policy offers flexibility, as no cancellation fee is charged except for Basic Blue fare. Any potential flight delay or cancellation by JetBlue facilitates hassle-free rebooking, refunds, as well as fair compensation. Besides, the airline offers a refund in case of weather-related issues, bereavement, and for military reasons. Understanding your fear and requesting a cancellation before departure can help you manage your cancellation hassle-free and save your funds from forfeiture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
JetBlue’s cancellation policy varies by fare type. Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint fares can be canceled without fees before departure. Blue Basic fares incur a 100 USD per-person cancellation fee for North America, Central America, and Caribbean routes, or 200 USD for other routes.
With JetBlue’s 24-hour cancellation policy, customers can cancel any reservation for free within 24 hours of making the purchase. If the reservation was made at least seven days prior to the departure date, the passenger is eligible for a complete refund.
Yes. Refundable fares canceled before departure receive a full refund to the original payment method.