US carrier JetBlue has raised its checked baggage fees for the second time this year, introducing higher charges for economy-class passengers on tickets purchased on or after November 3. The airline said the increase is intended to offset rising fuel and operating costs while keeping base fares competitive.

New baggage charges take effect

Under the new pricing structure, the fee for a first checked bag on flights within the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean starts at $50 one way during off-peak travel periods for passengers who pay at least 24 hours before departure, up from $39.

During peak travel periods, including Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season, the advance fee for a first checked bag rises to $55.

Passengers who wait until the final 24 hours before departure to pay for their baggage will be charged $60 during off-peak periods and $70 during peak travel periods.

The airline also increased fees for a second checked bag. The charge now starts at $70 during off-peak periods and $75 during peak travel periods, while passengers checking a second bag at the airport may pay as much as $85.

Airline cites higher operating costs

JetBlue said the latest increase is aimed at covering higher fuel and operating expenses while allowing the airline to keep base ticket prices competitive and continue offering customers the flexibility to pay only for the services they use.

The airline previously increased baggage fees in March. Following that move, several major US carriers, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, also introduced higher baggage charges.

At the beginning of the year, the first checked bag on most JetBlue domestic economy flights cost $35 during off-peak travel periods, meaning the airline has now raised baggage fees twice in 2026.

Higher fuel costs continue to pressure airlines

The latest increase comes as airlines continue to face elevated jet fuel prices amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets, with higher operating costs affecting pricing strategies across the aviation sector.

JetBlue executives said during the company's third-quarter earnings call that passenger demand has remained resilient despite rising travel costs. The airline reported that average jet fuel prices reached $3.91 per gallon during the summer, up 57 per cent from a year earlier, and expects the average price to rise to $4.64 per gallon in the fourth quarter, representing an 85 per cent annual increase.

Despite the higher baggage fees, JetBlue said holders of eligible co-branded credit cards and members of certain tiers of its TrueBlue loyalty programme will continue to receive complimentary checked baggage, subject to the programme's terms and conditions.(ILKHA)