JetBlue has raised its baggage fees for the third time in less than a year, marking its second increase since March. Under the new rates, which apply to tickets purchased on or after November 3, passengers could pay as much as $70 for their first checked bag.
Economy passengers flying from the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean will now pay at least $50 each way for a checked bag, up from the previous fee of $39.
During peak travel periods, such as Thanksgiving, the fee increases to $55 for passengers who pay at least 24 hours before departure. Passengers who pay within 24 hours of departure could face fees of $60 during off-peak periods and as much as $70 during peak travel periods.
JetBlue’s Baggage Fees Keep Climbing
At the start of the year, the fee for a checked bag on most of JetBlue’s domestic economy flights was just $35 during off-peak periods. Since then, the airline has raised its baggage fees amid rising operating costs.
The higher fees also apply to additional luggage. A second checked bag costs $70 during off-peak periods and $75 during peak travel periods. Passengers checking their bags at the airport could pay as much as $85 for the second bag, while a third checked bag carries a flat fee of $200.
Despite the increase in baggage fees, JetBlue said members of its loyalty program and holders of its co-branded credit cards can still enjoy free checked bags. Mosaic 1 members are entitled to one free checked bag per flight, while those in higher tiers (Mosaic 2, 3, and 4) receive two free checked bags.
JetBlue has provided a chart showing the updated fees for checked bags.
JetBlue first raised its checked baggage fees in March, joining other major US airlines, including Delta, United, and American, which also increased their baggage charges. At the time, JetBlue said it was raising fees to offset rising operating costs while keeping its base fares competitive.
