JetBlue Airways is raising its checked-bag fees to offset rising fuel costs amid unrest in the Middle East.
Bag fees will now cost $39 for the first bag and $59 for a second bag, an increase of $4 and $9, respectively. Fees during peak seasons have also increased; passengers can expect to pay $49 for the first bag and $69 for the second.
The airline charges an additional $10 for paying bag fees less than 24 hours before departure.
Fuel costs are an airline’s second-highest expense after labor. Data from Argus, published by the industry group Airlines for America, show that jet fuel prices for Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York have more than doubled since the beginning of this year.
JetBlue notes that increasing bag fees will allow it to continue offering competitive fares and services desired by customers.
“Adjusting fees for optional services used by select customers, such as checked baggage, allows us to continue offering more competitive fares while delivering the onboard experience our customers love, including complimentary snacks and drinks, unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi, and seatback entertainment screens,” the airline stated. “While we recognize that fee increases are never ideal, we take careful consideration to ensure these changes are implemented only when necessary.”
