JetBlue raises bag fees for third time in a year as fuel costs bite

A JetBlue Airways Airbus A321 airplane approaches San Diego International Airport for a landing from Boston on April 20, 2025 in San Diego, California. Kevin Carter | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesWelcome to the era of the $70 bag fee.JetBlue Airways has raised the price of checking a bag for many customers for the third time in less than a year as high fuel costs continue to eat into the industry's profits.Checking a first bag for travelers booked in economy will now be $50, up from $45, if purchased more than 24 hours before departure during a non-peak travel period. If it's paid within 24 hours of departure, the fee will be $60. During a peak period, such as during the holidays or the summer, it will be $55, up from $49, and $70 for within 24 hours of departure.There are exceptions to the checked bag fees, such as for customers who hold a co-branded JetBlue credit card or hold elite frequent flyer status."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."The price of jet fuel, airlines' big...