It has recently been announced that Jetblue has implemented a new strategy related to baggage fees, depending on the passenger traveling date. JetBlue’s pricing strategy aims to increase the airline’s profitability.
JetBlue new strategy and baggage fee system structure
JetBlue is introducing a new way of charging for checked baggage, with the structure depending on whether the passenger will travel during on-peak or off-peak and depending on whether the passenger pays for bags up to 24 hours before their journey.
When booking with Jetblue, Jetblue includes two price categories, “More than 24 hours before departure” and “Within 24 hours of departure.” In each of the following categories, there is a section for “off-peak” and “peak.” Each of the categories includes different prices for the first and second bags.
Passengers traveling during off-peak hours will pay $35 for the first checked bag; on the other hand, for peak dates, there will be an increase of $5, with the price of $40 for the first bag. At off-peak, a second checked bag will cost $50 and $60 at peak. If passengers add a checked bag at least 24 hours before check-in, they will have a $10 discount on JetBlue.
On the other hand, Blue, Blue Plus, or Blue Extra fares customers will benefit from having their first checked bag at no cost, completely free.
Peak and off-peak JetBlue dates as a strategy of increase profitability
In the information provided on the airline’s official website, JetBlue describes peak times as “high-traffic periods,” including Presidents’ Week, Thanksgiving, Winter holidays, and peak spring and summer travel seasons. JetBlue shared the off-peak dates as April 11 to April 29, June 20 to September 3, November 21 to December 2, December 19 to January 6, February 13 to February 24, and April 3 to April 28. That is an extremely high number of peak times, as JetBlue considers the peak-time period 164 days. All other travel dates will be considered off-peak pricing.
It further explained in a statement that the cost of bags has increased due to significantly increased wages and fuel costs. It also mentions the unprofitability since COVID.
“While we don’t enjoy raising fees, we are making these adjustments to help bring our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs.”
In another development, JetBlue announced the end of several services in cities and the reduction of flying out of Los Angeles as their strategy of focusing on stronger markets to improve profitability. Recall that the airline, in January 2023, announced the introduction of a daytime service that will operate from London Heathrow to John F Kennedy International Airport.
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