The budget airline JetBlue has increased its checked baggage fees by at least $4 as it grapples with the spiraling price of jet fuel due to President Donald Trump's war on Iran.
JetBlue's website now shows a minimum charge of $39 for your first checked bag, including a $10 discount for pre-booking online — up $4 from its previous price of $35.
At peak times, such as during summer and on major U.S. holidays, the fee will rise from $40 to $49.
"As we experience rising operating costs, we regularly evaluate how to manage those costs while keeping base fares competitive and continuing to invest in the experience our customers value," a spokesperson told The Independent.
It comes amid soaring oil prices that have forced airlines to cut flights and jack up their fees, with one industry expert warning that some carriers may "not survive" if the crisis continues.
More than 3,100 people, including 13 U.S. service members, are estimated to have been killed in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, the Associated Press reports, which has now expanded into Iranian revenge strikes against U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf and an Israeli invasion of Lebanon.
The crucial Strait of Hormuz off Iran's southern coast remains closed to all but a handful of ships that have been allowed to pass by the Iranian government, significantly reducing the world's supply of oil and oil-based products.
JetBlue appears to not allow historical snapshots of its baggage fees page, but its old prices were visible in cached Google search results and third party advice sites such as NerdWallet.
Domestic checked bag fees for American, Delta, United, Southwest, Frontier, and Alaska appeared unchanged since the start of the war as of Monday March 30.
"Adjusting fees for optional services used by select customers, such as checked baggage, allows us to continue offering more competitive fares while delivering the onboard experience our customers love, including complimentary snacks and drinks, unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment screens," JetBlue told The Independent.
"While we recognize that fee increases are never ideal, we take careful consideration to ensure these changes are implemented only when necessary."
