This airline just increased bag fees to $35, the highest in the U.S.
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.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
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."
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.
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