JetBlue recently announced that it will introduce multiple fare types sometime in the first half of 2015 and the lowest priced fare option will no longer include a free checked bag. The announcement leaves Southwest as the last airline to offer a free checked bag in the cheapest fares. JetBlue plans to offer two other fare types that will include the option to add one or two checked bags and will also offer increased TrueBlue points earnings as well as other perks. Along with the changes to fare types, beginning in mid 2016, JetBlue will add 15 seats to its 150 seat Airbus A320 aircraft and will reduce the average seat pitch from 34.7 inches to 33.1 inches.

Bottom line: JetBlue is following the trend to offer “bare fares” with fewer amenities and there are some who say that Southwest will not be far behind in a similar announcement. We hope those who say that are wrong.