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JetBlue Starts Charging Up to $25 Fee for First Checked Bag

JetBlue, which had long touted its one free checked bag perk, started charging for the first piece of luggage Tuesday.
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Another one bites the dust.

JetBlue, which had long touted its one free checked bag perk, started charging for the first checked piece of luggage Tuesday, the airline said in a statement.

Customers who booked flights before Tuesday will still be able to check a suitcase for free, but those booking last-minute summer vacations and all other trips on or after Tuesday will have to pay up to $25 for their first checked bag.

JetBlue announced the plan to start charging for all checked luggage in November of last year, but didn't say specifically when the charges would go into effect or outline the specifics.

Passengers who indicate they have a more than carry-on luggage when checking in online or at a kiosk will pay $20, while those utilizing the convenience of the check-in counter will pay $25, according to the airline.

Customers who choose a higher fare class that amounts to about $15 each way and comes with other perks will still get one free checked bag. A second checked bag still costs $35.

JetBlue's executive vice president Marty St. George told The Associated Press that the airline plans to reinvest the millions it will earn from the fees into new seats and TVs.

JetBlue's new charge leaves Southwest as the only major U.S. airline not to charge bag fees. And it doesn't appear the carrier will be changing their policy any time soon.

"Why hold out as the only carrier to not charge for the first two checked bags? Simple — our Customers hate those fees," Southwest's chief commercial officer Bob Jordan wrote in a statement in November.