JetBlue hikes checked bag fees again to a whopping $70

01.04.2024 - 21:37 / thepointsguy.com / Airlines

JetBlue Airways is back with its second rate hike for checked bag fees in just a matter of months.

This time, the New York-based carrier is quietly adding a new demand-based pricing model for checked bags.

JetBlue's new peak and off-peak checked bag pricing structure is already live; it took effect March 22 with no notice provided by the carrier.

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This news was first reported by NerdWallet and later confirmed by TPG with a carrier spokesperson.

In addition to charging different prices based on when you purchase your checked bag — bags added before the check-in window are up to $10 cheaper — the carrier will now charge more for bags when traveling during a so-called "peak" period.

You'll find the full table of JetBlue's updated checked bag fees below, but the carrier will now charge as much as $70 for a checked bag — an industry-leading price that resembles something you'd likely find on an ultra-low-cost carrier.

During peak travel times, JetBlue will charge an additional $5 for the first checked bag and an additional $10 for a second checked bag for all flights within the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. Note that the first price in the table below represents the cost of a checked bag purchased more than 24 hours before departure.

JetBlue explained the rate hike to TPG with the following statement.

For transatlantic flights during peak travel times, a first bag remains included for all fares except Blue Basic. JetBlue is increasing the first checked bag for Blue Basic customers by $5 and increasing the second checked bag by $10 for all customers.

As for what's considered a peak time period, JetBlue explains on its updated website that "peak-season pricing applies to checked bags during high-traffic periods, including Presidents' Week, Thanksgiving and Winter holidays, and peak spring and summer travel seasons."

Translating that description to numbers shows that JetBlue's peak pricing applies to nearly half of the year. Over the course of the next 365 days, JetBlue is charging higher bag fees on 158 days.

The longest stretch of peak pricing applies from June 2 to Sept. 3, which covers essentially the entire summer season. Even if you're traveling on a quiet Tuesday or Wednesday in the summer, expect to pay more for a checked bag.

The full list of peak travel dates includes April 11-April 29, June 20-Sept. 3, Nov. 21-Dec. 2, Dec. 19-Jan. 6, Feb. 13-Feb. 24, and March 3-March 28.

JetBlue's Mosaic elite customers, as well as those traveling in Mint business class, will still enjoy two free checked bags during travel. Those with the JetBlue Plus Card will also continue to receive their first checked bag for free.

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