JetBlue Vs Southwest – Which Airline Is Better?
The JetBlue vs Southwest debate never ends for those looking to book cheaper flights. It’s true that both of these airlines offer flights at competitive fares and great service, but they cater to different kinds of travelers. JetBlue is great for comfort. It has spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and entertainment options. Southwest is best for budget travelers. It offers free checked bags, flexible changes, and low fares.
Consider your priorities and compare both of their loyalty programs as well for added value. For your next trip, whether a quick trip or a cross-country flight, this post is perfect to know which airline to go with that best fits your style and pocket.
How do Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways compare?
JetBlue offers you a more comfortable, premium-feeling flight journey, while Southwest is built around flexibility and low fares. Passengers love both airlines for different reasons. They like JetBlue for its modern in-flight technology and appreciate Southwest for its generous baggage policy. But we need to do a JetBlue vs Southwest comparison to help you pick the one that suits your needs. If you need help with booking flights, call travel experts at (888) 919-5016 for personalized assistance.
Onboard experience: Comfort vs utility
- JetBlue: Gives you assigned seating, high-speed internet, and a TV at every seat.
- Southwest: Keeps things low-key with open seating and bring-your-own-device entertainment.
Flexibility & fees: No change drama
- JetBlue: More traditional in that sense, with fees depending on your fare type, but it does offer more fare choices.
- Southwest: Shines with zero change or cancellation fees and 2 free checked bags.
Seat space & layout: More room with JetBlue
- JetBlue: If you value personal space, JetBlue wins here. You can easily select your seat with JetBlue, a feature missing in Southwest Airlines. The seats are wider and offer more legroom.
- Southwest: Has a tighter layout and may feel like your legs are cramped.
In-flight amenities: Tech and treats
- JetBlue: Includes seatback screens, free Wi-Fi, and name-brand snacks.
- Southwest: Offers snacks too, but lacks screens and charges for Wi-Fi on most routes.
Route network: Domestic reach vs transatlantic growth
- JetBlue: It is quickly growing its network and now includes international destinations like London and Paris. This gives travelers more options when comparing JetBlue and Southwest flights for both domestic and global routes.
- Southwest: Dominates domestic US travel with an extensive network, making it a go-to choice for many Americans.
JetBlue vs Southwest: Premium or low-cost?
This question is common among travelers. If we speak technically, both airlines are considered low-cost, but JetBlue toes the line between low-cost and premium.
What are the perks of flying JetBlue?
Perks you get with JetBlue include:
- Complimentary seat back screens
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Extra legroom, even in standard seats
- A more traditional flying experience, including assigned seating
What perks does Southwest Airlines have?
Perks you get with Southwest Airlines include:
- Low fares with tons of flexibility
- Free checked bags (up to two per person)
- No fees for changes or cancellations
- Open seating - no assigned seats, which some love and others don’t
Verdict
Prefer traditional seat assignment and modern amenities – pick JetBlue.
Prefer to save on flights - JetBlue vs Southwest prices usually favor Southwest.
Why do travelers prefer JetBlue over Southwest - or vice versa?
The preference to pick JetBlue by most passengers boils down to comfort and value. Yes, it’s more expensive than Southwest, but those who want a premium flight, free internet, upscale dining, entertainment, and more legroom must go with JetBlue. Southwest does offer low airfare and other perks, but if budget is not an issue, JetBlue is the better pick out of the two.
Here’s a quick look:
Comfort and space: JetBlue vs Southwest seat size
JetBlue
- Standard economy seat pitch: 32–34 inches
- “Even More Space” seats: Up to 38 inches pitch
- Seats are generally wider with better recline
Southwest
- Standard economy seat pitch: Around 31 inches
- No premium economy seating
- Slightly tighter layout than JetBlue
On comparing JetBlue vs Southwest seat size, we could see a clear winner. If seat space matters, Southwest vs JetBlue comfort swings strongly in JetBlue’s favor.
In-flight experience: Entertainment and wi-fi
JetBlue
- Seatback screens with DirecTV, movies, and SiriusXM Radio
- Free, fast Wi-Fi on most routes
- Power outlets and USB ports on most aircraft
Southwest
- No seat back screens
- In-flight entertainment is available through your device
- Wi-Fi is available, but not free
- Limited charging ports
Love streaming at 35,000 feet, JetBlue is the clear winner in the JetBlue vs Southwest debate.
Fees and flexibility: Change policies and baggage
JetBlue
- Checked bag: $35 for the first, unless flying Blue Plus or JetBlue Mint
- Flight change fees depend on fare class
- JetBlue flight change policies are improving, but are still less flexible
- Basic Blue doesn’t include seat selection
Southwest
- No change or cancellation fees
- 2 free checked bags on every fare
- Travel credits issued with cancellations
- All fares allow free carry-on and personal items
When it comes to Southwest vs JetBlue baggage and flexibility offers, Southwest wins.
Booking experience: Ease and rewards
JetBlue
- Modern interface and smooth mobile experience
- Can select your seat on JetBlue during booking
- Add-ons like bags and upgrades are easy to manage
- Earn TrueBlue points when you book JetBlue flights
- Available via OTAs like Dreamtriphub
Southwest
- Cannot compare fares on OTAs
- Must book directly via Southwest’s official website
- No seat selection; you check in early to board earlier
- The interface is functional, but less sleek than JetBlue’s
If you want a tech-friendly booking experience, JetBlue is the one to go with. But if you’re loyal to the brand, Southwest’s old-school system still gets the job done for sure.
Frequent Flyer programs and credit cards
JetBlue TrueBlue
- You can earn TrueBlue points based on the dollars spent
- Family pooling allows shared points
- Mosaic status offers upgrades, priority boarding, and free changes
- Redeem anytime—no blackout dates
- Great for travelers booking premium cabins
- Use the JetBlue Plus Card: 6x points on JetBlue purchases
Southwest Rapid Rewards
- Earn points on fare, not distance
- Famous Companion Pass lets a companion fly free for a year
- No blackout dates
- Point value remains consistent across redemptions
- Use the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: Sign-up bonus + 2x travel
In the JetBlue vs Southwest credit card comparison, it comes down to perks vs practicality. JetBlue offers more value for premium spenders; Southwest gives unbeatable flexibility.
Conclusion
Who wins the JetBlue vs Southwest battle depends on what matters to you the most. If you’re after comfort, entertainment, and legroom, JetBlue is the clear choice for your next trip. But if you’re all about those cheap fares, flexible changes, and free bags, Southwest comes ahead. Each one of the airlines has its strengths, you just have to pick the one you relate to the most. Not sure which to pick? Call (888) 919-5016 for expert guidance and flight bookings with Dreamtriphub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, JetBlue offers wider seats than Southwest’s. With JetBlue, you get 32-34 inches of space in its standard economy, while in Southwest, about 31 inches is average. For more comfort, choose Even More Space seats on JetBlue. They offer up to 38 inches of extra space and a much better way to fly comfortably.
Generally speaking, yes. JetBlue’s flight prices are often more than Southwest's due to the premium perks it offers to passengers. But when you factor in Southwest’s two free checked bags and no change fees, Southwest delivers better overall value, mainly to those who want to save and get flexible travel options.
JetBlue excels the most in in-flight comfort, seat space, and entertainment options. Southwest winds in affordability, flexible changes and cancellation policies, and baggage perks. Which is the better one will depend on your budget and travel needs.
Southwest is known to offer two free checked bags on every fare, which is not a feature in JetBlue. This saves a lot of money, especially for large groups or families. JetBlue charges for checked baggage unless you book a Blue Plus or Mint fare, or hold Mosaic status.
JetBlue! You get better in-flight Wi-Fi, which is free and high speed from gate to gate on most routes. Southwest charges you for the same service, some $8 per device, and its connection quality also varies a lot by aircraft type and route.
Not at all. JetBlue has larger and more comfortable seats. Standard seats offer 32–34 inches of pitch, while Southwest averages just 31 inches. JetBlue even offers Even More Space seats, which offer even more space to stretch easily without feeling cramped. If legroom matters to you, pick JetBlue over Southwest any day.