Checking a bag on JetBlue just got more expensive — and travelers will need to pay for their luggage in advance to avoid a new surcharge.
As of Feb. 1, the airline has updated its checked baggage fee chart for flights within the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean, for passengers who check in within 24 hours of departure. These travelers will now pay $45 and $60 for the first and second checked bags, respectively, an extra $10 from the base rates.
“The cost of doing business has gone up significantly due to increased wages, higher fuel costs, and other inflationary pressure, and we remain unprofitable since COVID,” the airline shared in a statement with T+L. “While we don’t like increasing fees, it’s one step we are taking to return 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 Wi-Fi remain free for everyone.”
Passengers who confirm they’re flying with checked bags ahead of time will still pay $35 for their first bag and $50 for their second.
JetBlue’s new baggage fees aren’t a huge surprise, although they do set a new precedent for the airline industry. At the end of January, the airline posted a $104 million net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023, sharing it would “focus on restoring profitability through new revenue and cost initiatives in 2024” in a statement.
“One checked bag is always free for JetBlue Plus cardmembers, and two checked bags are provided free of charge for our Mosaic customers,” the airline continued. “For other customers, our bag fees continue to incentivize them to plan ahead. Customers who add a checked bag online or on the JetBlue app at least 24 hours prior to their flight will pay $35 for the first bag.”
Waiving these baggage fees encourages loyal fliers to apply for a JetBlue card to get their first free bag on all flights, as airlines make a significant chunk of their revenue from their cobranded deals with banks.
On Tuesday, American increased its baggage fees, tacking on an additional $5 surcharge for checking in bags at the airport. In addition, Alaska increased its 2024 rates to $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag to meet the then-industry standard.
