JetBlue has increased its checked bag fee for many economy passengers for the third time in less than a year, with the charge rising to as much as $70 during peak travel periods.
Customers booking outside peak periods will pay $50 for a first checked bag if they purchase it more than 24 hours before departure, up from $45. The fee rises to $60 when paid within 24 hours of the flight.
During peak periods, including the summer and holidays, the first checked bag will cost $55 when purchased in advance, compared with $49 previously. The charge will be $70 for bookings made within 24 hours of departure.
Some travellers are exempt from the JetBlue checked bag fee, including customers with a co-branded JetBlue credit card and those with elite frequent-flyer status.
JetBlue said the changes were intended to help cover higher costs while allowing it to keep base fares competitive.
“We’re adjusting checked bag fees to help offset rising fuel and operating costs,” the airline said. “This helps us keep our base fares competitive while giving customers the choice to pay for a checked bag only if they need one.”
Jet fuel, the airline industry’s second-largest cost after labour, has roughly doubled this year since the start of the Iran war in February. The increase has cost airlines billions and pushed up ticket prices, with jet fuel priced at $4.44 a gallon on Tuesday in the US Gulf of Mexico, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Other airlines have often followed when one carrier raises its fees. Major US airlines did so earlier this year after JetBlue increased its bag charges.
