While low-cost airlines began the model of selling a base seat without any "extras" such as baggage or confirmed seats, this type of fare class is increasingly being picked up by mainstream airlines as a quiet way to get more money from travelers.
Canada's second-largest airline WestJet recently announced a new "ultra basic" fare in which travelers can bring only a small personal item that can fit underneath the seat while United Airlines' (UAL) Basic Economy fare also does not include a carry-on suitcase on flights within the U.S. While some low-cost airlines have tried to charge even for a single purse, the standard is to allow a personal item like a backpack but not a suitcase that meets carry-on dimensions for other classes.
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While its lowest Blue Basic fare currently requires passengers to check carry-ons for $65, JetBlue Airways (JBLU) just announced that it will start including it free of charge for flights taking place on or after September 6.
JetBlue wants bargain-seeking customers to see it as 'the easy winner'
"Carry-on bags are an important part of travel to customers, and when presented with a choice between JetBlue's award-winning service and another carrier's basic offering, we want JetBlue to be the easy winner," JetBlue President Marty St. George said in a statement. "We're always looking for ways to evolve our offering in response to customer preferences. This is a win-win as we improve the customer experience and keep JetBlue competitive in our industry."
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The latter is a reference to the fact that mainstream carriers such as Delta Air Lines (DAL) and American Airlines (AAL) offer a carry-on suitcase that fits within proper dimensions with its lowest ticket fare. After JetBlue's change comes into effect, United will be the only non-budget U.S. airline that charges for a carry-on bag.
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United left in shadow as competitors squeeze in with better baggage offers
"Carry-on bags are not included [highlighting is its own] unless you're flying to Canada, South America, across the Atlantic or on an international flight across the Pacific," United currently writes on its website. "You can prepay to check a bag or check a carry-on at your gate for the regular bag fee plus an additional $25."
In order to protect itself in cases where planes get too full, JetBlue also said that some passengers may be still made to check their carry-on.
If there is no space, those with the lowest ticket fare are the ones who get asked to check their bag free of charge. Carry-ons that are bulky, unconventionally shaped or push the limits of the permitted dimensions will also be the first to get checked if overhead space runs out.
Certain travelers, such as those who have status or booked their ticket with JetBlue's credit card, also have a free checked bag on flights where they would have normally had to pay for it (until the change comes into effect, this could create situations in which one could check a bag for free but not bring a carry-on.)
"While many of JetBlue's aircraft are outfitted with larger overhead bins to accommodate more customers, in the event of space constraints, customers may be required to check carry-on bags at the gate for no additional charge," the airline added.
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