JetBlue charging more for checked bags during 'peak' travel periods

03.04.2024 - 19:37 / travelweekly.com / Airlines

JetBlue has begun charging higher checked-bag fees during peak travel periods.

The airline quietly put the policy into effect for bookings beginning March 22. It is the second price increase for checked bags that JetBlue has implemented this year.

JetBlue is now charging $50 for the first checked bag on domestic and short-haul international flights during peak flying times, a $5 increase from off-peak flights. The second checked bag costs $70 for peak flights, $10 more than off-peak flights.

Flyers can get $10 off those prices by paying for the bag more than 24 hours ahead of check-in.

Much of the year falls within JetBlue's definition of peak periods, including most of April, late June through Labor Day weekend, and substantial portions of late November through early January.

The carrier has a separate bag fee chart for transatlantic flights.

Flyers who buy premium tickets, own a JetBlue co-branded credit card or have status may continue to check bags for free.

"The cost of transporting bags has gone up significantly due to increased wages and higher fuel costs, and we remain unprofitable since Covid," JetBlue said in a statement. "While we don't like increasing fees, we are making these adjustments to help get our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs. By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, especially during periods of highest demand for limited space in the cargo hold, we can keep base fares as low as possible and ensure customer favorites like seatback TVs and high-speed WiFi remain free for everyone."

In February, JetBlue increased the fee for the first checked bag from $35 to $45, matching increases made by other airlines.