JetBlue Airways has raised checked bag fees for many customers, the third increase in less than a year, according to CNBC. The airline cited rising fuel and operating costs.
For travelers booked in economy, the first checked bag now costs $50 if purchased more than 24 hours before departure during a nonpeak period, up from $45. Paying within 24 hours of departure costs $60. During peak periods, such as the holidays or summer, the fee is $55 if bought more than 24 hours ahead, up from $49, and $70 within 24 hours of departure.
Customers with a co-branded JetBlue credit card or elite frequent flyer status are exempt.
"We're adjusting checked bag fees to help offset rising fuel and operating costs," JetBlue said in a statement. "This helps us keep our base fares competitive while giving customers the choice to pay for a checked bag only if they need one."
CNBC reported that jet fuel, the airline industry's biggest cost after labor, has roughly doubled this year since the start of the Iran war in February. The U.S. Energy Information Administration put jet fuel at $4.44 a gallon for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. CNBC reported that other airlines often follow when one carrier raises fees, and that major U.S. airlines did so earlier this year after JetBlue's previous increase. The changes were first reported by the Thrifty Traveler blog.