A JetBlue Airways Airbus A321 departs from Los Angeles International Airport heading for New York on October 17, 2025.
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jet blue airlines The airline is raising baggage fees by at least $4 in response to soaring jet fuel prices due to the Iran war.
Airfares have increased on routes around the world since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28th. The increased fees for checked bags are the latest sign that airlines are passing on rising fuel costs to U.S. consumers. Jet fuel is the biggest expense for airlines after personnel costs.
JetBlue currently charges first bag check fees on domestic, Caribbean and Latin American flights from $35 to $39 during off-peak periods for most economy passengers. During busy periods such as summer vacation and long weekends, the price increases from $40 to $49.
Travelers pay $10 more if they pay within 24 hours of departure, such as at the airport. Airlines have lowered fees for customers to prepay for checked baggage in recent years.
However, baggage fees are completely waived for travelers with co-branded credit cards and frequent fliers with elite status.
“As we experience increased operating costs, we regularly evaluate how to manage these costs while keeping our base fares competitive and continuing to invest in the experiences our customers value,” JetBlue said in a statement to CNBC.
When airlines raise their prices, competitors often follow suit. american airlines, united airlines, delta airlines, southwest airlines and frontier airlines He did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Fuel prices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York averaged $4.57 a gallon last Friday, an increase of nearly 83% from the day before the war started, according to Argus data released by the industry group Airlines for America.
“Adjusting prices for optional services available to some customers, such as checked baggage, will allow us to continue to offer more competitive fares while providing the in-flight experience customers love, including complimentary snacks and drinks, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, and seatback entertainment screens,” JetBlue said in a statement. “We understand that fare increases are never ideal, but we are carefully considering these changes to ensure they are only implemented when necessary.”
