JetBlue and United have both raised checked-bag fees in 2026, and the increases are now fully in effect on both airlines. A first checked bag on JetBlue runs $45 when paid more than 24 hours before departure and $49 within 24 hours of departure, according to JetBlue’s own fee schedule, up from a flat $35 previously.
United raised its first-bag fee to $45 when prepaid online, or $50 at the airport, per United’s baggage policy page. That is also up from $35.
The New Fee Schedule
Here is what both airlines now charge for checked bags on domestic economy tickets:
- JetBlue first bag: $45 (prepaid) / $49 (within 24 hours of departure)
- JetBlue second bag: $59 (prepaid) / $69 (within 24 hours)
- United first bag: $45 (prepaid) / $50 (at airport)
- United second bag: $55 (prepaid) / $60 (at airport)
- United third bag and beyond: $200 per bag, up from $150
United’s increase took effect in April 2026, per NerdWallet’s review of the new pricing, while JetBlue’s initial round of hikes landed that same spring. JetBlue told NBC New York that rising fuel costs were a factor behind the change, noting that jet fuel prices had climbed sharply after a spike in Middle East oil disruptions earlier in the year.
Who Still Flies Free
Both airlines carved out exceptions. United gives a free first checked bag to Chase co-branded cardholders, MileagePlus Premier members, active-duty military and premium-cabin passengers. JetBlue extends the same courtesy to Mosaic status members, its co-branded cardholders, and most transatlantic passengers, who check bags at separate international rates.
For everyone else, the math has shifted. A family of four checking one bag each now pays roughly $180 to $200 round trip on either airline before factoring in any second bags, a cost that used to run closer to $140.
JetBlue’s international fees climbed as well. A first checked bag on transatlantic routes now costs $75 off-peak or $85 within 24 hours of departure, per the airline’s published fee schedule, while a second international bag runs $109 to $119. Those rates sit well above the airline’s domestic pricing, reflecting the added handling and weight allowances typical of long-haul flights.
What It Means for Fall Bookings
The changes arrive as both carriers face higher fuel and operating costs, and neither has signaled plans to roll fees back. Travelers booking fall or holiday trips should check the exact fare class and payment timing before assuming last year’s price still applies, since prepaying online remains meaningfully cheaper than paying at the airport on both airlines.
Carry-on bags remain free on both airlines for most fare types, which keeps the pressure squarely on checked luggage. For travelers trying to dodge the new fees altogether, packing light enough to avoid checking a bag is now worth more in savings than it was even a few months ago.
