While airfares may appear inexpensive at first glance, the cost of your luggage will now add up to a greater amount than before. That is what many travelers will now experience as Jetblue has decided to elevate its checked bag fee which is due to increased prices for Jet fuel.
JetBlue has officially elevated its checked luggage fees on numerous routes including travel within the U.S., throughout Latin America / Canada, and to the Caribbean in an effort to offset increasing costs associated with running the airline, specifically massive increases in Jet Fuel prices. While base ticket prices may look appealing, passengers should add additional funds to their budget for additions like baggage.
The first checked bag price is approximately $59 for peak travel holiday periods and $49 for off peak travel periods. The previous cost was lower therefore, the increase is more apparent for frequent travelers.
The price of the second checked bag has also risen to $79 for peak holiday travel periods and $69 for off peak travel periods. Therefore, just by taking one trip with checked luggage will create a good amount of additional expense to the overall total travel costs.
JetBlue Airlines is providing a small discount on advance baggage purchases for passengers to promote early buying behavior and reduce wait times at check-in counters. Passengers who purchase their bags greater than 24 hours ahead of scheduled departure can receive a $10 discount.
Fuel Price Pressure: Due to increasing geopolitical tensions, jet fuel prices are skyrocketing around the world and United States airlines are also feeling the pinch. The average price of jet fuel in the United States increased from approximately $2.50 per gallon to over $4.60 per gallon in the last couple of weeks.
Due to the fact that fuel is one of the largest expense categories in aviation, when fuel prices increase, airlines need to devise strategies to keep their fixed costs stable while still fulfilling operational related expenses, which include increasing their optional service fees (for example, increase baggage fees).
In addition to adjusting optional services fees, airlines can adjust other charges (such as baggage fees) rather than increase the base fare of airfares. This keeps base airfares lower compared to competitors, while at the same time covering the cost of operations.
JetBlue further stated that their increase in baggage fee rates will continue to allow them to invest in enhancing their customers’ experience. They provide complimentary snacks and beverages, free long-haul wi-fi, as well as entertainment systems on the back of each seat, thereby providing comfort to their passengers flying with them.
The goal of the airline is to provide quality service while also controlling costs. The airlines strive to keep their tickets attractive to the traveler, to provide a pleasurable travel experience, and to try to shift as much of the financial burden to the customers’ that may be incurred due to optional services.
The fact that when an airline raises their fees for baggage and seat selection etc…, all the other airlines will generally follow this trend.
This serves as a good reminder to the traveling public that the inexpensive price of the airline ticket does not always equate to the low cost of your overall travel experience. The various fees charged for baggage, seat selection, and onboard services can quickly add up to a significant amount of money that will increase your overall airline ticket cost.
Remember to travel light, plan ahead, and monitor carefully for those hidden costs when travelling by air today. In fact, it is possible that your suitcase will become the most expensive item in your trip.
