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JetBlue and American Airlines Increase Checked-Baggage Fees Amid Rising Costs

The airlines cite increased operational costs and the need to boost profitability as reasons for the fee hikes.

American Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, Jan. 11, 2023, in New York.
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American Airlines planes
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Overview

  • JetBlue now charges $45 for the first standard-size bag checked within 24 hours of departure, up from $35, and $60 for a second bag.
  • American Airlines raised its baggage fees for domestic flights to $35 online and $40 at the airport for the first checked bag, with the second bag now costing $45.
  • The changes were not widely communicated, sparking outrage among passengers on social media.
  • JetBlue insists the fee adjustments are part of its strategy to return to profitability and cover the increased costs of transporting bags.
  • Both airlines' fee increases reflect a broader trend in the industry, with baggage fee revenue surging to $33 billion last year, a 15% increase from 2022.