Another big airline just upped its baggage fees

According to THE STREET, Baggage-related issues are a major source of frustration for airline passengers. According to a recent U.S. Department of Transportation report, nearly 16% of the 77,656 passenger complaints in 2022 were related to baggage. Common grievances include lost or damaged belongings and high fees that force travelers to rely on a single carry-on suitcase—only to find out there’s no overhead space because everyone else is in the same predicament.

Airlines often use a “domino effect” strategy when raising checked baggage fees, with one airline increasing prices and others quickly following suit. For instance, in 2018, United Airlines (UAL), Delta (DAL), and American Airlines (AAL) all raised their fees for checking a suitcase on an economy ticket from $25 to $30 around the same time.

JetBlue Increases Baggage Fees

Recently, JetBlue Airways (JBLU) joined the trend of increasing baggage fees. As first reported by The Points Guy, the New York-based airline has quietly raised its fees for checking bags. Starting February 1, the cost to check a first bag online at least 24 hours before departure has increased to $35, up from $30. If passengers wait until they arrive at the airport, the fee jumps to $45.

For a second standard-sized bag, the fee has risen to $50 if paid online and $60 if paid at the airport. These new prices represent a $5 and $10 increase from the previous fees, respectively. The $60 fee for a second bag is among the highest in the industry. These increases apply only to passengers whose ticket fare or loyalty status does not include a free checked bag. A free checked bag is a benefit for those who book with the JetBlue credit card.

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Airline’s Justification for Fee Increase

JetBlue has not posted a profitable quarter since before the COVID-19 pandemic and recently had its plans to acquire budget airline Spirit (SAVE) blocked by a federal judge. In a statement, a JetBlue spokesperson explained that the fee increases are necessary to cover the rising costs of transporting bags and to help the airline return to profitability.

“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 spokesperson said. “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 WiFi remain free for everyone.”