JetBlue Airways raised its first checked bag fee for domestic flights, increasing it from $35 to $39 on non-peak days and from $40 to $49 on peak travel days. The airline cited rising operating costs as the reason for the fee adjustment.
"As we experience rising operating costs, we regularly evaluate how to manage those costs while keeping base fares competitive and continuing to invest in the experience our customers value," a spokesperson for JetBlue said. The spokesperson added, "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 WiFi, and seatback entertainment screens."
According to JetBlue's website, the first checked bag fee for a domestic flight is now $39 for non-peak days and $49 for peak travel days. Travelers with a co-branded JetBlue credit card and membership status who receive free checked bag benefits will not be charged the new checked bag fees.
JetBlue implemented the fee changes after careful consideration, according to a spokesperson. Labor and fuel are among the top expenses for airlines.
The price of jet fuel per gallon increased by more than 80% between February 27 and March 30, rising from $2.50 to $4.62, according to the Argus US Jet Fuel Index.
Other carriers have also taken steps to address rising costs. Scandinavian Airlines will cancel around 1,000 flights in April in response to higher global fuel prices. Lufthansa plans to add fuel surcharges on specific routes. United Airlines will reduce its capacity by approximately 5% for the second and third quarters of 2026, starting with off-peak flights. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has warned that customer fares could increase to offset higher fuel costs.
JetBlue had previously adjusted its baggage fees in August 2018, when it became the first major US airline to charge $30 for a first checked bag.