Welcome to the era of $70 baggage fees.
JetBlue Airways has raised the price of checked bags for many customers for the third time in less than a year, as high fuel costs continue to eat into the industry’s profits.
A first checked bag for travelers booked in economy class will now cost $50, up from $45, if purchased more than 24 hours before departure during an off-peak travel period. If paid within 24 hours of departure, the fee will be $60. During peak periods, such as holidays or summer, the rate will be $55, down from $49, and $70 in the 24 hours before departure.
There are exceptions to checked baggage fees, such as for customers with a co-branded JetBlue credit card or with elite frequent flyer status.
“We are adjusting checked baggage fees to help offset rising fuel and operating costs,” JetBlue said in a statement. “This helps us keep our base fares competitive while giving customers the choice to pay for a checked bag only if they need it.”
The price of jet fuel, airlines’ biggest cost after labor, has nearly doubled this year since Iran’s war began in February, costing airlines billions and driving up ticket prices. Jet fuel cost $4.44 a gallon Tuesday for the Gulf of Mexico, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Other airlines often follow when a carrier raises its fees. Major U.S. airlines did so earlier this year after JetBlue raised its baggage fees.
The changes were reported earlier by the Thrifty Traveler blog.
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