JetBlue Hikes Checked Baggage Fees: Here’s How To Avoid Paying These Higher Prices JetBlue Hikes Checked Baggage Fees: Here’s How To Avoid Paying These Higher Prices

JetBlue Hikes Checked Baggage Fees: Here’s How To Avoid Paying These Higher Prices

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When one airline raises bag fees, there's a good chance a few others will follow the leader. Effective February 1, 2024, JetBlue quietly amended its checked baggage fees for most of its flights. The airline now charges $35 for the first bag purchased more than a day before departure and $50 for the second. Bags purchased closer-in cost even more. However, there are a few ways to avoid the steep new price tag.

Here's what you need to know about JetBlue's bag fee changes.

JetBlue Hikes Checked Baggage Fees

The new bag fees apply to JetBlue's flights within the United States and between the U.S. and Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. On Blue Basic, Blue, and Blue Extra fares, you'll pay $35 for your first bag and $50 for your second when purchased more than 24 hours before departure.

Bags purchased during check-in or less than 24 hours before departure cost more. Blue Basic, Blue, and Blue Extra passengers will have to fork over $45 for the first piece of checked luggage and $60 for the second.

Screenshot of new JetBlue checked baggage fees chart

JetBlue has a different pricing structure for checked bags on its flights to Europe — which it didn't amend. The airline also didn't change the bag policy for Mosaic elites and Mint passengers. If you have JetBlue status or fly in its premium cabin, you can still check two bags without incurring a fee.

looking down the side of a JetBlue plane with the logo visible
Credit: stevodisposable/Unsplash

How to Avoid JetBlue Baggage Fees

An easy way to fly JetBlue without paying its now-higher bag fees is to book your flight with the JetBlue Plus Card. Even if you book Blue Basic, you can still check one bag for free.

With bag fees starting at $35 per way, the JetBlue Plus Card‘s $99 annual fee seems more than reasonable. The card pays for itself after three checked bags. And on top of that, the card offers a slew of benefits that make flying JetBlue more rewarding.

JetBlue Plus Card
JetBlue Plus Card
Annual Fee$99
Welcome Bonus 70,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and payment of the annual fee
Each year you remain a cardmember, you'll earn 5,000 bonus points on your account anniversary. If you can also use the free checked bag benefit for yourself and up to 3 companions at least once a year, this card should easily return more value than its annual fee.
  • 6X points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases
  • 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants and grocery stores
  • 1X points per $1 on all other purchases
  • Related: How to Redeem and Maximize JetBlue TrueBlue Points

    Final Thoughts

    According to JetBlue — and a few other U.S. domestic carriers — it's now trendy to raise checked bag fees. In a move that we are just uncovering, the New York-based airline has charged its non-transatlantic passengers more to check a bag since February 1. But thankfully, there are ways passengers can avoid the now-higher fees.

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