Just one day after American Airlines announced they are raising checked baggage fees for the first time since 2018, JetBlue is coming under fire for doing the same thing—only more quietly through a post on its website.
First reported by travel site The Points Guy, JetBlue recently updated its website with the new bag fee structure.
New Checked Bag Fees Implemented by JetBlue
For flights booked more than 24 hours before departure, the airline will now charge $35 for the first checked bag on flights within Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the U.S. Additionally, travelers can expect to be charged $50 for a second checked bag, $125 for a third, and $150 for a fourth. Therefore, it’s crucial for travelers to be aware of these changes when planning their trips.
JetBlue attributes the price hike to inflation, ongoing increased costs, and attempts to recoup profits following the COVID-19 pandemic. “The cost of doing business has gone up significantly due to increased wages, higher fuel costs and other inflationary pressures,” JetBlue stated. This recognition of the changing economic landscape highlights the challenges that many airlines are currently facing.
Keeping Fares Competitive
The airline insists that these adjustments are not intended to inflate ticket prices for all customers. JetBlue emphasized that they want to keep base fares low while offering amenities like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi at no additional cost. “By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, we can ensure a great experience for all,” JetBlue added.
Moreover, JetBlue Plus card holders still enjoy one free checked bag, while Mosaic customers can benefit from two free checked bags. This structure allows certain frequent travelers to maintain lower travel costs.
Travel Prices Drop for Spring
Despite recent increases in checked baggage fees by JetBlue and others, travelers may find opportunities to save on airfare if they are planning trips this spring.
According to a February 2023 Spring Break Travel Outlook report from travel booking website Hopper, round-trip airfares for domestic travel in March and April are averaging about $256 per ticket. This reflects a 2% decrease compared to last year and an 11% dip from prices in 2019. Such statistics suggest that spring might still offer budget-friendly options for thrifty travelers.
Furthermore, the report highlights that airfare is down for popular destinations, including those in the Antilles, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Flights to Europe in March and April are also reported to be 7% cheaper than the previous year. Consequently, travelers have a variety of options available to them.
If you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly travel, consider timing your trips for off-peak seasons or exploring package deals. Furthermore, travelers seeking to save on baggage may find value in airlines like Southwest Airlines, which still allows customers to check their first and second bags for free—for now.
