Sleep Tight: JetBlue Now Charging $7 for Pillows

That cross-country flight just got a bit less comfortable, or more expensive. Amid rising fuel costs and decreasing profits, airlines have begun charging extra fees for food, drinks and even to check bags. And now JetBlue is charging for pillows.

JetBlue is now charging $7 to anybody who wants a pillow.

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Yes, that's right: those looking to catch a few hours of sleep on that red-eye flight home will first have to shell out $7 for a pillow and blanket kit from JetBlue, the first American carrier to charge for pillows.

The fee is the latest in a long series as the airlines struggle to find ways to offset rising costs. Some airlines have already removed all the pillows and blankets from their flights to save weight. But JetBlue -- known best for its free live satellite TV -- will now actually charge for the once-free amenity. (The TV remains free.)

The airline is pitching this though as not-your-father's pillow. JetBlue calls it a new, high-quality pillow and blanket kit, customized for the airline by CleanBrands. JetBlue is calling it the World's Cleanest pillow and blanket travel kit.

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The move comes days after Delta announced that it would double its checked bag fee to $50 for a second bag. Just a few months ago, Delta instituted a fee of $25 to check that second bag. The first checked back will remain free … for now.

As fuel costs soar, airlines have been looking to squeeze every extra dollar they can out of travelers. Fares are up dramatically, and so are fuel surcharges. And now the carriers are adding all sorts of new fees for services that were once free.

Travelers can expect to pay a whole host of new fees beginning the second they arrive at the airport.

Want to check your bags? How about a nice cold soda in mid-flight? Maybe a little extra leg room or even a seat assignment?

Cha-ching. Cha-ching. Cha-ching. Cha-ching.

"These fees will be annoying at first," said Ray Niedl, an airline analyst for Calyon Securities. "But passengers will adjust because of the need for air travel."

Thirsty? It will now cost you $2 on U.S. Airways for a soda.