Major airline increases its checked bag fees for the second time this year

JetBlue is protecting its bottom line with baggage fees.Yesterday, JetBlue announced it would once again increase its baggage fees to counter higher fuel and rising operating costs.

This marks the second time in less than a year that the Queens-based airline has raised baggage fees.In March, JetBlue hiked its checked-bag fees by up to $9.Effective Tuesday, JetBlue is again raising first-bag check fees for most economy flights within the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean to $50 for off-peak travel (previously $39) and $55 for peak dates (previously $49).JetBlue told CBS News the uptick will “help us keep our base fares competitive while giving customers the choice to pay for a checked bag only if they need one.”The airline also encouraged travelers to add checked bags at least 24 hours before departure to activate savings of up to $15 on the first checked bag. It also pays to be a card member.

Per the airline, JetBlue Plus, JetBlue Business, and JetBlue Premier cardmembers can check one bag for free for the cardholder and up to three travel companions.Additionally, TrueBlue Mosaic members can check at least one bag for free, while Mosaic 2, 3, and 4 members each get two free checked bags. JetBlue is no outlier in the bag price increase.

United Airlines, Delta, and Southwest have all increased their checked bag fees in the past year amid staggering fuel prices.Jet fuel prices have surged by about 86% since the Iran war began back in February.

Before the war, prices were about $2.39 a gallon, while they currently sit at $4.44 per gallon.However, experts note that these higher bag fees might remain in place even after jet fuel prices fall.“Airlines are looking at creative ways to help their bottom line as jet fuel prices soar, taking their expenses along with it.Increased ancillaries like bag fees unfortunately may be here to stay even after airline costs deflate,” Going travel expert Katy Nastro previously told the Post.Earlier this month, JetBlue r...