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JetBlue raises checked bag fees for third time in a year
JetBlue raises checked bag fees for the third time in under a year as fuel costs climb.
Key points
- A first checked bag for economy travelers booked more than 24 hours ahead in non-peak periods rises to $50 from $45.
- The peak-period first-bag fee goes to $55 from $49, and $70 within 24 hours of departure.
- Jet fuel prices have roughly doubled this year since the Iran war began in February, costing airlines billions.
Why it matters. Other airlines often follow when one carrier raises fees, so travelers could face higher checked bag costs across the industry.
JetBlue Airways now charges economy travelers $50 for a first checked bag bought more than 24 hours before departure outside peak periods, up from $45. In peak periods such as holidays or summer, the fee rises to $55 from $49, and $70 within 24 hours of departure. JetBlue said the changes help offset rising fuel and operating costs, as jet fuel has roughly doubled this year since the Iran war began in February.
Latest updates
JetBlue raises checked bag fees for third time in a year
JetBlue Airways has raised the price of checking a bag for many customers for the third time in less than a year. The airline is passing on higher costs as fuel prices continue to climb. High fuel costs are eating into airline profit margins across the industry, prompting carriers to look for new sources of revenue. Baggage fees have become a significant source of income for low-cost and budget airlines in recent years. The latest increase brings the cost of checking a bag to levels that industry observers describe as an era of roughly $70 per bag. Further changes to fees or fares will depend on how fuel prices and demand develop.