JetBlue increases checked bag fees for second time this year

JetBlue has implemented a second round of checked baggage fee increases in 2026. The new pricing structure applies to all tickets booked on or after November 3, affecting routes across the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.

For most short-haul and regional flights, the fee for a first checked bag has risen from $39 to $50 each way, while a second checked bag now costs $70, up from $59. For travelers on basic economy flights to Europe, the cost for a checked bag has increased from $60 to $80 per segment.

Company representatives stated that these adjustments are intended to offset rising fuel and operational expenses, allowing the airline to maintain lower base fares. This strategy focuses on providing a tiered service model where passengers pay specifically for the extra luggage they require.

Certain passengers, including those with Mosaic status, specific co-branded credit card holders, and Mint or BlueFirst travelers, remain exempt from these fees. These changes arrive as the airline industry prepares for anticipated high travel volumes during the upcoming holiday season.