Welcome to the era of the $70 bag fee.
JetBlue Airways has raised the price of checking a bag for many customers for the third time in less than a year as high fuel costs continue to eat into the industry’s profits.
Checking a first bag for travelers booked in economy will now be $50, up from $45, if purchased more than 24 hours before departure during a non-peak travel period. If it’s paid within 24 hours of departure, the fee will be $60. During a peak period, such as during the holidays or the summer, it will be $55, up from $49, and $70 for within 24 hours of departure.
There are exceptions to the checked bag fees, such as for customers who hold a co-branded JetBlue credit card or hold elite frequent flyer status.
“We’re adjusting checked bag fees to help offset rising fuel and operating costs,” JetBlue said in a statement. “This helps us keep our base fares competitive while giving customers the choice to pay for a checked bag only…
