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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.
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.
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.
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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