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This airline just increased bag fees to $35, the highest in the U.S.

Jan. 16, 2020
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3 min read
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This airline just increased bag fees to $35, the highest in the U.S.
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JetBlue Airways today quietly increased checked bag fees for many passengers, giving it the most expensive fee for that service among major U.S. airlines.

You'll now pay $35 for your first checked bag not only if you're flying JetBlue's basic economy, Blue Basic, but also if you are flying either Blue or Blue Extra. You'll only be able to avoid the fee if you're flying Blue Plus or JetBlue Mint, have Mosaic status or are a JetBlue cardholder.

You'll also now pay $45 for a second checked bag if you fall into one of those affected categories. The second-checked-bag fee is also the highest for U.S. airlines, according to TPG's baggage fee tracker.

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If you want to save on checked bags, you can add up to two checked bags in advance, according to JetBlue. The airline's website says you'll save $5 off each of the first two checked bags. The fees are only refundable if your entire booking is canceled before departure.

According to an internal memo obtained by Paxex.aero's Seth Miller, the airline increased fees to “reduce transactions in the airport lobby and improve the Customer experience.”

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JetBlue used to offer every traveler one free checked bag but abandoned that policy a few years ago.

Overweight bags between 51 and 99 pounds cost an additional $150, which is $50 more than the big three airlines charge for bags between 51 and 70 pounds, but $50 less for bags that weigh 71 to 100 pounds. Bags between 63" and 80 inches, including wheels and handles, also will set you back $150.

If you want to avoid the $5 increase, your best bet is to fly in JetBlue's premium cabin or keep a co-branded card in your wallet. The airline offers two different JetBlue co-branded credit cards that provide fee waivers for checked bags. Both the JetBlue Plus Card and the JetBlue Business Card allow primary cardholders to check their first bag for free, and this also extends to up to three companions booked on the same reservation.

Related: Airlines collected $2.8 billion in bag fees in the first half of 2019. Here’s how to avoid them

In the first half of 2019, airlines reported an after-tax net profit of $4.8 billion and a pre-tax operating profit of $6.9 billion, according to a report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Airlines collected $1.5 billion in baggage fees, or 2.9% of total operating revenue, through the end of the second quarter. JetBlue collected $174 million in bag fees in the first half of 2019. American Airlines accounted for half of the $1.5 billion figure, collecting over $668 million in the first half of last year.

Featured image by PATRICK T. FALLON/THE POINTS GUY

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Why We Chose It

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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