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New York-based JetBlue Airways has announced it will hike its checked bag fees, following the increase in operational costs as steeper fuel costs hit airlines and consumers. JetBlue’s additional bag fee increase starts at around $4, with the first checked bag for off-peak flights increasing from $35 to $39.
The new price of $39 applies to domestic, Caribbean, and Latin America-bound services, and during peak travel times, such as across the Northern Hemisphere summer travel season, the fee will increase from $40 to $49. These prices, which are based on pre-payment, will then further sting travelers making the decision last minute, within 24 hours of departure, or at the airport, seeing the cost increase $10 to $49.
A Hike In Bag Fees As Operational Costs Soar
As a sign of the times, with operational costs continuing to rise, JetBlue explained the increase is a trade-off to keep base fares competitive while investing in the customer experience. This move by JetBlue, marks the first in the United States as airlines across the country content with the increasing cost of jet fuel.
There will be some exemptions where travelers will avoid bag fees entirely, depending on frequent flyer Mosaic status or if they hold a co-branded JetBlue credit card. Simple Flying reached out to JetBlue for comment, but the airline did not immediately respond by the time this article was published. Here’s what the airline had to say to CNBC:
“As we experience rising operating costs, we regularly evaluate how to manage those costs while keeping base fares competitive and continuing to invest in the experience our customers value. While we recognize that fee increases are never ideal, we take careful consideration to ensure these changes are implemented only when necessary.”
Who Can Avoid Bag Fees With JetBlue Domestically, To The Caribbean, and Latin America
The price for the first bag is only applied to those traveling on domestic, Caribbean, and Latin American services when booked in Blue, Blue Basic, Blue Extra, and Even More, with the first off-peak bags starting from $49. Those booked under a Blue Plus fare will have their first bag included, while second bags start at $69 off-peak.
Mint passengers, and those with the airline’s frequent flier program Mosaic (tiers 1 through 4), all include their first checked bag, while Mosaic 2 to Mosaic 4 members also receive a second checked bag free of charge. JetBlue Plus and JetBlue Premier Cardmembers can also relish in free checked bags, with second checked bags starting at $69 off-peak.
The fee for a third checked bag starts at $125 for off-peak travelers and $135 during peak. A fourth checked bag comes in at $150 off-peak and $160 during peak. Details for pricing on trans-Atlantic services are noted in the section below.
Price Increase: American Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees Again
American Airlines will now charge an extra $5 to check your second bag at the airport.
Traveling To Europe: What’s The Cost For Baggage?
For those headed across the North Atlantic Ocean, those who pre-plan will save more on their checked bag, with the cost starting at $64 off-peak, which includes a $5 saving when compared to within 24 hours of departure. During peak times, including most of the Northern Hemisphere summer season, and public holidays, the starting price for a checked bag is $74. Second bags start at $109 and $119, respectively.
Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and EvenMore fares include one checked bag complimentary, while a second bag is the same as listed above. JetBlue Mint travelers, and Mosaic 2 to Mosaic 4 enjoy their first and second bags for free, while Mosaic 1 will get the first bag included, and the second bag is $109 and $119, whether it is off-peak or peak.
The same goes for JetBlue Plus and JetBlue Premier Card members, with the first bag being included for free, while second bags start at $109. For all travelers, the cost of a third bag is $200 off-peak and $210 during peak.
JetBlue is an American low-cost-carrier based in Long Island City, Queens. It has a fleet of more than 270 aircraft, and serves in excess of 110 destinations across the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.
