Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Similar to many other airlines, JetBlue recently raised its checked bag fees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still travel with checked luggage for cheap.
Luckily, with the JetBlue baggage policy, there are still many ways to avoid paying baggage fees on your next flight depending on your JetBlue elite status, the fare class you booked or which credit card you’re carrying.
JetBlue’s baggage fees are also very simple and clearly stated, making it easy to understand the additional cost you’ll incur on your next flight; let’s take a closer look.
JetBlue carry-on guidelines
All passengers flying with JetBlue can bring along one personal item that fits under the seat in front. The personal item might be a backpack, purse, laptop bag or approved pet carrier (if you pay the pet fee). It cannot be larger than 17 inches by 13 inches by 8 inches.
On top of the personal item, JetBlue passengers who booked a Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra or Mint fare are also allowed a carry-on bag that can fit into the overhead bin. There is no fee for this second bag, although the size can’t exceed 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. Note that these dimensions include wheels and handles.
Passengers who booked the lowest fare ticket — Blue Basic — are not allowed to bring a larger carry-on bag to store in the overhead bin. Blue Basic passengers who bring extra bags or a bag that is too large to fit beneath the seat in front will face JetBlue checked bag fees. JetBlue baggage policy currently lists this fee as $65 for the first or second checked bag and $180 for the third.
There are some exceptions to this policy. You can still bring a carry-on bag to place within the overhead bin when traveling on a Blue Basic fare if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Mosaic members (who get a carry-on bag and early boarding with all fares)
- If you’re flying on a transatlantic flight (including connecting flights)
- Travelers combining a Blue Basic fare with an Even More Space seat (on all legs, if connecting)*
- Active U.S. military members
- Unaccompanied minors
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*Note: If you’re flying on a transatlantic flight, booking an Even More Space seat does not grant you any additional baggage other than those already included.
Related: How to change or cancel a JetBlue flight
JetBlue checked bag fees
All JetBlue passengers are allowed to check bags. Your fare type, JetBlue elite status and whether you have a JetBlue credit card will determine the checked bag fee you must pay.
JetBlue has two different checked bag fee charts — one for routes within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada, and one for transatlantic flights.
The chart below will allow you to determine your JetBlue checked bag fee for your first and second checked bag at the airport.
JetBlue baggage fees for flights within the US, Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada
| First bag | Second bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Basic | $35 to $45 | $50 to $60 |
| Blue | $35 to $45 | $50 to $60 |
| Blue Plus | Included | $50 to $60 |
| Blue Extra | $35 to $45 | $50 to $60 |
| Mint | Included (up to 70 pounds) | Included (up to 70 pounds) |
| Mosaic | Included | Included |
| JetBlue Plus Card or JetBlue Business Card member | Included | $50 to $60 |
*For flights purchased before Jan. 11, 2024, the first checked baggage fee will cost $30 to $35. For flights purchased between Jan. 11 and Jan. 31, 2024, the first checked baggage fee will cost $35 to $40. For flights purchased before July 25, 2023, second checked baggage fees cost $45.
Unless you book a Blue Plus fare or a Mint seat, are a Mosaic loyalty member, have the JetBlue Plus Card or have the JetBlue Business Card, you will pay $35 to $45 for the first checked bag and $50 to $60 for the second checked bag.
However, paying your checked baggage fees more than 24 hours before departure can secure the least expensive pricing ($35 for your first bag and $50 for your second bag). Remember that travelers with Blue Plus fares, JetBlue Plus cardmembers and JetBlue Business cardmembers only have one bag included, so you’ll still have to pay for the second checked bag.
The information for the JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Per the JetBlue baggage policy, Mint passengers can check a bag up to 70 pounds. With the JetBlue baggage weight restrictions, all other passenger bags must be 50 pounds or less to avoid additional overweight charges. In my experience, Mosaic members can also check a bag up to 70 pounds, but this isn’t formally included in the JetBlue baggage policy online.
If you want to travel with more than two checked bags, you’ll need to pay $125 per bag for your third bag and $150 for each subsequent bag, regardless of your fare type or elite status. Note that on reservations made before July 25, 2023, the third checked bag fee is $150.
You may want to check the JetBlue baggage policy for yourself before your trip, though. After all, some destinations have limitations on luggage — specifically international destinations.
Related: JetBlue to ‘evolve’ TrueBlue frequent flyer program under new loyalty chief
JetBlue baggage fees for transatlantic flights
| First bag | Second bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Basic | $65/55 British pounds/60 euros | $105/85 pounds/95 euros |
| Blue | Included | $105/85 pounds/95 euros |
| Blue Plus | Included | $105/85 pounds/95 euros |
| Blue Extra | Included | $105/85 pounds/95 euros |
| Mint | Included | Included |
| Mosaic | Included | Included |
| JetBlue Plus cardmember | Included | $105/85 pounds/95 euros |
Although the fee to check a bag is significantly more expensive when traveling to Europe, most fare types include your first checked bag.
However, if you want to travel with more than two checked bags, you’ll need to pay $200, 150 pounds or 185 euros per bag for your third bag and each subsequent bag regardless of your fare type or elite status.
Bags that don’t incur JetBlue baggage fees
Some items won’t count toward your carry-on or checked baggage limit, regardless of your destination. For example, if you are traveling with an assistive device — such as a stroller, car seat, crutches or wheelchair — you can bring it with you for free (although it is still subject to carry-on size and weight restrictions).
Additionally, with the JetBlue baggage policy, all U.S. military members on active military orders and dependents can check up to five bags at no additional cost (and up to 99 pounds each). Those traveling for leisure along with their dependents can check up to two bags at no additional cost.
Overweight and oversize baggage fees
JetBlue charges both an overweight and oversize fee, which can add up quickly if you exceed limits.
These additional fees are charged as follows:
- Overweight fee (up to 99 pounds): $150 per bag; $150/120 pounds/140 euros per bag for transatlantic flights (bags that exceed 70 pounds not accepted on transatlantic flights)
- Oversize fee (up to 80 inches, including wheels and handles): $150 per bag; $150/120 pounds/140 euros on transatlantic flights
Related: JetBlue cuts 20 routes, trims new Canada service to boost summer reliability
Sporting equipment fee
JetBlue allows you to check sporting equipment, but some items carry an excess fee.
Golf bags, fishing rods, skimboards, skis and snowboard bags all count as standard checked bags. The fee for these items will follow the same criteria as your first or second checked bag. As long as these particular items are within the weight limits, they will not incur an oversized bag fee.
You can find all the JetBlue fees associated with checking sporting equipment here.
How to avoid JetBlue checked bag fees
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid JetBlue baggage fees.
Elite status allowances
All Mosaic loyalty members can check up to two bags at no cost. You can earn JetBlue Mosaic status by earning 50 Tiles.
Tiles can be earned in the following ways:
- Earn one Tile for every $100 spent on qualifying JetBlue purchases (including paid JetBlue flights, JetBlue Vacations packages and Paisly reservations).
- Earn one Tile for every $1,000 in qualifying spend on a JetBlue credit card.
Additionally, all eligible travel companions booked on the same reservation with a JetBlue Mosaic elite member can check up to two bags for no fee. For example, as long as one passenger in a family of four has Mosaic status, the group can check up to eight bags for no additional fee.
Related: What is JetBlue elite status worth?
Avoid checked baggage fees by holding the right credit cards
JetBlue offers three credit cards — two personal cards and one business card. However, only two cards offer a checked bag benefit. In particular, with the JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Business Card, you can check your first bag for free as long as you purchase the ticket with your card. This perk extends to three additional companions on the same reservation as the cardholder.
Both cards come with a $99 annual fee. So, even if you only check a bag on three flights each year, you’ll break even.
Related: JetBlue Plus Card versus JetBlue Business Card
Book a premium cabin
When you book your ticket, there are many fare-class options — each one includes different benefits for your flight. If you aren’t a Mosaic member and you don’t have an eligible JetBlue credit card, then you might want to consider selecting the Blue Plus fare option. Doing so will allow you to check your first bag for free. However, this fare type is not an option on many routes, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see it listed.
JetBlue Mint seats also allow you to check up to two bags at no additional fee. And for flights within the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, you can check a bag up to 70 pounds without facing any overweight charges.
Related: You can now book JetBlue Mint to London with Emirates Miles — and it’s a good deal
Use card travel credits to cover fees
If you have to pay baggage fees on your next JetBlue flight, know that many travel rewards cards offer annual statement credits. You can use these credits toward various travel purchases, including baggage fees.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 annual travel credit on anything that codes as “travel” on your credit card statement. You’ll also find that many American Express cards, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, offer annual airline fee credits. However, note that you’ll need to enroll before using some of these benefits.
Bottom line
Although JetBlue charges a checked baggage fee for most customers, there are many ways to avoid this additional cost. For starters, if you can pack a smaller suitcase, you can bring your bag as a carry-on and store it in the airline’s overhead bin (as long as you don’t book a Blue Basic fare).
If you must check your luggage, your first bag will travel with you for free as long as you have a JetBlue credit card. While you might not want to have another credit card in your wallet, if you find yourself flying JetBlue often, an eligible JetBlue credit card is an easy way to avoid the JetBlue baggage fee.
