JetBlue starts charging for first checked bag

Southwest is now the only US airline to let all passengers check a bag for free.

Starting today, US carrier JetBlue will charge for the first checked bag for passengers who buy the lowest of its new multi-tier fare system.

Southwest is now the only US airline that includes a checked bag in all fares.

Previously, JetBlue allowed all passengers to check one bag for free.

The changes are shown on the JetBlue website under the heading – Updated Baggage Requirements.

The airline has introduced multiple fare options that include different numbers of checked bags.

The fare options are called Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Flex and Mint.

  • Blue fare passengers will now be charged $20 for the first checked bag when paid online or at a check-in kiosk. Anyone going to a staffed desk will pay a higher fee of $25. A second bag will cost $35.
  • Blue Plus fare passengers get one checked bag included and a second checked bag is charged $35.
  • Blue Flex fare passengers get two checked bags included.
  • Mint passengers get two checked bags included.

The new fees apply only to flights booked starting today. Passengers who booked prior to today will be allowed one checked bag free of charge and may check a second bag for $50 each way.

Ancillary revenue

JetBlue announced in November that it would roll out bag fees by this summer, estimating it would earn some $65 million in 2015 and more than $200 million within several years from charges associated with new fare options.

Southwest

Southwest is now the only US major airline that does not charge for baggage.It still allows passengers to check two bags for free and charges $75 per bag each way for the third or additional bags.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is an American low-cost airline. Its main base is at John F. Kennedy International Airport. 

The airline mainly serves destinations in the United States, along with flights to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica,Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico.

As of June 2015, JetBlue serves 91 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, South America and Latin America.

N.B. Image credit:

Internet links

JetBlue