Amid surging jet fuel prices, JetBlue has increased its checked bag fee.
The new standard first bag fee for JetBlue flights with the U.S., Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean is $59 during peak periods and $49 during less busy travel seasons. The carrier counts spring break, summer, Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season as its peak periods.
JetBlue's previous first-bag fee was $50 during peak periods and $45 off-peak.
As before, flyers can get a $10 discount on the standard price by paying for their checked bag more than 24 hours before departure.
Second bags on the airline now cost $79 during peak periods and $69 at other times, with $10 discounts for payments more than 24 hours in advance.
The airline has a separate fee chart for transatlantic flights.
"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," JetBlue said in a statement Tuesday.
"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."
The average U.S. jet fuel price has increased from $2.50 to $4.62 per gallon since the beginning of the Iran war, according to the Argus U.S. jet fuel index.
JetBlue did not respond to a question about whether it would roll back the fee increase if oil prices drop. Usually, airlines don’t reduce bag fees once they increase them.
The increase may lead to similar actions by other U.S. airlines. In the past, carriers have often matched bag-fee increases.