Three North American airlines – Jet Blue, Air Canada, and Canadian discount carrier Westjet – have announced increases in the cost of checking bags on flights, Travelweek reports.
Jet Blue announced this week that it will raise the fee for a first checked bag from $25 to $30, from $35 to $40 for a second checked bag, and from $100 to $150 for a third checked bag.
Air Canada and Westjet followed by also raising their fees on a first checked bag from $25 to $30, and from $30 to $50 for a second checked bag.
The Jet Blue fees took effect on all flights booked on or after August 27, 2018, while the Air Canada charges take effect on flights departing on or after October 5, for flights across Canada, and to and from the US, the Caribbean and Mexico.
Finally Westjet’s fees apply to all flights departing October 1 or later.
Jet Blue’s $30 fee for a first bag is the highest in the airline industry, topping the $25 charged by rivals American, Delta, and United.
However, Jet Blue’s Blue Plus fares, which typically cost $10-$15 more than standard fares, include one free checked bag, Forbes noted.
