JetBlue Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect
When it comes to budget-friendly airlines, JetBlue is one of the most popular in the United States. With major hubs in Orlando, Boston, and Long Beach, this airline offers service to more than 100 destinations.
If you’re looking into flying JetBlue for an upcoming trip, you may be wondering what you should expect to pay for any checked or carry-on luggage. The good news is that in addition to offering affordable fares, JetBlue also has some of the clearest and most transparent baggage policies of any major airline out there.
Still, becoming familiar with JetBlue’s baggage costs and policies is a great way to better prepare and budget for your upcoming trip. If you are not traveling JetBlue, check out the Southwest Airlines baggage fees.
JetBlue Checked and Carry-On Allowances
Whether you’ll be checking your bags, carrying them onto the plane with you, or a combination of both, there are some things you should know.
Checked Bag Allowances and Fees
Specific fees for checked bags with JetBlue can vary depending on the type of fare you purchase. JetBlue offers four different types of fares, ranging from “Blue” and “Blue Plus” to “Blue Flex” and “Mint.” With the exception of Blue fares (which charge anywhere from $25 to $30 for the first checked bag), your first checked bag is always free on JetBlue so long as it adheres to weight and size specifications. This includes a maximum weight of 50 pounds (which is pretty standard across the industry) and maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches.
If you book a Blue Flex or Mint fare, you’ll be happy to know that your second checked bag will also fly free. Blue and Blue Plus fares will be charged anywhere from $35 to $40 for a second bag, with a flat rate of $100 to $150 for your third (or more) bag across all fare types.
Carry-On Allowances and Fees
JetBlue also offers generous carry-on allowances. Regardless of the type of fare you book, you’re permitted one free personal item and one free carry-on bag, so long as they meet size restrictions. For your personal item, this includes dimensions no greater than 17″ x 13″ x 8″. For your standard carry-on bag, dimensions should be no greater than 22″ x 14″ x 9″. Keep in mind that these carry-on dimensions include wheels and handles, and that all carry-on items should be either stowed in the aircraft’s available overhead bins or underneath the seat in front of you.
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What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?
If you’re traveling with a baby or lap infant (under the age of two), you may bring along a diaper bag, a stroller, and a car seat for no additional charge. Be aware that lap infants do not qualify for checked bag allowances.
Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage
All checked bags on JetBlue must not exceed 50 pounds in weight. If your suitcase does exceed the weight limit, you will be charged an overweight fee of anywhere from $100 to $150. Bags that are considered oversized (more than 62 linear inches in total dimension) will also be assessed an oversized fee of anywhere from $100 to $150 per bag.
There are some exceptions for special luggage, such as sporting equipment and luggage. For example, JetBlue allows for musical instruments to be brought onto the plane in place of a traditional carry-on item. If you’ll be traveling with any special equipment, it’s best to contact JetBlue directly before your flight to find out more about checking or carrying on your bags.
Saving On JetBlue Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)
As you can see, JetBlue’s baggage policies and fees are pretty straight-forward. They’re also among some of the more reasonable fees across the airline industry. Still, nobody wants to pay more than they need to for checked bags when they fly, so there are some options to consider as a means of saving money on these fees or avoiding them altogether.
Become a TrueBlue Mosaic Member
If you do a lot of flying, you may want to look into JetBlue’s “TrueBlue Mosaic” membership, which you can qualify for if you track 15,000 flight points or 30 segments and 12,000 flight points in a calendar year. This membership entitles you to all kinds of special benefits, including waived cancellation/change fees and early boarding. Perhaps one of the best benefits of being a TrueBlue Mosaic member, however, is that your first and second checked bags fly free!
Explore Waivers and Exclusions
JetBlue is also known for having some of the most generous policies for members of the military of any airline. For example, all United States Military and their family can check up to five bags at no cost if they’re traveling on military orders. Even those not traveling on military orders may be entitled to two free checked bags for free.
If you’re an active member of the military and plan on taking advantage of this benefit, just be prepared to show proof of military ID. This can be done at the time of your booking or when you go to check your bags at the airport.
Get Reimbursed By Your Credit Card
There are numerous credit card companies these days that offer reimbursement for airline baggage fees as a benefit to cardholders. In fact, JetBlue offers three different credit cards that come with one free checked bag per flight. This includes the JetBlue Plus Card, the JetBlue Card, and the JetBlue Business Card.
American Express, Capital One, and Chase are all examples of other credit card companies that offer credit cards with baggage reimbursement benefits. With most of these credit cards, you will need to use your card to pay for your baggage fees through the airline. From there, you fill out a form with your credit card company to receive reimbursement or a credit to your account. Check with your credit card company to find out their exact policies and restrictions.
JetBlue Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions travelers have about JetBlue baggage policies and fees.
Can I bring a backpack and an additional carry-on when flying with JetBlue?
In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items so long as they do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 17″ x 13″ x 8″. If this applies to your backpack, then yes, you will be able to bring the backpack as your personal item in addition to a larger carry-on. If your backpack is larger than the maximum dimensions, then it will have to count as your standard carry-on rather than a personal item. Make sure you are aware of the TSA carry-on rules.
What are JetBlue’s baggage weight limits and overweight baggage fees?
Like most airlines, checked bags or any other luggage with JetBlue should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Airlines need to follow strict safety guidelines, so they try to deter travelers from over-packing by charging for bags that weigh more than 50 pounds. JetBlue’s overweight bag policy is pretty straight-forward, with charges ranging from $100 to $150 for each overweight bag.
You can avoid the surprise of an overweight bag fee at the check-in counter by using a luggage scale to weigh your bag at home after you’ve packed. If you need to, pare down your luggage or move some items into your carry-on if possible.
JetBlue also has size restrictions on carry-on bags. If your personal items or standard carry-ons are too large, they will not be allowed to be carried on and will need to be checked. You cannot pay a fee to carry on a bag that is too large so it may make sense to get an international size carry-on.
Will I be charged for checking luggage with JetBlue?
This will depend on the type of fare you booked. In most cases, your first checked bag will fly for free so long as it meets weight and size requirements. The exception to this is if you booked a Blue fare, in which case you should expect to pay between $25 and $30 for your first checked bag. For Blue Flex and Mint fares, first and second bags always fly free, whereas all fares will be subject to a $100-$150 charge for the third or more bag.
TrueBlue Mosaic members will also be able to check their first and second bags at no charge, provided that they don’t exceed size or weight requirements.
Is there any way to avoid baggage fees completely?
Members of the military and their families can check anywhere from two to five bags for free, and TrueBlue Mosaic members always fly with their first two checked bags at no charge. Booking a Blue Plus, Blue Flex, or Mint fare can also help you avoid baggage fees if you’re not flying with more than one or two bags. Otherwise, you will be subjected to JetBlue’s standard baggage fees, which you can choose to pre-pay online before your flight, when you check in at the airport, or when you board.
