JetBlue raises checked bag fees again as fuel costs climb
JetBlue is raising its checked bag fees again to offset rising fuel and operating costs, CBS News and CNBC report. Checking a first bag in economy during off-peak periods now costs $50, the outlets say. During peak periods, the fee rises to $55 from $49.
The new fees apply to domestic, Caribbean and Latin American flights for most economy passengers, CBS News reports.
Paying within 24 hours of departure costs more, CNBC reports. The fee will be $60 off-peak and $70 during peak periods such as the holidays or summer, CNBC says.
“We're adjusting checked bag fees to help offset rising fuel and operating costs,” JetBlue said in a statement, CNBC reports. The airline said the change “helps us keep our base fares competitive while giving customers the choice to pay for a checked bag only if they need one.”
JetBlue credit card holders can check one bag free for themselves and up to three travel companions, CBS reports. Some members of its Mosaic elite program also get free bags, CBS says.
The price of jet fuel, airlines' biggest cost after labor, has roughly doubled this year since the start of the Iran war in February, CNBC reports. Jet fuel was $4.41 a gallon on Monday, up from just over $2 in January, CBS says, citing Airlines for America.
Other airlines often follow when one carrier raises fees, CNBC reports. Major airlines did so earlier this year after JetBlue raised its bag fees, CNBC says.
JetBlue raised its checked bag fees by up to $9 in March, citing rising operating costs, CBS reports. Delta, United and Southwest have also raised bag fees this year, CBS says.
What we know: A first checked bag in economy now costs $50 off-peak and $55 at peak times, if paid early.
What we don't: Whether other airlines will match the new fees.
Where outlets agree CBS News and CNBC report that JetBlue raised its off-peak first checked bag fee to $50.
Where they differ CBS News reports this is the second increase this year and that the off-peak fee rose from $39, while CNBC reports it is the third increase in less than a year and that the fee rose from $45.