Fuel Prices Force JetBlue to Push Baggage Fees by $5

Fuel Prices Force JetBlue to Push Baggage Fees by $5
Bloomberg.com Fuel Prices Force JetBlue to Push Baggage Fees by $5

Buddy, can you spare a $5?

Ancillary fees from better seating, checked bags and change/cancel fees account for a portion of airline revenues so it’s no surprise that checked bag fees are on the rise due to increased costs and to help improve the bottom line.

In a nutshell:  Rising fuel prices is one of the reasons for this increase in fees.  JetBlue Airways Corp. started out with a ‘no fee’ policy for checked bags and is now the first airline to increase their fee by $5 for both the 1st checked bag (now $30) and 2nd (now $40). The biggest increase is for a 3rd piece, which is now $150 vs $100.

In addition to higher checked bag fees, JetBlue has also increased fees for traveling with pets, oversize bags, and change/cancel fees.

How to avoid additional fees:

  • The airline’s loyalty program levels and the more expensive airfares may be exempt from checked bag fees.
  • Consider the JetBlue ‘Plus’ credit card, which gets you a free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation when you use your JetBlue Plus Card to purchase tickets
  • Packing lighter is always a good idea.
  • Some airfares may cost a little more than the ‘bare minimum’ fare, however, it may also include a checked bag.
  • Be aware of fees for specific seats….it may still be worth it for a longer flight and comfort.
  • Check for ‘bundles’ when purchasing your flights.  Some airlines offer a higher fare that includes one checked bag and preferred seating.

Oh, yeah, you may want to bring a few extra $5 bills to help out a fellow traveler!  Paying it forward has its perks.

Don’t miss:

1 Bag, 2 Weeks: Living out of a Carry-On
Your Travel Rights – Know Them
Cheaper Mexico Flights with Millions of Seats?

More Reading:

JetBlue hikes checked baggage fees — first bag hits $30
JetBlue Increases Fees for Checked Bags

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About Donna Adinolfi 248 Articles
Donna Adinolfi is a wellness travel expert, a freelance writer, an award-winning photographer, and the founder/publisher of MindfulAdventures.com. Her 30+ year career includes serving as the Travel & Spa Editor of Balance Magazine as well as planning wellness travel & retreats. An avid fan of the freedom from carrying cash or credit cards, Donna loves to visit all-inclusive wellness resorts in the U.S, and traveling to some of Mexico's and the Caribbean's many all-inclusive resorts several times each year. She's also a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association.
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