Personal Finance News
JetBlue Adds Peak Season Pricing for Checked Bag Fees
JetBlue has introduced a new factor to its check baggage fees: peak season pricing.
About the new policy:
Recently, JetBlue updated its checked baggage policies to include demand-based pricing. Specifically, the cost to check a bag on the airline will now vary based on whether the travel dates are Off-Peak or Peak. For the latter, a $5 premium will apply to the first bag while a second carries a $10 additional cost when compared to the Off-Peak fee.
Those flying JetBlue on a Blue, Blue Basic, or Blue Extra fare will now pay as much as $50 for their first checked bag on Peak days, while a second bag could cost as much as $70. However, there is a $10 per bag discount for those who add the bags to their reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Off-Peak pricing is currently $45 for the first bag and $60 for a second — or $35 and $50 respectively is added ahead of time.
Meanwhile, those flying on Blue Plus fares enjoy one free checked bag (even on Peak dates) while a second bag is subject to the regular fees. Mint customers are able to check up to two bags as part of their fare.
On their site, JetBlue does note the current calendar or Peak dates. These include the prime summer season, Thanksgiving travel season, Christmas into New Year’s, and more. As for April 2024, the Peak dates include:
- April 11-29, 2024
- June 20-September 3, 2024
- November 21-December 2, 2024
- December 19, 2024-January 6, 2025
- February 12-24, 2025
- April 3-28, 2025
In context:
This addition comes only a couple of months after JetBlue hiked its checked baggage fees across the board. The carrier was joined by several other airlines, including Alaska, Delta, United, and American. In the case of the lattermost company, they also adjusted their overweight and oversized bag policies including adding new pricing tiers for bags only slightly over their respective limits.
My thoughts:
As we recently saw with the cascade of fee increases, it would be absolutely shocking if a similar model wasn’t adopted by other carriers. That’s disappointing as this will only add more stress and expense to traveling. To their slight credit, however, at least JetBlue released the peak season dates so that passengers can plan ahead.
In terms of how to save on these fees, the obvious answers are to avoid peak dates and opt for a carry-on when possible. If you fly JetBlue more frequently and value the ability to check a bag, then perhaps it makes sense to apply for the JetBlue Plus Card as it includes a complimentary first checked bag for cardholders and up to three travel companions. The card does have a $99 annual fee — but that could easily be covered in just one or two trips depending on the number of people in your party.
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