Jetblue Travel: Points Needed For Free Flights (2024)

JetBlue's frequent flyer program, TrueBlue, offers members the opportunity to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights. The number of points required for a free flight varies depending on factors such as the fare class, destination, and timing of booking. Generally, you will need between 12,500 and 73,400 points for a free flight, with more expensive and popular routes demanding more points.

There are several ways to earn TrueBlue points, including flying with JetBlue or partner airlines, utilizing airline and non-travel partners, and signing up for co-branded credit cards. Points can be redeemed for JetBlue flights, as well as Hawaiian Airlines or Qatar Airways flights, with no blackout dates or capacity controls.

The TrueBlue program also offers elite status with additional benefits, which can be achieved through qualifying travel or credit card spending. With no expiration on points and the ability to pool points with friends, TrueBlue provides a flexible and rewarding option for frequent flyers.

Points needed vary by destination and time of year

The number of points needed for a free flight on JetBlue varies depending on the destination and the time of year. JetBlue does not have a strict award chart, so the number of points required for a flight is flexible and tied to the cash price of each fare.

For example, a flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles will cost around 33,000 points, whereas a flight from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas will cost about 12,500 points. Flights during the holiday season in December will also be more expensive and can cost upwards of 40,000 points.

Additionally, the type of fare purchased affects the number of points earned and redeemed. Blue Basic fares earn fewer points than Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, or Mint fares.

Overall, the number of points needed for a free flight on JetBlue can range from 12,500 to 73,400 points, depending on various factors such as destination, time of year, and fare type.

Points can be used for one-way flights

JetBlue's TrueBlue points can be used for one-way flights. The number of points needed for a free flight depends on the cash fare of the flight. The cheaper the cash fare, the fewer points you'll need to redeem. The number of points you'll need can also fluctuate depending on the route and peak travel times. For example, a flight from New York to Orlando with a cash price of $326 would cost 21,700 points, making the points worth about 1.5 cents.

The number of points needed for a free flight also depends on the time of year. Flights around the holidays in December will likely be more expensive and require more points. For example, a flight from New York to Florida a couple of weeks ago cost 4,200 points, while another user reported that the same route in December cost them 129,000 points.

A good rule of thumb is to estimate 10,000 points for every $150 in fares (at the Blue fare, not Blue Basic). So, if you're looking for a one-way flight, you can estimate that you'll need around 5,000 points for every $150 in fares.

To find out the exact number of points needed for a specific flight, go to JetBlue's website, input your dates, and select "Use TrueBlue Points." This will show you the cost of the flight in points. For example, for a random date in December, a one-way flight from New York to Florida costs 9,400 points.

In addition to one-way flights, you can also use your TrueBlue points for vacation packages, flights on partner airlines, and other redemption options.

Points can be combined with cash

When it comes to redeeming your hard-earned JetBlue TrueBlue points, you have several options, including the ability to combine points with cash to book your desired travel. This option provides flexibility, especially if you're short on points or prefer to save them for a future dream redemption. Here's how it works and what you need to know.

JetBlue's reward flights start at just 5,500 points for a one-way trip, and there are no blackout dates, so you can use points for any seat, on any day that it's available. The number of points needed can vary based on the cash price of the ticket, with more expensive flights requiring more points. This structure means that combining points with cash is a straightforward process, allowing you to pay with a mix of both.

When searching for flights on the JetBlue website, you'll see the option to "Show Price in Points." This will display the number of points needed for each flight. However, if you don't have enough points for your desired trip, you can simply select the "Use Points and Cash" option during the booking process. This feature lets you pay partly with points and cover the remaining balance with cash.

The ratio at which your points are applied to the cash cost is dynamic and will vary based on the specific flight and fare selection. In general, your points will provide a per-point value of around $0.01 when used in combination with cash. For example, if you need to pay $100, you can apply 10,000 points and just cover the remaining balance with cash. This flexibility ensures that you can still utilize your points even if you don't have enough for an entire ticket.

It's important to note that the minimum number of points required for a points-and-cash redemption is 500 points. So, as long as you have 500 points in your account, you can start taking advantage of this option. Combining points with cash can be a great way to make your points stretch further and bring down the cost of your travel. It's a useful feature that provides flexibility and makes reward redemption more accessible.

Points can be transferred from other cards

JetBlue's loyalty program, TrueBlue, allows you to transfer points from other cards to your TrueBlue account. This is a great way to earn points without having to fly. Here's what you need to know about transferring points to your TrueBlue account:

Transfer Partners

TrueBlue has partnerships with several credit card programs that allow you to transfer points:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards: Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to your TrueBlue account. During promotional periods, Chase may offer a bonus on point transfers, such as a 25% bonus.
• American Express Membership Rewards: Points transfer at a ratio of 250:200 to TrueBlue. This means that for every 250 American Express points, you'll receive 200 TrueBlue points.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: The transfer ratio depends on the specific Citi card you have. Citi premium cards, such as the Citi Strata Premier Card, offer a 1:1 transfer ratio. For other Citi cards, such as the Citi ThankYou Preferred Card and Citi Rewards+ Card, the transfer ratio is 1,000:800.

Transfer Process

To transfer points from Chase or Citi to your TrueBlue account, log in to your credit card account and navigate to the rewards portal. From there, you can select JetBlue as a transfer partner and initiate the transfer. For American Express, navigate to the "Transfer Points" tab in the Membership Rewards portal, select "View All," and then look for the JetBlue option.

Maximizing Value

When transferring points to TrueBlue, it's important to consider the value you're getting. JetBlue points are generally valued at around 1.25 to 1.5 cents each. Compare this to the value of the points in your other rewards programs to ensure you're getting a good deal. Keep in mind that points values can vary depending on how you choose to redeem them.

In general, transferring points from Chase or Citi will provide a better value than transferring from American Express due to the higher transfer ratios. However, if you have a specific JetBlue redemption in mind and are close to reaching your goal, transferring points from American Express could be a good option.

By strategically transferring points from other cards to your TrueBlue account, you can boost your balance and get closer to redeeming for free travel. Remember to keep an eye out for promotional offers, as they can further enhance the value of your points.

Points can be earned through JetBlue credit cards

JetBlue has a few co-branded credit cards that can help you earn TrueBlue points. The number of points you earn depends on the card you choose and how you book your trip. Here are some of the best JetBlue credit cards for earning points:

The JetBlue Card

The JetBlue Card is ideal for those who want to earn points without paying an annual fee. Cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 points by spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. You'll earn 3X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores, and 1X points on all other purchases. This card also offers a 50% discount on eligible in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fees.

The JetBlue Plus Card

The JetBlue Plus Card is a great option for frequent JetBlue flyers. It offers a higher earning rate and more benefits for a $99 annual fee. New cardholders can earn 40,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 and paying the full annual fee within 90 days of account opening. Cardholders will earn 6X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2X points on restaurant and eligible grocery store spending, and 1X points on all other purchases.

Additional benefits include 5,000 bonus points each year after the account anniversary, a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to three companions on the same reservation, a 50% discount on eligible in-flight purchases, and an annual $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package worth $100 or more.

The JetBlue Business Card

The JetBlue Business Card is designed for business owners who want to earn points and enjoy frequent flyer perks. It comes with a $99 annual fee. New cardholders can earn up to 60,000 bonus points: 50,000 points by spending $4,000 within the first 90 days and an additional 10,000 points when an employee card is used within 90 days. Cardholders earn 6X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and office supply stores, and 1X points on all other purchases.

Notable benefits include a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to three companions on the same reservation, 5,000 bonus points after each account anniversary, a 50% discount on eligible in-flight purchases, and an annual $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package.

In addition to these cards, you can also earn TrueBlue points with other credit card rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. These programs allow you to transfer points to your JetBlue account, although the transfer ratios may vary.

Frequently asked questions