JetBlue’s Mosaic tweaks include ending Blade helicopter privileges
Last week, JetBlue made a big splash when it revealed that it would Opened the first airport lounge in New York and Boston, a move that would bolster the appeal of elite status in TrueBlue Loyalty Program.
But there are also some cuts coming. Mosaic stateJetBlue’s disclosures include eliminating one of the most unique elite customer perks currently offered by any U.S. airline.
The end of 2024 will be the end of JetBlue Benefits of Blade helicoptersthe New York-based carrier said in an email to customers.
Additionally, starting in 2025, JetBlue will eliminate some perks for Mosaic members traveling on Blue Basic tickets without amenities, including complimentary access to extra legroom seats.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes.
JetBlue Mosaic Blade benefits will end
Currently, TrueBlue members with a top Mosaic 4 elite membership will enjoy four one-way transfers on Blade helicopters between Manhattan and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The perk offers Mosaic elite members hundreds of dollars in annual value and — as travelers to the Northeast know — the ability to avoid hours of traffic with a five-minute helicopter ride.
However, JetBlue said in an email to TrueBlue members that the perk will end after 2024.
If you have Blade credits, don’t worry — but read carefully: You can use your credits after 2024. However, you’ll need to transfer those credits to your Blade account by December 31, 2024, or they’ll be lost.
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A mosaic of 4 ‘give and take’
The removal of the Blade perk appears to represent a trade-off for Mosaic status level 4.
While Mosaic 4 elite members will lose Blade benefits upon attaining this status, they will receive complimentary access to JetBlue’s upcoming lounges at JFK and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), which are scheduled to open in late 2025. (Transatlantic Mint passengers and soon-to-be-announced JetBlue premium credit card holders will also receive complimentary lounge access.)
Related: A view of Chase’s stunning Sapphire Lounge in Boston
Tighten Blue Basic Rules
Additionally, as part of JetBlue’s TrueBlue program, there are also some additional restrictions for basic economy passengers — specifically elite members traveling on basic tickets.
Starting March 1, 2025, Mosaic members traveling on Blue Basic fares will lose some benefits and flexibility.
Mosaic members will no longer be eligible for free Even More Space seats, free priority seats, or free same-day seat changes.
Those three benefits are exclusive to all Mosaic members. They have also previously offered Mosaic passengers a way to pay less for a Blue Basic ticket while avoiding some of the restrictions most customers face when flying on basic fares.
That “loophole” will end in 2025.
There’s also a give-and-take theme to this change: Just a few weeks ago, JetBlue Easing Blue Basic restrictions because all passengers by allowing these customers to bring one large carry-on bag free of charge.
Additional Mint Upgrade Certificates
Last week there was some positive news for TrueBlue beyond the new lounges.
Mosaic 4 members will receive two Move-to-Mint certificates for every 100 tiles they earn. beyond Mosaic Level 4.
In addition to the four certifications you receive as a Mosaic 3 member and the two more you receive when you reach Mosaic 4.
Keep in mind, however, that JetBlue is transitioning to a flexible redemption model for Mint upgrade certificates in 2024, so the number of certificates you need to upgrade may vary from flight to flight.
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