Fares, bags, and change policies
Southwest includes two free checked bags on every fare — the standout perk that can save $70+ per direction versus legacy carriers. Changes and cancellations receive future flight credit (or refund to original payment on refundable fares) with no change fee, making Southwest the flexibility king for domestic travel.
Southwest includes two free checked bags on every fare — the standout perk that can save $70+ per direction versus legacy carriers. Changes and cancellations receive future flight credit (or refund to original payment on refundable fares) with no change fee, making Southwest the flexibility king for domestic travel.
JetBlue charges for checked bags on most fares except Mint and some premium bundles, but includes a generous carry-on and free Wi-Fi on every flight. JetBlue's Blue Basic restricts seat selection and changes — compare to Southwest's Wanna Get Away fares which also have fewer perks than Business Select.
Onboard experience and routes
JetBlue offers assigned seats with arguably the most legroom in US economy, live TV, and free high-speed Wi-Fi on most aircraft. Mint business class provides fully flat seats on transatlantic London and European routes plus premium transcontinental flights — a category Southwest does not compete in.
JetBlue offers assigned seats with arguably the most legroom in US economy, live TV, and free high-speed Wi-Fi on most aircraft. Mint business class provides fully flat seats on transatlantic London and European routes plus premium transcontinental flights — a category Southwest does not compete in.
Southwest uses open boarding by group number — no assigned seats, which frustrates travelers who want guaranteed window or aisle positions unless they pay for EarlyBird check-in or hold A-List status. Southwest's network dominates US domestic point-to-point routes but offers limited international service to Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America.
Loyalty programs and credit cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based system with Companion Pass as the headline perk — fly 135 qualifying flights or earn 135,000 points in a calendar year and a companion flies free (plus taxes) for the rest of that year and the next. Chase issues Southwest co-brand cards that count toward Companion Pass.
Southwest Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based system with Companion Pass as the headline perk — fly 135 qualifying flights or earn 135,000 points in a calendar year and a companion flies free (plus taxes) for the rest of that year and the next. Chase issues Southwest co-brand cards that count toward Companion Pass.
JetBlue TrueBlue partners with American AAdvantage for reciprocal earning on some routes. JetBlue co-brand cards from Barclays offer bonus points and inflight discounts. Neither program offers global alliance lounge access — lounge travelers need status elsewhere or a credit card perk from /guides/how-to-get-airport-lounge-access-2026.
Who should fly which
Choose Southwest for domestic US trips with checked bags, unpredictable schedules, and routes where Southwest serves both endpoints directly. Families benefit from free bags; business travelers who need assigned seats and Wi-Fi for calls may prefer JetBlue.
Choose Southwest for domestic US trips with checked bags, unpredictable schedules, and routes where Southwest serves both endpoints directly. Families benefit from free bags; business travelers who need assigned seats and Wi-Fi for calls may prefer JetBlue.
Choose JetBlue for transatlantic Mint at competitive prices, Boston and New York focus cities, and when seat assignment and inflight connectivity matter. Compare Mint against legacy premium economy and business sales before booking — see /guides/best-airlines-london-new-york-2026 for transatlantic context.