JetBlue considering fees for first checked bag
JetBlue Airways is mulling changes to its fare structure which could mean fees for the first checked bag.
If it goes ahead with changes, they would come in effect next year.
"The concept of a first-bag fee is on the table, and there is a construct under which we would, in effect, be able to charge for bags, " said JetBlue chief financial officer Mark Powers.
The carrier is looking to bundle its fees into what it terms as ‘families.’
Fare families are an important source of revenue growth in the future, according to JetBlue president Robin Hayes.
"We want to be thoughtful and want to execute it really well so our customers have a seamless experience," Hayes said.
Baggage fees are a significant driver of ancillary revenue for airlines count which amounted to a record $31.5 billion globally last year.
This was a rise of 11% percent from $28.1 billion earned in 2012.
Should JetBlue go ahead with the fare structure change, Southwest Airlines would remain the only major US carrier that doesn’t charge for the first bag.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season