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JetBlue quietly increases its checked bag fees
"While we don’t like increasing fees, it’s one step we are taking to return our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs of transporting bags."
JetBlue customers who don’t plan ahead will now pay more for checked baggage.
Logan Airport’s largest carrier has joined other U.S. airlines this year in raising fees for checked luggage. This month, JetBlue quietly increased fees for bags checked within 24 hours of departure.
As of Feb. 1, travelers checking bags within 24 hours of departure pay $45 for the first checked bag and another $60 for the second checked bag, a $10 increase. Travelers who check bags at least 24 hours from departure pay $35 for the first checked bag and another $50 for the second checked bag.
The increase was first reported by The Points Guy, which noted that the carrier did not announce the change but the rates were instead “loaded onto the airline’s website over the past few weeks.”
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JetBlue wrote the following, in part, about the baggage fee increase, in a statement provided to Boston.com:
The cost of doing business has gone up significantly due to increased wages, higher fuel costs, and other inflationary pressure, and we remain unprofitable since COVID,” wrote JetBlue. “While we don’t like increasing fees, it’s one step we are taking to return our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs of transporting bags. JetBlue continues to believe customers shouldn’t have to choose between a low fare and a great experience. By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, we can keep base fares low and ensure customer favorites like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi remain free for everyone.
JetBlue
Earlier this year, JetBlue posted a $104 million net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023, writing, “2024 is an important year of change for JetBlue and we are taking aggressive action, including launching $300 million of revenue initiatives, to return to profitability and deliver value for our shareholders.”
The airline noted that JetBlue Plus cardmembers still receive one checked bag for free and Mosaic customers still receive two checked bags for free.
“For other customers, our bag fees continue to incentivize them to plan ahead,” wrote JetBlue.
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The changed fees do not apply to transatlantic flights, which follow a separate fee structure. Customers can check out all JetBlue bag fees here.
On Tuesday, American Airlines announced an increase in baggage fees, now charging $40 for first bags checked in at the airport, $5 more than first bags checked in online. The second checked bag is $45 whether checked in online or at the airport.
Alaska Airlines raised its checked bag fees on Jan. 2, charging $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag — a $5 increase.
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