Jetblue Just Tacked on a Last-Minute Baggage Fee to Your Next Flight

JetBlue has joined American and Alaskan Airlines in raising prices for checked luggage, according to Newsweek.

Customers who check a bag on their JetBlue flight less than 24 hours before departure will now pay $45 for the first bag and $60 for the second bag. Previously, customers paid $35 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second, even if added right up until the time of departure.

JetBlue customers who check their bags more than 24 hours before a flight will still pay the original prices, with the increase only applying to bags added less than a day before departure. That’s bad news if you plan to bring home some last minute souvenirs, though.

The announcement comes just a week after JetBlue added a new seating fee, which now charges customers who wish to sit in “preferred” seats, which are aisle and middle seats in most or all basic economy rows, depending on which route you’re on.

JetBlue did not immediately repsond to a request for comment from Men’s Journal regarding the latest price hike, but the airline did explain the increase in a statement to Newsweek.

“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. While we don’t like increasing fees, it’s one step we are taking to get our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs of transporting bags,” the airline said.

“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.

“One checked bag is always free for JetBlue Plus cardmembers, and two checked bags are provided free of charge for our Mosaic customers. For other customers, our bag fees continue to incentivize them to plan ahead.”