JetBlue Raises Checked Baggage Fees Again: Will American, Delta and United Follow?

Just in time for the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas travel season, JetBlue has raised its checked baggage fees again, with some passengers now paying as much as $70 to check their first bag. The big question is whether other airlines will follow suit.

If you’re flying JetBlue this holiday season, you might want to pack light. The airline has once again increased its checked baggage fees, making it even more expensive for travelers to bring their belongings along for the ride.

The latest increase took effect for tickets booked on or after November 3, 2026, and applies to flights within the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as certain transatlantic routes.

According to JetBlue’s official baggage policy, passengers flying on many economy fares will now pay at least $50 each way for their first checked bag, up from $45 under the most recently reported rates.

But depending on when you’re traveling and when you pay for your bag, that fee could climb to $70 each way.

How much are JetBlue’s new checked baggage fees?

JetBlue uses a pricing structure that charges different amounts depending on whether you’re traveling during peak or off-peak periods and whether you pay for your luggage more than 24 hours before departure.

Here’s what passengers on many Main and EvenMore fares can expect to pay for flights within the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean:

Those prices apply when you pay more than 24 hours before departure. Wait until the final 24 hours and the charges can increase substantially. According to CNBC, the first checked bag can cost $60 during off-peak periods and $70 during peak periods.

A third checked bag costs a whopping $200.

And don’t assume that purchasing a standard economy ticket gets you a free checked bag. Many JetBlue Main fares still require passengers to pay separately for checked luggage.

Traveling to Europe? You’ll pay more, too

JetBlue’s transatlantic baggage fees have also increased.

Passengers traveling on certain basic economy fares to Europe will now pay $80 for their first checked bag during off-peak periods when purchased more than 24 hours in advance. During peak periods, that increases to $90.

The second checked bag can cost $115 or $125, depending on the travel dates.

Passengers flying in qualifying premium cabins, including certain Mint fares, may receive one or two complimentary checked bags. Eligible Mosaic elite members and JetBlue credit cardholders can also receive baggage benefits.

One important detail: If you booked your JetBlue flight before November 3, the new fees generally won’t apply. Check the airline’s Manage Trips section to confirm your baggage allowance and applicable charges.

Will American, Delta and United follow JetBlue’s lead?

This is the million-dollar question, and unfortunately, history suggests there’s a good chance other airlines could follow.

According to CNBC, JetBlue’s latest increase marks the third time in less than a year that the airline has raised checked baggage fees for many passengers. And when JetBlue increased its baggage fees earlier this year, other major U.S. airlines followed with increases of their own.

It’s a pattern we’ve seen repeatedly in the airline industry. One airline raises a fee, waits to see how passengers react and then competitors often introduce similar increases.

That doesn’t mean American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have announced matching increases this time. But I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if they do.

Airlines are facing significantly higher operating expenses, particularly fuel costs, and checked baggage fees are an easy way to generate additional revenue without increasing the base fares travelers see when searching for flights.

JetBlue explained the increase in a statement to USA TODAY: “We’re adjusting checked bag fees to help offset rising fuel and operating costs.” The airline added that the move helps keep base fares competitive while allowing customers to pay for checked luggage only when they need it.

I understand that airlines are dealing with rising costs, but passengers are feeling the squeeze, too.

A family of four could pay hundreds just to check luggage

Here’s where these increases really start to hurt. Imagine a family of four traveling during the Christmas holidays. Each person checks one bag, and the family pays within 24 hours of departure. At $70 per bag, that’s $280 each way. The round-trip baggage bill alone could reach $560. That’s before paying for airfare, seat assignments, airport parking, food or any other travel expenses.

And if you’re traveling with children, packing everything into carry-on bags isn’t always practical, especially during winter when bulky jackets, sweaters and boots take up so much space. For families who travel during school breaks, when peak baggage fees often apply, these charges can add a significant amount to the total cost of a vacation.

My take: Airlines keep finding ways to make flying more expensive

I’ve been writing about airline fees for years, and it seems like every time travelers get used to one increase, another comes along. I understand why airlines prefer charging separately for checked bags. It allows them to advertise lower base fares, which makes their flights look more competitive when customers are comparing prices.

But the advertised fare isn’t always the price you’ll actually pay. For travelers who need to check luggage, the total cost of a flight can be considerably higher than the initial fare shown in search results. And while airlines argue that passengers who don’t check bags shouldn’t have to subsidize those who do, I think the industry has reached a point where all these extra charges are becoming increasingly frustrating.

What concerns me most is the possibility that JetBlue’s latest increase will give other airlines an excuse to raise their fees again. If history is any indication, travelers should keep a close eye on baggage policies over the coming weeks.

Five ways to avoid paying JetBlue’s higher baggage fees

Fortunately, there are still ways to reduce or avoid these charges.

1. Pay for checked bags early. JetBlue offers lower baggage fees when you add your luggage more than 24 hours before departure. Waiting until check-in or arriving at the airport could cost considerably more.
2. Pack in a carry-on when possible. JetBlue includes a carry-on bag and a personal item with its fares, subject to size restrictions. If you can travel without checking luggage, you’ll avoid the checked bag fees entirely.
3. Check your credit card benefits. Eligible JetBlue Plus and Premier cardholders can receive a complimentary first checked bag on qualifying reservations. Just be sure to review the card’s terms and conditions before assuming everyone on your reservation is covered.
4. Take advantage of elite status. JetBlue Mosaic 1 members receive their first checked bag free, while Mosaic 2 through 4 members receive two complimentary checked bags under the airline’s published policy.
5. Compare the total cost of flights. Don’t just look at the airfare. Factor in baggage charges, seat assignments and other fees before deciding which airline offers the best deal. Sometimes a slightly more expensive ticket can actually save you money.

Bottom line

JetBlue’s latest baggage fee increase is bad news for travelers, especially families heading out for the holidays. With first checked bag fees reaching $70 each way and additional bags costing even more, what used to be free is becoming a significant part of the travel budget.

The biggest question now is whether American, Delta, United and other carriers will follow JetBlue’s lead. Based on what happened earlier this year, I wouldn’t bet against it.