Does jetblue take extra luggage fees

Short answer: For domestic routes, expect the first checked piece to cost roughly $30–$45 and the second about $40–$60 when purchased online; overweight and oversized surcharges typically run in the $100–$200 range. Premium fares and top-tier loyalty members normally receive at least one complimentary checked piece, and co-branded-credit-card holders usually get one free checked piece as a card benefit. (Policy snapshot: June 2024.)

Dimensions and weight that trigger standard pricing: carry-on allowance generally permits a personal item plus one carry-on sized ≈ 22 × 14 × 9 in (no consistent checked-weight limit for carry-ons). Standard checked-piece limits are 62 linear inches (158 cm) and about 50 lb (23 kg) before overweight surcharges apply. Bags over the linear-inch limit or over the weight threshold face the higher surcharges noted above; some very heavy items may be refused or require freight handling.

Concrete booking tactics: add checked-piece service during initial reservation to secure the lower online price; if you must add at the airport expect a premium over prepayment. Use the carrier’s co-branded card or reach elite status to waive at least one checked-piece charge. For international itineraries and partner flights, checked-piece inclusion and price bands vary – confirm the allowance shown on the booking confirmation rather than assuming domestic rates apply.

Practical packing moves: keep one bag within the 22 × 14 × 9 in limit and use a collapsible duffel as a second carry item; weigh and measure at home to avoid gate up-charges; redistribute weight between companions’ bags to avoid overweight surcharges; buy a checked-piece bundle or select a fare class that includes checked pieces when carrying bulky items.

Final step: verify the specific allowance and published surcharges on the carrier’s official website for your exact route and travel date, and screenshot the confirmation showing included pieces or purchased add-ons to present at check-in if discrepancies arise.

Avoiding additional baggage surcharges

Recommendation: Prepay checked bags online or select a fare that already includes checked-piece allowance to avoid higher counter surcharges at the airport.

Pack strategy: Fit bulky or heavy items into checked pieces and compress clothing with packing cubes or vacuum bags so you can travel with only a carry-on and a personal item. Carry-on maximum typical dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including handles/wheels); checked-piece linear size limit: 62 inches (L+W+H); standard checked-piece weight limit: 50 lb (23 kg) before overweight surcharges apply.

Cost-saving buys: Use the airline-branded credit card or a loyalty account benefit to waive or reimburse the first checked piece for primary cardholders or elite members. Compare the total fare-plus-baggage cost before purchasing–sometimes a slightly higher fare that includes one checked piece is cheaper than a low fare plus single-piece surcharges.

Timing and method: Prepay baggage charges during online booking or web check-in; prepaid rates almost always beat counter prices. If you must add a checked piece, do it via the airline app rather than at the desk.

Weight and size control: Weigh bags at home on a bathroom scale and keep a tape measure in your suitcase. Redistribute heavy items to avoid the 50–100 lb (23–45 kg) overweight brackets and the oversize penalty for items exceeding 62 linear inches.

Packing tip: Choose light, compact rain protection – a small handmade umbrella stows in a personal item and can replace bulkier rain gear: best umbrellas handmade.

Final point: Review the airline’s published baggage allowance for your exact fare and route before travel and document any purchased baggage allowance in your reservation confirmation.

Checked bag prices by fare class (Blue Basic, Blue, Blue Plus, Mint)

Choose Blue Plus for one included checked bag or Mint for two included checked bags; upgrading the fare usually costs less than purchasing bags individually at the airport.

Typical online purchase costs listed above apply to domestic routes; airport counter or gate add-ons are commonly higher by $5–$25. For international sectors, expect higher surcharges and occasional route-specific differences.

Size and weight limits: 62 linear inches (157 cm) maximum. Standard weight limit: 50 lb (23 kg); overweight surcharges commonly run $100 for 51–70 lb and $200 for 71–100 lb. Oversize (over 62 in) surcharge is typically $100. Overweight and oversize charges are assessed per bag.

Practical steps: add checked-bag allowance during booking or via Manage Trips to lock the lower online rate; compare total cost of fare upgrade versus per-bag charges when traveling with multiple pieces; consider a durable 62-in hardside checked case to avoid oversize penalties. See best checked psearch for recommended checked-case options.

Carry-on allowance and when a carry-on incurs a charge

Bring one standard cabin bag (maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles) plus one personal item that fits under the seat; if your fare class does not permit a full-size cabin bag, purchase the cabin-bag allowance on your reservation before arriving at the airport to avoid higher on‑site charges.

Personal item guidance: typical examples are a laptop bag, small backpack, purse or briefcase; it should fit under the seat in front of you (rough guideline ~17 x 13 x 8 inches). No published weight limit exists for carry-on pieces, but items that cannot be safely lifted into the overhead bin or stowed under the seat may be required to be checked.

Situations that trigger a charge or mandatory check at gate: 1) traveling on a fare that excludes a full-size cabin bag (you’ll need to add that allowance or the bag will be checked and surcharged at the gate), 2) bringing a second full-size cabin bag beyond the one permitted, 3) bringing a bag that exceeds the 22 x 14 x 9 size and must be checked, 4) bags that exceed checked‑bag weight/size limits when reclassified as checked items. Gate and counter surcharges are typically higher than online add‑ons.

Practical steps to avoid surprises: measure and weigh bags at home; add a cabin-bag entitlement to the booking online or via the app if your fare restricts carry-ons; consolidate items into a single soft-sided bag to compress into the overhead; place bulky or heavy items in checked pieces before arriving at the gate.

Overweight and oversize: weight, dimensions and costs

Keep each checked piece at or below 50 lb (23 kg) and under 62 linear inches (158 cm) to avoid surcharges.

Standard limits and penalties

• Normal checked-bag allowance: 50 lb (23 kg) maximum and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) maximum.
• Overweight tier 1: 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) – surcharge: $100 per bag.
• Overweight tier 2: 71–100 lb (32–45 kg) – surcharge: $200 per bag. Items over 100 lb are not accepted as checked.
• Oversize: greater than 62 and up to 80 linear inches (158–203 cm) – surcharge: $200 per bag; items larger than 80 linear inches are not accepted as checked.
• If a single bag qualifies as both overweight and oversize, the applicable weight surcharge and oversize surcharge are assessed separately (e.g., $100 + $200 = $300 for a 60-inch, 55-lb bag that meets both conditions).

Measurement, payment and practical tips

• Measurement method: the carrier uses linear inches (L+W+H) and actual scale weight at check-in or gate.
• Where to pay: surcharges are collected during web check-in or at the airport check-in counter; expect to pay at the desk if not resolved beforehand.
• How to avoid charges:
  • Weigh bags at home with a compact luggage scale and redistribute heavy items across multiple bags under 50 lb each.
  • Use soft-sided suitcases to compress contents and reduce linear dimensions when possible.
  • Move dense items (books, shoes) into a second checked piece or ship them via ground courier for long or heavy shipments.
  • Consolidate fragile, oversized, or very heavy items into specialized shipper services instead of checking them.
• Special items: sporting equipment and musical instruments often have separate allowances and pricing – check the carrier’s specific policy for those categories before travel.
• Exceptions and waivers: certain fare types, elite status levels and military orders can include weight/dimension waivers; verify eligibility on the booking record.
• International travel: weight and size rules and surcharges may differ by route and country – confirm the exact limits for your itinerary well before departure.

How to pay for additional bags online vs at the airport and cost differences

Pay online through Manage Trips or the mobile app as soon as you know you will need another bag – this typically saves $10–$30 versus paying at the airport.

How to add: during booking, open your reservation on the carrier’s website or app, choose “Add baggage” (or similar), select quantity and pay with a major credit/debit card or mobile wallet. Online check-in (opens 24 hours before departure) also offers the same add-bag flow.

Airport options and order of cost: kiosk → ticket counter → gate. Kiosks often charge the same or slightly more than online; ticket counters usually carry a higher surcharge; adding a bag at the gate is the most expensive and may be restricted once boarding starts.

Typical price ranges (domestic market examples): first checked bag online $30–$40; first bag at counter/gate $40–$60. Second checked bag online $40–$55; second at airport $55–$75. Expect overweight/oversize surcharges on top of these amounts.

Timing and practical tips: add bags during booking or during the 24-hour online check-in window to lock the lower rate. If your fare class or payment method includes a complimentary first bag via a co-branded credit card or elite status, apply that benefit in Manage Trips before paying.

Payment methods at the airport: kiosks accept cards and mobile pay; ticket counters accept cards and sometimes cash (availability varies by station). Keep the transaction receipt; online purchases appear on your booking and in email confirmations.

Refunds and changes: purchases are generally nonrefundable unless the flight is cancelled or the carrier alters your itinerary. If you remove an added bag after purchase, request an adjustment through customer service – refunds are handled case-by-case.

Operational note: weighing and measuring carry items at home reduces surprises and avoids last-minute airport upcharges. If you expect borderline dimensions or weight, prepay and redistribute contents to avoid overweight surcharges at the counter.

International routes and when the carrier’s baggage policy varies

Confirm the allowance for each international itinerary before purchase: transatlantic premium fares (Mint) typically include one or two checked pieces with higher weight limits, while basic economy fare families on Caribbean, Central and South American services frequently exclude checked pieces and may restrict carry-on access.

Typical route patterns

US–UK/Europe: premium transatlantic seats generally include checked-piece(s) and a 32 kg (70 lb) per-piece limit for premium cabins; economy fares commonly allow 23 kg (50 lb) per piece when a checked piece is included. Caribbean & short-haul Latin America: many standard economy fares include one checked piece on island and regional routes, but the lowest fare class often excludes checked-piece allowance. Canada: most Canada routes follow the same carry-on and checked-piece structure as domestic itineraries, though checked-piece inclusion still depends on fare family. Long-haul South America and Central America: mid- and upper-tier fares more frequently bundle at least one checked piece; verify on the itinerary for each market.

When another operator or status changes the allowance

If any segment is operated by a different carrier (codeshare or interline), the operating airline’s baggage policy governs that segment – check the “operated by” line on your itinerary. Elite status and certain co-branded cardholders can receive waived checked-piece charges or increased piece/weight allowances on international travel; confirm benefits in your account before booking. Look for IATA-style notation on the fare rules (1PC / 2PC and weight limits in kg or lb) and prioritize the strictest operating-segment rule when planning connections across multiple carriers.

Mosaic status, airline credit cards and other ways to waive additional bag charges

Claim Mosaic elite or a cobranded credit card to remove most checked-bag charges on domestic itineraries; add your membership number or the card used for purchase to the reservation before check-in so the waiver appears automatically.

Mosaic members: waivers normally apply to the member and eligible travelers on the same booking, plus expedited handling and priority boarding that reduce the chance of needing to gate-check a carry-on. Verify the reservation page for the baggage allowance and carry proof of membership (mobile wallet screenshot is accepted by agents).

Cobranded credit cards: the primary cardmember commonly receives a waived first checked bag and that benefit frequently extends to up to three companions on the same reservation. To ensure the benefit, pay the ticket (taxes/fees) with the card or add the card account information to the booking; if the waiver doesn’t appear online, present the physical card or a bank app at airport check-in.

Other practical routes to avoid bag charges: book fare bundles that include checked bags at a lower marginal cost than buying bags separately; place all travelers on one PNR so card/elite benefits flow to companions; use corporate travel or military exemptions where applicable; and request agent review if the booking system omits an earned entitlement.

Pre-travel checklist: 1) confirm elite level and cardholder status in your profile; 2) attach membership number and the card used for purchase to the PNR; 3) screenshot the reservation allowance and keep the card at check-in; 4) if online check-in still shows a charge, call reservations before the airport–agents can often correct the allowance without a terminal surcharge. If shipping fragile items like aquarium gear, consider hard cases and consult a supplier of sturdy tanks: best acrylic fish tanks.

FAQ:

Does JetBlue charge for carry-on bags?

Most JetBlue fares include one carry-on bag plus a personal item at no extra cost. The exception is the Blue Basic fare, which only includes a personal item that fits under the seat; a full-size carry-on must be added for a fee if you have Blue Basic. Standard carry-on size allowed is about 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including handles and wheels), and the personal item must fit under the seat. Check your booking details before travel so you know whether a carry-on is included or needs to be purchased.

How much does JetBlue charge for checked bags?

Fees for checked luggage depend on route, fare class and whether you buy the bag during booking or at the airport. For many domestic flights, the first checked bag is commonly around $30–$40 and the second around $40–$50, but exact amounts vary. Paying for checked baggage when you book or online before you arrive at the airport is usually cheaper than paying at the counter or gate. Look at the baggage section while you purchase your ticket or in your reservation to see precise fees for your itinerary.

I’m booked in Blue Basic. Can I still bring a carry-on, and how do I add one?

Yes — passengers with Blue Basic may bring a personal item only for free. If you want a standard carry-on, you can add it during booking, in Manage Trips, or pay at the airport when you check in or at the gate if space allows. Adding a carry-on earlier (online or via the app) typically costs less than paying at the airport. If gate space for overhead bins is limited, gate agents may ask to check your carry-on into the hold, which could incur a checked-bag fee at that time.

Does JetBlue charge extra for overweight or oversized checked luggage?

Yes. Bags that exceed the airline’s size or weight limits will trigger additional charges. Typical limits for checked bags in economy are 50 lb (23 kg) and a linear dimension limit (length + width + height) around 62 inches (158 cm); items above those thresholds are subject to overweight or oversized fees. Overweight charges increase with weight bands and oversized fees apply when linear dimensions exceed the allowance. Very heavy or very large items may be rejected or require cargo handling and higher fees. If you expect a heavy or bulky bag, weigh and measure it at home and consider shipping options or redistributing contents to avoid high surcharges.

Do JetBlue credit cards or TrueBlue Mosaic status waive baggage fees for me or my travel companions?

Some JetBlue benefits reduce or waive baggage fees. The JetBlue credit card (for example, the JetBlue Plus Card) typically offers a free first checked bag for the primary cardmember and may extend that benefit to up to a small number of travel companions on the same reservation when the card is used to pay for the flight; check your card terms for exact companion coverage. TrueBlue Mosaic members receive baggage allowances as a tier benefit, which often includes free checked bag(s). The exact number of waived bags for Mosaic members and any companion privileges can differ by status level and current JetBlue policy, so review your account benefits or the airline’s baggage page before you fly.