Welcome to the era of $70 baggage fees.

Due to the continuously high fuel costs eroding industry profits, JetBlue Airways has raised the baggage handling fees for many customers for the third time in less than a year.

For economy class passengers, if the luggage is purchased during off-peak travel times and more than 24 hours before departure, the fee for the first piece of checked baggage will increase from $45 to $50; if paid within 24 hours before departure, it will be $60. During peak periods, such as holidays or summer, the fee will rise from $49 to $55, and if paid within 24 hours before departure, it will be $70.

There are also exceptions to the baggage handling fee, such as for customers who hold a JetBlue co-branded credit card or have elite frequent flyer status.

JetBlue stated in a statement: "We are adjusting the baggage handling fees to help offset the rising costs of fuel and operations. This will help us maintain the competitiveness of our base fares, while allowing customers to choose to pay only when they need to check in luggage."

Aviation fuel is the largest cost for airlines, second only to labor expenses. Since the start of the Iran war in February, fuel prices have roughly doubled this year, causing airlines billions of dollars in losses and driving up air ticket prices. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, on Tuesday, the price of aviation fuel in the Gulf of Mexico region of the United States was $4.44 per gallon.

When one airline raises its fees, other airlines tend to follow suit. Earlier this year, after JetBlue raised its baggage fees, major U.S. airlines also adopted a similar approach.

Thrifty Traveler The blog has previously reported on these changes.