It was nice while it lasted.
On Tuesday, JetBlue succumbed to financial pressure and imposed fees for checked luggage.
That leaves Southwest Airlines as the sole remaining U.S. carrier to let passengers check their bags for free.
Once taken for granted, checked luggage has gone the way of the in-flight meal, spacious legroom and assigned seating _ consumers are now expected to pay for such amenities.
Marty St. George, JetBlue’s executive vice president of commercial products and planning, told the Associated Press that the revenue from the new bag fees will enable the New York-based airline to upgrade its seats and televisions.
Some of these changes are going to help pay for what's the biggest product upgrade JetBlue has had in the history of the company.
Marty St. George, JetBlue executive vice president
The luggage fees were detailed on Tuesday as part of JetBlue’s new fare structure.
Those who purchase basic “Blue” fares will pay $20 for a checked bag when their check in online, or $25 at the check-in counter or airport kiosk. A second checked bag costs $35.
“Blue Plus” fares, which cost more per ticket but include lower cancellation or change fees, will include the cost of one checked bag. If you want to check two bags, you’ll have to pay an additional $35.
Two checked bags are free for those in “Mint” class, JetBlue’s version of First Class.
No matter what class they’re flying, all passengers will be charged $100 for additional extra bag.
The changes take effect on new reservations starting on Tuesday, so if you already booked your flight, you won’t have to pay extra to check one bag.
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