As fuel prices, dragged down by the US-Israeli and Iran wars in West Asia, continue to rise, JetBlue Airways has increased its baggage fees to deal with “increasing operating costs”.
Checked bag prices have been increased by at least $4 ( ₹375). Off-peak, JetBlue will charge $39 for the first bag on domestic, Caribbean and Latin American routes. Previously, the price was $35.
During peak travel times – such as summer and the holiday season – the bag check fee will increase to $49 from $40. If passengers pay less than 24 hours before departure, they will be charged $10 more, according to the report.
In a statement to CNBC, JetBlue Airways said, “As operating costs rise, we regularly evaluate how to manage those costs while maintaining competitive base fares and continuing to invest in the experiences our customers value.”
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“Adjusting fees for optional services used by select customers, such as checked bags, allows us to continue to offer more competitive fares while providing the in-flight experience our customers love, including complimentary snacks and beverages, unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment screens,” JetBlue said.
“While we recognize that fee increases are never ideal, we carefully consider that these changes will only be implemented when necessary.”
A spike in jet fuel prices caused by the US-Israel war against Iran has rocked the global aviation industry, forcing airlines to raise prices and revise financial outlooks.
Jet fuel prices have recently soared from $85 to $90 per barrel to $150 to $200 per barrel.
Here’s how other airlines are reacting to rising fuel prices:
AIR FRANCE-KLM
The Air France–KLM group recently said it plans to raise prices on long-haul flights to deal with rising fuel costs. Cabin fares are set to increase by $57 round trip.
WATER ACACIA
India’s Akasa Air said it is introducing a fuel surcharge of ₹199 to ₹1,300 ranging between ₹199 and 1,300 ($2 to $14) on domestic and international flights.
INDIGO
India’s largest airline has introduced fuel charges on domestic and international flights from March 14, including a ₹900 charge on flights to the Middle East. ₹900 for flights to the Middle East and a fee of Rs ₹2,300 for flights to Europe.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
American Airlines said it expects costs to rise by $400 million in the first quarter as fuel prices rise.
Pacific CATHAY
Cathay Pacific also mentioned that it will add a fuel surcharge of 34 percent to all its flights from April 1 and will review them every two weeks.
Read also | US fuel shock: These 20 states have seen the fastest gas price rises amid the conflict
The carrier’s CEO said it would maintain flight capacity despite high fuel prices, but that its plan to grow passenger capacity by 10 percent could change if demand falls due to high fuel prices.
WATER INDIA
From March 12, the Air India group announced a gradual increase in fuel surcharge.
IAG
British Airways owner IAG said on March 10 that it has no immediate plans to raise fares as it has secured most of its fuel for the short to medium term.
PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
The carrier said it would raise prices on domestic flights by $20 and international fares by up to $100, citing higher fuel surcharges.
THAI AIRWAYS
Dealing with rising fuel costs during the war in West Asia, Thai Airways said it would raise prices by 10 to 15 percent.
UNITED AIRLINES
The US airline will cut unprofitable flights in the next two quarters as it prepares for oil prices to remain above $100 until the end of 2027, Chief Executive Scott Kirby said.
VIETNAM
Vietnam’s low-cost airline said it had adjusted the frequency of flights on selected routes due to potential fuel shortages.
VIETNAM AIRLINES
The airline plans to cancel 23 flights a week on domestic routes from April, Vietnam’s aviation authority said, after the airline asked the government for help in removing an environmental tax on jet fuel.
