JetBlue hikes checked bag fees again up to a whopping $70
JetBlue Airways is back with its second rate hike for checked bag fees in just a matter of months.
This time, the New York-based carrier is quietly adding a new demand-based pricing model for checked bags.
JetBlue's new peak and off-peak checked bag pricing structure is already live; it took effect March 22 with no notice provided by the carrier.
This news was first reported by NerdWallet and later confirmed by TPG with a carrier spokesperson.
In addition to charging different prices based on when you purchase your checked bag — bags added before the check-in window are up to $10 cheaper — the carrier will now charge more for bags when traveling during a so-called "peak" period.
You'll find the full table of JetBlue's updated checked bag fees below, but the carrier will now charge as much as $70 for a checked bag — an industry-leading price that resembles something you'd likely find on an ultra-low-cost carrier.
During peak travel times, JetBlue will charge an additional $5 for the first checked bag and an additional $10 for a second checked bag for all flights within the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. Note that the first price in the table below represents the cost of a checked bag purchased more than 24 hours before departure.
| Fare | Off-peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|
Blue, Blue Basic, Blue Extra | First bag: $35/$45 | First bag: $40/$50 |
Second bag: $50/$60 | Second bag: $60/$70 | |
Blue Plus | First bag: Included | First bag: Included |
Second bag: $50/$60 | Second bag: $60/70 |
JetBlue explained the rate hike to TPG with the following statement.
The cost of transporting bags has gone up significantly due to increased wages and higher fuel costs, and we remain unprofitable since COVID. While we don't like increasing fees, we are making these adjustments to help get our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs. By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, especially during periods of highest demand for limited space in the cargo hold, we can keep base fares as low as possible and ensure customer favorites like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi remain free for everyone.
For transatlantic flights during peak travel times, a first bag remains included for all fares except Blue Basic. JetBlue is increasing the first checked bag for Blue Basic customers by $5 and increasing the second checked bag by $10 for all customers.
As for what's considered a peak time period, JetBlue explains on its updated website that "peak-season pricing applies to checked bags during high-traffic periods, including Presidents' Week, Thanksgiving and Winter holidays, and peak spring and summer travel seasons."
Translating that description to numbers shows that JetBlue's peak pricing applies to nearly half of the year. Over the course of the next 365 days, JetBlue is charging higher bag fees on 158 days.
The longest stretch of peak pricing applies from June 2 to Sept. 3, which covers essentially the entire summer season. Even if you're traveling on a quiet Tuesday or Wednesday in the summer, expect to pay more for a checked bag.
The full list of peak travel dates includes April 11-April 29, June 20-Sept. 3, Nov. 21-Dec. 2, Dec. 19-Jan. 6, Feb. 13-Feb. 24, and March 3-March 28.
JetBlue's Mosaic elite customers, as well as those traveling in Mint business class, will still enjoy two free checked bags during travel. Those with the JetBlue Plus Card will also continue to receive their first checked bag for free.
Whether other airlines match JetBlue's updated pricing structure is anyone's guess, but as we've been reminded over the past few weeks, the airline industry largely ascribes to the "monkey see, monkey do" mantra.
Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue quietly updated their checked bag fees. A few days later, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines quickly matched the increased pricing.
Many of the carriers explained that these updates were being made to adjust to inflationary pressures.
In February, when JetBlue raised checked bag fees for the first time this year, the carrier shared a nearly identical statement to the one that it gave TPG on Monday.
In recent weeks, JetBlue has been working hard to return to profitability now that the Spirit Airlines merger is dead. The carrier has introduced new seat fees, raised checked bag fees (twice) and realigned its network to return to profitability.
Below you'll find a table comparing the updated checked bag fees for domestic flights on the major U.S. carriers. Note that when two prices are presented, the lower one is charged for buying the bag before the check-in window opens.
| Airline | First bag | Second bag |
|---|---|---|
Alaska Airlines | $35 | $45 |
American Airlines | $35 or $40 | $45 |
Delta Air Lines | $35 | $45 |
Frontier Airlines | Varies | Varies |
JetBlue | Up to $50 | Up to $70 |
Southwest Airlines | Free | Free |
Spirit Airlines | Varies | Varies |
United Airlines | $35 or $40 | $45 or $50 |
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees