Everything You Need to Know About Flying JetBlue as a Family
Flying JetBlue with Kids: What Parents Should Know
When you’re traveling with kids, the little things—like legroom, snacks, and not paying a ton in fees—can make a huge difference. That’s why JetBlue has quietly become one of my favorite airlines for family travel. If you know how to use points and choose the right seats, JetBlue can be a great mix of comfort and value.
Whether you're planning your first family trip or just want to save more on flights, here’s what I’ve learned flying JetBlue with my crew.
Why Families Like JetBlue
Let’s start with why JetBlue works so well for families:
More legroom than most U.S. airlines, even in standard economy
Free Wi-Fi and seatback screens on every plane
No fees for snacks and soft drinks (win!)
No change or cancellation fees when booking with points
Pre-boarding for families with children under 2
A simple points program—no complicated award charts to figure out
If you’re up for a splurge, JetBlue’s Mint seats (their version of first class) offer lie-flat seats and can even be booked with points.
JetBlue Fare Types—What’s Best for Families?
Here’s a quick breakdown of JetBlue fare options so you know what you’re getting
| Fare Type | Best For | Carry-On | Seat Selection | Changes Allowed | Points Earned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Basic | Budget travelers | One carry-on + one personal item | Available for a fee | Not allowed | 1x points |
| Blue | Most travelers | One carry-on + one personal item | Included | No fee (fare difference may apply) | 3x points |
| Blue Extra | Flexible travel | One carry-on + one personal item | Included | No fee, including same-day changes (fare difference may apply) | 4x points |
| Mint | Premium experience | One carry-on + one personal item | Included | No fee (fare difference may apply) | 5x points |
For the latest details, visit JetBlue's official fare options page.
Tip: For most families, Blue or Blue Extra makes the most sense. You can pick your seats (important if you want to sit together!) and make changes if plans shift. I usually skip Basic Blue unless it’s a short trip and I know we won’t care where we sit.
Earning JetBlue Points (Without Flying)
JetBlue has its own co-branded credit card, but it’s actually easier to earn TrueBlue points by using flexible points programs. These programs let you earn points on everyday spending and transfer them when you’re ready to book JetBlue flights.
While I can’t name specific cards here (due to affiliate rules), here’s a list of cards I recommend for flexible travel rewards. All of them allow you to earn points you can transfer directly to JetBlue or other airlines depending on your needs.
These programs currently transfer to JetBlue:
Flexible Points Program 1: 1:1
Flexible Points Program 2: 1:1
Capital One Miles: 1:1
Another major program: 1,000 points = 800 TrueBlue points
💡 Quick tip: Check out this comparison of shopping portals to see how you can stack your earnings before you even fly.
Redeeming JetBlue Points: What’s a Good Deal?
JetBlue doesn’t use a fixed award chart—point prices fluctuate with cash prices. But that’s not a bad thing if you know how to spot value.
Look for:
Short flights under $100 — often available for 5,000–8,000 points one-way
Flights to the Caribbean or Mexico — especially during off-peak times
JetBlue Mint redemptions — lie-flat seats for fewer points than most other airlines charge
Generally, try to get at least 1.3 cents per point in value. If you’re seeing a flight for $130 and it costs 10,000 points? That’s a solid deal.
JetBlue Tips for Families
Traveling with kids always requires a few extra logistics. Here are my go-to JetBlue family travel tips:
✅ Pick seats ahead of time. Don’t rely on Basic fares to seat your family together. Choose Blue or higher so seat selection is included.
✅ Even More® Space seats can be worth it. If you're flying with a lap baby or just want extra elbow room, the added space (and earlier boarding!) is nice.
✅ Bring snacks... but also enjoy JetBlue’s. My kids love that they don’t have to pay for chips and juice. And yes, Wi-Fi is free on every flight.
✅ Use a car seat or CARES harness. JetBlue allows car seats in any seat (except Mint), and gate-checking is free for strollers and seats.
✅ Watch for fare drops. JetBlue lets you cancel and rebook with no fee if the price goes down—especially helpful if you're using points.
Is JetBlue Worth It for Your Family?
JetBlue checks a lot of boxes for families: comfort, flexibility, and decent redemptions with points. If you’re new to travel rewards, I’d recommend starting with this guide to earning points as a beginner.
And if you’re looking to book flights for free, here are some of my favorite travel cards that can help you earn flexible points you can use for JetBlue and more.
Want more ideas for flying with kids? Join my weekly email list, hang out with me on Instagram, or join our Facebook group for family-friendly travel tips.
<small><i>Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.</i></small>
<small><i>Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.</i></small>
| Credit Card Program | Transfer Ratio to JetBlue | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate Rewards® | 1:1 (1,000 points = 1,000 TrueBlue points) | Best overall value |
| Citi ThankYou® Rewards | 1:1 (1,000 points = 1,000 TrueBlue points) | Great for flexible redemptions |
| Capital One Miles | 1:1 (1,000 miles = 1,000 TrueBlue points) | Best for everyday spending rewards |
| American Express Membership Rewards® | 250:200 (1,000 points = 800 TrueBlue points) | Less valuable due to transfer ratio |
Here’s a few of my favorite cards that transfer to Jet Blue.
Best Ways to Redeem JetBlue Points
Unlike airlines that use a fixed award chart, JetBlue’s points pricing is tied to the cash price of the ticket. This means the number of points needed will fluctuate, but there are still ways to get more value.
Best Uses of JetBlue Points for Families
Short-haul domestic flights under $100 – These can often be booked for 5,000-8,000 points one-way.
Flights to the Caribbean and Mexico – JetBlue frequently offers deals to these destinations for fewer points than competitors.
Mint Class redemptions – If you want a lie-flat seat, Mint can be a great use of points when cash prices are high.
To get the best value, look for fares under 1.3 cents per point. JetBlue typically values its points at around 1.3 cents each, but sales and promotions can push this even higher.
JetBlue Family Travel Tips
Flying with kids is easier when you know what to expect. Here’s what families need to know before flying JetBlue:
1. Choose Your Seats in Advance
JetBlue doesn’t automatically seat families together unless you pick your seats ahead of time. Blue and higher faresinclude free seat selection, so avoid Basic Blue if sitting together is a priority.
2. Use Even More® Space Seats for Extra Legroom
Even More® Space seats offer up to 7 inches of extra legroom, making them a great option if you need more room for a lap baby or extra personal space.
3. Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi and Snacks
JetBlue is one of the only airlines that offers free Wi-Fi on all flights. There’s also a wide selection of free snacks, including chips, cookies, and crackers.
4. Bring a Car Seat or CARES Harness
JetBlue allows car seats in any seat except Mint. If your child is old enough, a CARES harness can be a good alternative to bringing a full car seat.
5. Gate Check Strollers and Car Seats for Free
JetBlue allows free gate-checking for strollers and car seats, and they are usually available at the jet bridge when you land.
How to Avoid JetBlue Fees
JetBlue doesn’t have as many fees as other airlines, but there are still a few to watch out for:
Checked bag fees – $35 for the first checked bag unless you have a JetBlue Plus Card.
Seat selection fees – Basic Blue fares charge extra for seat selection.
Same-day change fees – Free for Blue Extra and Mint, but other fares charge $75+.
If you book with points, JetBlue allows free changes and cancellations, making it a great option for flexible travel.
Is JetBlue Worth It for Families?
JetBlue offers a more comfortable economy experience than most domestic airlines. With free Wi-Fi, more legroom, and easy points redemptions, it’s a great choice for families who want a smoother flying experience.
For those booking with points, Chase and Citi points offer the best value, while Amex transfers are slightly less favorable. If you’re looking for a way to fly in a lie-flat seat without breaking the bank, Mint is one of the best premium cabin options available.
Overall, JetBlue is a solid airline for family travel, especially for shorter flights, Caribbean routes, and anyone who values extra legroom and fewer hidden fees.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
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