JetBlue’s distinctive blue-striped tailfin on an Airbus A220 aircraft.
Image credit: JetBlue
JetBlue raised its checked bag fees on Nov. 3, the second increase this year, with the new rates applying to tickets purchased on or after that date. On most economy fares within the U.S. and to Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the first bag now costs $50 each way, or $55 on peak travel dates, when you pay ahead of time.
Those pay-ahead fees are up from $39 and $49, respectively. Wait until less than 24 hours before departure, and the first bag costs $60 on regular travel dates or $70 during peak periods. The second checked bag now costs $70 off-peak or $75 during peak periods when purchased at least 24 hours ahead.
Holiday travelers should expect to pay those peak rates. Thanksgiving peak pricing runs Nov. 19 through Nov. 30, and winter peak pricing runs Dec. 17 through Jan. 18. If you booked before Nov. 3, JetBlue tells travelers to check Manage Trips for the fee that applies to your reservation.
Some passengers can skip the fee entirely. JetBlue Plus, Business, and Premier cardmembers get the first bag free for themselves and up to three companions on the same reservation on eligible JetBlue-operated flights. Mosaic members and passengers traveling on BlueFirst and Mint fares also have at least one checked bag included.
JetBlue cites rising fuel and operating costs for the increase. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since January, and Delta, United, and Southwest have also raised their bag fees this year. JetBlue says charging separately for bags helps it keep base fares competitive, since passengers only pay for checked luggage when they need it.
To avoid the higher last-minute fee, add your bags in Manage Trips on jetblue.com or in My Trips on the JetBlue app at least 24 hours before departure. JetBlue also lets you pay for bags with TrueBlue points any time before check-in.
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