Summary
- JetBlue has increased checked bag fees for domestic flights due to industry-wide increased costs, including wages and inflationary pressure.
- The new cost for the first standard-sized checked bag is $35 if purchased 24 hours before departure. During check-in, the cost goes up to $45.
- JetBlue Mosaic elite customers and Mint business class travelers can still enjoy free checked bags, while others will face increased fees.
As of Thursday, February 1, JetBlue has increased its checked bag fees to a new all-time high. Per The Points Guy, changes to the checked bag fees were made to the airline’s website over the past month, but no official change was released for passengers during the booking process. The new checked bag fees will apply to domestic flights only, as transatlantic flights offered by JetBlue have a completely different checked bag fee structure.
Updated fee structure
The new fees have been implemented beginning on February 1. The cost for the first standard-sized checked bag now is $35, while the second standard-sized checked bag is $50. These fees are applied when the checked bag is purchased 24 hours before departure or earlier.
Photo: Coby Wayne | Shutterstock
However, if the bags are checked during the check-in process, the fees are bumped up slightly. During check-in, which typically occurs within 24 hours of departure, the first checked bag costs $45, and the second, $60.
These new fees will apply to nearly every customer. However, JetBlue Mosaic elite customers will still be able to utilize two free checked bags. Customers who have elected to travel in Mint business class will also get two free checked bags.
In a statement to The Points Guy, a spokesperson for JetBlue explained that the increased checked bag fees are due to increased costs throughout the industry. These include increased wages, higher fuel costs, and inflationary pressure.
Photo: Wangkun Jia | Shutterstock
The spokesperson also mentioned that the airline has still not been profitable since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding,
“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 WiFi remain free for everyone.”
Other measures to increase profitability
In late January, the Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue, Robin Hayes, released a message to the airline’s employees. It stated that returning the airline to profitability was JetBlue’s number one focus for the future. Increasing checked bag fees is just one of the ways that JetBlue is attempting to boost profitability.
Earlier this month, JetBlue began charging $10 for its “Core Preferred” seats. These seats are the most popular on the plane, including the window or aisle seats. Nothing is physically changing with the layout or structure of the seats; are simply located closer to the front of the aircraft, just behind the Mint and Even More Space seats at the front of the plane.
JetBlue will join other United States-based carriers in charging for preferred seats and seat locations. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines already charge for preferable seat locations.
