JetBlue raises checked-bag fees for second time this year, citing costs

Left · 1JetBlue announced on Tuesday 3 November that it is raising its checked-bag fees for the second time this year, as it tries to offset rising jet fuel and operating costs. 1 Left · 1Most economy passengers on flights within the US, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean will now pay at least $50 each way for a first checked bag, up from $39, for tickets bought on or after Nov. 3. 2 Left · 2In peak periods such as Thanksgiving and the winter holidays the first-bag fee is $55 if paid at least 24 hours before departure; CBS News reported the peak fee was $49 before. Those who wait until the final 24 hours pay $60 off-peak and $70 at peak times, according to the Associated Press. 2 1

Left · 1The second checked bag now starts at $70 each way off-peak and $75 at peak times, and can cost up to $85 when paid at the airport, the AP reported. 2 Left · 2JetBlue previously raised bag fees in March, by up to $9, citing "rising operating costs". The AP says the first checked bag cost $35 off-peak at the start of the year, before the Iran war began in late February and sent jet fuel prices swinging. 1 2 Left · 2JetBlue told CBS News the increase "helps us keep our base fares competitive while giving customers the choice to pay for a checked bag only if they need one." The AP said it had sent the airline emailed requests for comment about the latest increase. 1 2

Left · 2Fuel costs are the backdrop. Jet fuel cost $4.41 a gallon on Monday, up from just over $2 in January, according to Airlines for America. JetBlue said its average fuel price reached $3.91 a gallon in the summer, up 57% from a year earlier, and it expects $4.64 in the final quarter, up 85%. The AP says the unresolved war with Iran is keeping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz largely restricted. 1 2 Left · 1Some travellers still check bags free: JetBlue Plus, Business and Premier cardmembers (the cardholder and up to three companions) and TrueBlue Mosaic members, with Mosaic 2, 3 and 4 members getting two free bags. Customers who add bags at least 24 hours before departure can save up to $15 on the first bag. 1 Left · 2Other carriers have also raised bag fees this year. CBS lists Delta, United and Southwest; the AP adds American and says JetBlue's March increase helped set off the broader round of hikes. JetBlue executives said last week that demand has stayed resilient even as fares have risen. 1 2