JetBlue Baggage Fees 2024: How to Navigate the Charges and Save Money

JetBlue Airways is one of the most popular airlines out there. Travelers love it, whether they are jetting off to visit a destination nearby or going overseas to experience a new destination. With this airline, globetrotters can enjoy cheap flights to popular destinations while also enjoying stellar on-board service.

As with any airline you choose to fly with, you can expect to encounter certain baggage fees. Now, JetBlue baggage fees are average when you compare them to the major airlines in the airline industry. However, there are certain policies all flyers must know in order to avoid high costs or even get in without paying a single dime.

For those who don’t fly with a single backpack, understanding these fees is a must. Let’s explore how JetBlue baggage fees work.

Decoding The JetBlue Baggage Fees

JetBlue offers great accessibility to popular destinations at a great price. When it comes to baggage fees, this airline charges a flat rate on almost all of the flights it offers, whether they are heading to Latin America or Canada.

Below are the charges that apply for baggage fees (domestic flights):

Bear in mind that if you are planning a round trip $35 is basically $70. In addition to that, JetBlue Airways allows travelers to save a bit of money if they are quick to pay for their baggage online or through their app.

To do this, simply navigate to the JetBlue.com page and pay for your bags at least 24 hours before departure. Or download the app, log in with your credentials, and pay for your baggage. You can pay for your baggage as soon as you book. With this strategy, you can save $5, or, rather than paying $35, you are charged a round $30.

As of 2021, JetBlue had entered the transatlantic market, offering cheap fares to popular destinations such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam. However, JetBlue’s baggage fees are slightly different for destinations across the Atlantic.

If you’re planning international travel, be ready to invest a bit more. Below, you’ll find the JetBlue international baggage fees sorted by fare type.

For a third bag, expect your wallet to feel much lighter. If you want to bring extra baggage, you will have to pay $150 more (per bag) or $200 to and from Europe.

Unveiling the Latest JetBlue Baggage Fees for 2024

After increasing the prices back in 2020 for baggage fees, JetBlue has remained pretty consistent. So, we don’t expect any price increases in the next year.

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Weighing the Costs: JetBlue’s Overweight and Excess Baggage Charges

The prices displayed above are for bags that do not exceed 50 pounds. For everything above that, an excess baggage fee is applied—and a hefty one at that. Baggage over 51 pounds will cost travelers $150 per bag unless you are not flying with a JetBlue Mint fare, JetBlue’s business class.

This overweight baggage policy also states that baggage weighing over 99 pounds won’t be accepted.

Extra Note: For transatlantic flights, there are weight restrictions as well, and baggage over 70 pounds will not be accepted.

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Mastering Your Carry-On Strategy

Unless you are heading to Paris or London with the Blue Basic fare, you won’t be allowed a carry-on bag; you will, however, be allowed a laptop or a backpack. But even if you are jetting off to Europe, you can’t be sure that there will be enough space to store your bag. 

Luckily for those who purchase a Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, or Mint fare, you can rest assured that there will be a spot saved for your baggage.

JetBlue’s Carry-On Baggage Allowance: What You Need to Know

If you bring a carry-on bag with a Blue Fare ticket, you can expect to be gate-charged $65 for your first or second bag and $180 for a third bag. Furthermore, there are oversized baggage fees. To avoid paying this fee, checked bags should be 62 inches (linear) or smaller.

Here’s a breakdown of which of the fare classes allow carry-on baggage.

Traveling Light: Maximizing Your Carry-On Space

If you have purchased a Blue Fare and you want to save a bit of money, packing everything you need for that trip inside your carry-on bag is a wise strategy. While carrying 50 pounds of baggage is not for everyone, the benefits far outweigh the downsides, and within a couple of flights, you’ll become a seasoned jet setter, knowing how to evade the costs of traveling.

Beyond the Basics: Special Items and More

Travelers don’t always carry just clothes on a flight. Some want to bring their sports gear, while others can’t part with their pets and want to enjoy a travel experience with them. JetBlue is one of those airlines that allows this, and that’s why it is the preferred choice of so many travelers.

Sports Equipment Transportation

Sports enthusiasts won’t have to worry, as their equipment won’t be classified as unique items but as regular baggage. Musical instruments, of course, have to be packed in hard-sided cases.

On Jet Blue’s official website, you can find information on which items are accepted as carry-on or checked baggage, along with the cost. It’s worth mentioning that bringing certain items on board is prohibited, such as electric skateboards, kayaks, and hoverboards, so doing your research beforehand is imperative.

And it goes without saying that the weight of your baggage should never exceed the maximum pound limit.

Guide to Booking Your Pet’s Travel

For some of us, pets are a big part of our lives, and leaving them with a pet sitter or a family member while we are exploring the world is out of the question. Thankfully, JetBlue allows pets on board, and travelers can enjoy flying in the company of their furry friends.

The pet fee for traveling with JetBlue is $125 for each leg of the journey. You can conveniently add this fee in the Extras section during the booking process for your flight. Whether you’re planning your trip through Jet Blue’s website or using their mobile app, the process to book your pet’s travel is seamless and user-friendly. 

Here’s a checklist we prepared just for those who want to experience adventures with their pets.

Pet Travel Checklist

• Essential immunizations and paperwork: Ensure your pet’s health and compliance with regulations.
• Identification tags and official pet license: Keep your furry friend properly identified and within legal bounds.
• Pet carrier approved by the FAA: Select a cozy travel home for your pet that fits within the dimensions of 17 inches in length, 12 1/2 inches in width, and 8 1/2 inches in height.
• Journey essentials: Pack pet treats, chewables, a beloved toy infused with your scent, and other necessary supplies to keep your companion content during the trip.
• Pre-Travel Exercise Session: Engage your pet in a stimulating workout before the flight to ease their transition and make the journey more comfortable.

It would be a wise move to go over the official rules outlined for pet travel provided by JetBlue. There you will find all the necessary documentation requirements as well as the outlined restrictions.

Tips for Traveling with Sports Equipment, Instruments, and More

JetBlue transforms the often-daunting task of traveling with special items into a seamless experience. As mentioned above, there are special case requirements for musical instruments, and in the event of the instruments getting damaged, JetBlue will compensate the traveler.

For those who have a passion for cooking, carrying exotic ingredients is also possible, as long as they’re properly packaged in leak-proof containers to prevent spillage. It’s also recommended to label containers with clear markings of the contents, especially if dry ice is used, to comply with safety regulations. However, travelers should be aware that JetBlue is not liable for damage, loss, or spoilage of these items.

Styrofoam coolers, which are not suitable for transport, will not be accepted, and packaged ingredients are accepted as checked bags at the customer’s risk.

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JetBlue’s Hidden Gems: Baggage That Flies Free

Carrying a backpack or a laptop won’t incur a fee when flying with JetBlue’s Blue fares; just ensure that it can fit comfortably underneath the seat in front of you. Otherwise, if you are flying with a Blue Basic ticket, you can only bring along a small personal item. What’s considered a personal item? 

Items such as purses, daypacks, and laptop bags are all considered personal items.

Baggage Items Exempt from Fees

JetBlue maintains clear and specific guidelines regarding what passengers can bring on the flight without incurring additional fees. While active military personnel enjoy certain exemptions, other travelers must adhere to the exact policies for carry-on and checked baggage.

Understanding and complying with these rules is essential to avoid unexpected additional charges and ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with JetBlue.

Avoiding JetBlue Baggage Fees

If you’ve purchased a Blue Basic ticket, the best course of action is to book your baggage online and save a couple of dollars. Otherwise, there are no methods that can help you avoid the fees JetBlue imposes. On the other hand, if you have booked a Blue Fare, then you can leverage some strategies to save a ton of money by packing everything you need for your trip in your carry-on bag.

Below, you can find extra-effective tips on packing everything into one carry-on bag.

Packing Like a Pro: Tips for Fitting Everything in Your Carry-On

Traveling light can bring a lot of savings, but in order to make that process comfortable and even enjoyable, you have to invest in a high-quality carry-on bag. Consider the ones that come with wheels and durable handles so that you don’t have to tire yourself out completely before you even board the plane. Bear in mind that carry-on bags have to be smaller. JetBlue allows only 22-inch by 14-inch by 9-inch carry-on bags. 

When it’s time to pack, embrace the art of rolling instead of folding your clothes. This savvy technique not only maximizes space but also minimizes wrinkles, giving you the freedom to fit more into your carry-on. Consider using zip-loc bags to compartmentalize and protect smaller items.

And here’s a pro tip: if the weather allows, wear those bulkier pieces that take up valuable space. It’s not just about packing efficiently; it’s about traveling smartly, turning challenges into opportunities, and making every inch of your baggage work in your favor.

Enjoying Free Baggage with JetBlue’s Mint

JetBlue Mint is top-of-the-line fare and the best this airline has to offer. Everything in the wide array of offerings is extremely luxurious, from the on-board entertainment to the lie-flat seats and delicious food.

It also allows flyers to enjoy suites with closing doors so that they can easily snooze through the flight. But that’s not the best part of it all. There’s a huge bonus for JetBlue Mint flyers. That’s right, JetBlue Mint flyers don’t have to pay a single penny for their baggage. Bear in mind that these fares are limited to certain destinations. So, if you want to enjoy a premium flying experience, check out the route map provided by JetBlue and tick the “Mint Service” box to preview only the most prestigious fares.

Baggage Fee Savings with JetBlue Credit Cards

For an annual fee of $99, you can be a proud owner of a JetBlue Plus Card or the JetBlue Business Card. These credit cards carry features in droves and are perfect for those that are regularly taking to the skies.

A slight drawback is that you actually have to book your flights and pay with that particular card. Otherwise, you won’t get to enjoy the benefits. This is a bit more restrictive in comparison to other airlines, which allow you to enjoy various benefits just by holding a card.

Still, having the ability to fly without having to pay any JetBlue baggage fees sounds like a great plus in our book, and on top of that, you can help a friend out as these premium credit cards allow a free checked bag for up to three people.

Earning JetBlue Status and Its Benefits

JetBlue’s Mosaic membership is a prestigious loyalty program designed to enrich the flying experience for the airline’s most dedicated passengers. Imagine embarking on every JetBlue journey with the assurance of two checked bags and a carry-on, all at no extra cost, eliminating any worry about burdensome baggage fees.

However, the allure of JetBlue Mosaic membership extends beyond mere baggage perks. It’s an entryway to a suite of luxurious benefits that redefine what it means to travel in comfort and style. Whether you’re a constant traveler or someone who occasionally flies, having a Mosaic membership transforms each flight into an elite experience.

JetBlue has recently restructured its Mosaic membership tiers, guaranteeing that even the foundational level bestows you with indulgences. From the moment you achieve this status, you’ll receive two checked bags and a carry-on free of charge, paving the way for an extraordinary travel escapade.

Securing JetBlue Mosaic membership is a feasible goal for those who favor this airline. All it takes is the accumulation of 50 Tiles, corresponding to spending $5,000 on JetBlue services or qualifying purchases, $50,000 on a JetBlue-affiliated credit card, or a combination of the two. Then, you’re set to savor a premier flying experience with every departure.

Military Benefits for Free Checked Bags

JetBlue is one of those airlines that values the service of active-duty military members and therefore provides them with some perks. Upon presenting a DOD Common Access Card, military personnel are freed from paying any JetBlue baggage fees.

Or, if they are on duty, they can provide their traveler’s order as well as their DOD Common Access Card and check up to five bags free of charge. And the best of it all is that even if military members are not on duty and traveling for pleasure, they are allowed a carry-on bag with a JetBlue Basic ticket.

Bottom Line

JetBlue’s baggage fees policy is pretty straightforward, and in comparison to other airlines, they are not that expensive. But luckily, they offer various perks, such as the ability to pay online for a discount and special treatment for active-duty military members and credit card holders.

Those who choose any other fare other than the JetBlue Basic one can also enjoy a myriad of benefits when it comes to avoiding the JetBlue baggage policy and fees. If you’re flying with JetBlue, check baggage fees and guidelines to better understand what you are paying for. You will also find pertinent data on weight limits and size limits for baggage. If you are traveling a lot and your preferred airline is JetBlue, consider getting yourself a nice JetBlue credit card to start enjoying benefits that will transform your flying experience to a whole new level.

All in all, flying with JetBlue is bliss, and once you know how to avoid certain fees, it will become even better. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to understand JetBlue and its baggage policies. Arm yourself with knowledge and take to the skies without breaking the bank. Happy flying!