JetBlue also jacks up bag fees to boost profitability
If you plan to check a bag with JetBlue Airways, you'll need to dig deeper in your pocket than ever before.
The New York-based carrier recently updated its checked bag fees to unprecedented levels for the airline.
As of Feb. 1, JetBlue now charges $35 for the first standard-size checked bag and $50 for the second standard-size checked bag when the bags are purchased at least 24 hours before departure.
But, when checking a bag during the check-in process (i.e., within 24 hours of departure), those fees jump to $45 for the first checked bag and $60 for the second.
These changes weren't communicated by JetBlue, but were instead loaded onto the airline's website over the past few weeks.
Note that these fees don't apply to transatlantic flights, which have their own fee chart for checked bags.
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.
JetBlue explains the increased fees as a way to boost profitability amid creeping costs, as you can see in the statement shared with TPG below.
The cost of doing business has gone up significantly due to increased wages, higher fuel costs, and other inflationary pressure, and we remain unprofitable since COVID. While we don't like increasing fees, it's one step we are taking to get our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs of transporting bags. JetBlue continues to believe customers shouldn't have to choose between a low fare and a great experience. By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, we can keep base fares low and ensure customer favorites like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi remain free for everyone.
JetBlue's bag fees are just the latest ancillary charge to see an increase. Earlier this year, the airline introduced a preferred seating fee for choosing a seat closer to the front of the plane.
And within recent months, the airline has also jacked up the price for Even More Space extra-legroom seats across many of its routes.
JetBlue's new checked bag fees are getting increased attention following American Airlines' announcement Tuesday that it too would raise these fees.
American's new fee structure for domestic flights is $35 for the first checked bag (when purchased online) and $45 for the second checked bag.
In addition to American and JetBlue, Alaska Airlines raised the first-checked-bag fee from $30 to $35 a few weeks ago.
It remains to be seen if other U.S. airlines will follow suit, but the major carriers typically play a game of "follow the leader" when there's money to be made.
Below, you'll find a chart of all the standard domestic bag fees for the major U.S. airlines. 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 / $40 | $45 |
Delta Air Lines | $30 | $40 |
Frontier Airlines | Varies | Varies |
JetBlue | $35 / $45 | $50 / $60 |
Southwest Airlines | Free | Free |
Spirit Airlines | Varies | Varies |
United Airlines | $30 / $35 | $40 / $45 |
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