Welcome to the era of $70 baggage fees.
jet blue airlines The company has raised baggage screening fees for many customers for the third time in less than a year, as rising fuel costs continue to squeeze industry profits.
The first checked bag for travelers booked in economy will increase from $45 to $50 if purchased more than 24 hours before departure during non-peak travel periods. Fee is $60 if paid within 24 hours of departure. During busy periods such as holidays and summer, the price ranges from $49 to $55 if purchased more than 24 hours before departure, and $70 if purchased less than 24 hours before departure.
There are exceptions to checked bag fees, such as for customers with a co-branded JetBlue credit card or those who hold elite frequent flyer status.
“We are adjusting checked baggage fees to compensate for increased fuel and operating costs,” JetBlue said in a statement. “This allows us to keep our base fares competitive while giving our customers the option to pay for checked baggage only when they need it.”
The price of jet fuel, the biggest cost for airlines after labor, has nearly doubled this year since the start of the Iran war in February, costing airlines billions of dollars and driving up ticket prices. The price of jet fuel destined for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was $4.44 a gallon on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
When one airline raises prices, other airlines often follow suit. Major U.S. airlines took similar action earlier this year after JetBlue increased baggage fees.
This change was previously reported by the Thrifty Traveler blog.
