Booking a flight with free checked bags may soon be a distant memory as Jetblue one of the last airlines holding out on charging baggage fees has conceded.
The company announced a plan to cutback on leg room and charge baggage fees. Originally Jetblue allowed one free checked bag. A move that should generate an extra $400 million a year in revenue once the plans are enacted.
Jetblue caved in to demands from shareholders looking for additional ways to boost the bottom line. The change in space between seats will allow an additional 15 seats on board. For those missing the increased space, those seats will still be available for an extra fee.
The company also announced they are shaking up their pricing structure. Fliers will be able to choose from three tiers. The first tier will not allow checked bags, the second will allow one and the third will be for additional checked bags.
Leg room cuts, baggage fees and extra fees for amenities such as food and beverages have become the industry norm. Southwest Airlines remains the sole airline to allow checked bags for free and no change fees.