Thinking you'll get a free bag on your next JetBlue flight? Think again.
Airlines have turned luggage fees into a cash cow over the last decade, raking in billions of dollars a year, and JetBlue is no exception. JetBlue has gone even further than other airlines by introducing dynamic pricing for baggage fees – how much you'll pay for a bag on JetBlue now depends on when you fly. But JetBlue has made one positive change: Even their cheapest Blue Basic fares now come with at least a free carry-on bag.
Curious about what you'll pay to check a bag on your next JetBlue flight? Want to know what you'll be allowed to bring as a carry-on? Want to find ways to save on JetBlue luggage fees … if not avoid them entirely?
We've got it all covered.
JetBlue's Current Baggage Fees
When checking a bag on JetBlue, how much you'll pay for each bag depends not just on where you fly, but when.
The New York-based airline now charges different checked bag fees for off-peak and peak-season flights on all routes. JetBlue changes what it considers peak season, but the calendar encompasses a good chunk of spring break, summer vacation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and President's Day.
Here's the full list of dates that fall under JetBlue's higher peak baggage pricing, as of publication. Anything else would price out at the lower, off-peak rate.
- June 20 – Sept. 3, 2024
- Nov. 21 – Dec. 2, 2024
- Dec. 19, 2024 – Jan. 6, 2025
- Feb. 13 – Feb. 24, 2025
- April 3 – April 28, 2025
- June 19 – Sept. 2, 2025
Thrifty Tip: By pre-paying for your bags on JetBlue's website (or via the JetBlue app) at least 24 hours before your flight, you'll save $10 on any checked bags flying to the U.S. or down to the Caribbean or South America.
Here's a look at what JetBlue currently charges for checked bags. All the prices below factor in the $10 discount for pre-paying online. Keep in mind that these charges apply each way. For a roundtrip flight, double them.
| Fare Type | First Bag: Off-Peak | First Bag: Peak | Second Bag: Off-Peak | Second Bag: Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Basic | $35 | $40 | $50 | $60 |
| Blue | $35 | $40 | $50 | $60 |
| Blue Extra | $35 | $40 | $50 | $60 |
| Blue Plus | Free | Free | $50 | $60 |
| Mint | Free (up to 70 lbs) | Free (up to 70 lbs) | Free (up to 70 lbs) | Free (up to 70 lbs) |
| Mosaic Members | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| JetBlue Credit Card | Free | Free | $50 | $60 |
Need more than two bags? It'll cost you dearly. Here's what you'll pay for domestic and short-haul international flights.
- A third piece of checked luggage will cost you $125 off-peak and $135 during peak season.
- A fourth checked bag or more will cost you $150 off-peak or $160 peak.
JetBlue Transatlantic Luggage Fees
Flying JetBlue to Europe? There's a different baggage fee structure for those transatlantic flights to London (LHR, LGW), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), and beyond.
All but the cheapest Blue Basic fares come with at least one free checked bag, unless you have Mosaic status or a JetBlue credit card.
Here's what JetBlue currently charges for bags on flights to Europe. Again, these charges are each way, so double them for a roundtrip flight.
Note: These prices factor in a $5 discount for adding bags online in advance.
| Fare Type | Off-Peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Basic | 1st bag $60, 2nd bag $100 | 1st bag $65, 2nd bag $110 |
| Blue | 1st bag free, 2nd bag $100 | 1st bag free, 2nd bag $110 |
| Blue Plus | 1st bag free, 2nd bag $100 | 1st bag free, 2nd bag $110 |
| Blue Extra | 1st bag free, 2nd bag $100 | 1st bag free, 2nd bag $110 |
| Mint | First 2 bags free | First 2 bags free |
| Mosaic Members | First 2 bags free | First 2 bags free |
| JetBlue Credit Card | 1st bag free, 2nd bag $100 | 1st bag free, 2nd bag $110 |
With flights to and from Europe, any checked bags beyond the first two will cost you an additional $200 off-peak and a whopping $210 during peak travel times. And even with the right fare or JetBlue status, there's no escaping that extra cost.
Overweight & Excess Baggage Charges
Like most airlines, JetBlue has some strict limits on how much your bag can weigh before you have to pay extra.
All checked bags must be no more than 62 linear inches and a maximum of 50 pounds – unless you're flying JetBlue Mint, in which case the JetBlue checked bag weight limit is 70 pounds.
Note: Bags over 70 pounds are not accepted on transatlantic flights, no matter your fare class or JetBlue status.
How much are overweight checked bags on JetBlue? If they’re between 51 and 99 pounds, you'll have to pay $150 each. And bags over 99 pounds are not accepted on JetBlue, period.
Concerned about oversized baggage? JetBlue will also charge $150 apiece for bags between 63 and 80 linear inches. And bags larger than 80 linear inches are not allowed, either.
Sports Equipment, Pets & More
JetBlue details the cost of checking in more uncommon items for your journey, from skis and golf clubs to musical equipment and even surfboards, there are numerous items listed with the cost and whether they are accepted as carry-on and/or checked luggage.
In general, anything over 99 pounds will not be accepted as checked luggage. Be sure to double-check the exact policy related to your miscellaneous luggage.
Booking Your Pet
Generally, bringing a pet will run you $125 each way along with other stipulations. Familiarize yourself with all the rules related to traveling with pets if you intend to travel with a furry buddy.
Read more: A First-Timer's Guide to Flying with a Carry-On Pet
Here are the basics of what you need to know if you're trying to bring your furry friend on a JetBlue flight.
- JetBlue's pet fee is a flat $125 each way
- Travelers can bring a maximum of two pets, though you must book a second seat for a second pet.
- JetBlue has a limit of six pets per flight
- Pets are not allowed in the JetBlue Mint cabin
- Pet carriers count as a personal item and need to fit underneath the seat. Pet carriers can be 17 inches long by 12 1/2 inches wide and 8 1/2 inches high at most. They can weigh a maximum of 20 pounds
- Pets aren't accepted on interline or codeshare bookings
Travelers with a pet can add them online (under “Extras”), via the JetBlue app, or by contacting the airline.
How to Save on (or Avoid) JetBlue Bag Fees
As with other carriers, there are a handful of ways you can get around paying these pesky fees altogether on your next JetBlue Flight.
Pack in a Carry-On
The first way to avoid paying JetBlue's baggage fees is completely free. You just have to pack a bit less.
After years of banning travelers with a basic economy ticket from bringing a carry-on bag onboard, JetBlue finally relented in 2024: Every fare now includes a personal item like a purse or a backpack and a full-size carry-on bag, even if you buy the cheapest Blue Basic ticket.
JetBlue says carry-on bags should be roughly 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, which is a standard carry-on size. And unlike some other major international airlines, there’s no weight limit on your carry-on with JetBlue.
Plus, packing in just a carry-on bag it saves you the time of checking luggage, gathering it from the carousel after arrival … and the stress of the airline losing your belongings, too.
Packing into a carry-on bag when you’re used to taking a 50-pound bag on every trip can feel daunting, but we promise it can be done.
Follow our tips and you’ll be a proud member of team carry-on in no time!
Pay Early
It's not free, but paying for your bags ahead of time will always save you money with JetBlue.
So long as you add a carry-on at least 24 hours before departure, you'll save a flat $10 on checking a bag with JetBlue on flights within the U.S., down to Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. For transatlantic flights, you'll save just $5 each way by adding a bag 24-plus hours in advance.
Fly Mint for Free Baggage
JetBlue's first-class seats – dubbed JetBlue Mint – have changed the game, with lie-flat seats and better food and service than you'll find on any other domestic carrier. JetBlue Mint is even fancier flying across the pond, with suites equipped with closing doors for every passenger.
And it comes with a bonus: No baggage fees, either. Plus, JetBlue Mint passengers get two free checked bags apiece. It's the most generous luggage allowance you'll get flying JetBlue by far.
Read our full review of flying JetBlue Mint from Boston (BOS) to Las Vegas (LAS)!
JetBlue flies planes equipped with Mint seats only on select routes, like premier transcontinental flights, some flights to the Caribbean, as well as transatlantic hops to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Edinburgh. Check out JetBlue's route map to see where Mint is flying these days.
Read our full review of flying JetBlue Mint Suites from Boston (BOS) to Amsterdam (AMS)!
Free Bags with JetBlue Credit Cards
JetBlue has two co-branded credit cards, and two come with luggage benefits: The JetBlue Plus Card and the JetBlue Business Card. Both are operated by Barclays, and both will get you a free checked bag on every JetBlue flight.
Not only that, but you can get a free checked bag for up to three other passengers booked on your reservation. But there's a catch: You have to pay for your flights with your JetBlue card in order to get the free bags.
That's more restrictive than many other co-branded airline credit cards, which get you a free bag just for holding the card. Still, it's a nice benefit.
JetBlue credit cards come with some other worthwhile perks that can pay off if you fly JetBlue frequently, like earning 6x points on all JetBlue purchases and the ability to pool JetBlue points. Both cards carry a $99 annual fee.
Earn JetBlue Status
Mosaic is JetBlue's status program, and it'll get you two free checked bags every JetBlue flight, plus a free checked bag for all other passengers on your reservation.
JetBlue has revamped its Mosaic status tiers, but even the first level gets you two free checked bags and a free carry-on.
To earn Mosaic status in 2024 and beyond, you'll need to earn at least 50 Tiles – equivalent to spending $5,000 on JetBlue flights or qualifying purchases, $50,000 in purchases on a JetBlue credit card, or a mix of both.
Show Military Documentation for Free Checked Bags
Just as with many other airlines, active duty military members can get free checked luggage with JetBlue. In fact, JetBlue's baggage benefits for members of the military goes further than most.
- Traveling on duty? You and your dependents traveling on the same itinerary can each check five bags (weighing up to 99 pounds) for free. You'll be required to present travel orders as well as a DOD Common Access Card.
- Traveling for fun? You and your dependents can also check two bags free, weighing up to 50 pounds each. You'll be required to present your DOD Common Access Card when checking bags.
Active duty members of the military are also allowed to bring a carry-on bag with a Blue Basic fare.
Bottom Line
Baggage fees are a pain. Airlines make billions of dollars a year charging for what they once included for free on each and every ticket.
JetBlue doubled down by charging even more to check a bag … and now, they'll even charge you more for a bag during busier travel times. But there are still easy ways to save on baggage fees when flying JetBlue if not avoid them entirely.
On our trip just last week was lucky enough to get them checked for free. Both ways. After security and waiting at the gate they announced needed bags checked and would do it for free. Lucky both ways.
Can I check in Folding bicycle in carriage bag and how much will cost?
If I purchase blue basic fares for 4 and checked in two bags at time of purchase if use my jetblue American Express card are bags free
If I purchase basic blue and bring a bag that fits under the seat, can I also bring a purse or would that be considered another personal item?
That would be considered another personal item.
I am a JetBlue Mosaic member. I’m trying to figure out whether I could save money by buying a Blue Basic fare, because since I’m a Mosaic member, maybe the end result would be not that different from what comes with a Blue fare. If I buy a Blue Basic fare, could you clarify what Mosaic perks I would still get for that flight, in terms of carry-on bag, checked bag, no change/cancel fees, advanced seat selection, and priority boarding?
I paid for my jetblue tickets with a qualifying jetblue credit card. How to i get the free bags? When I click to add bags it keeps charging me? Is there a certain way to get the free bags?
I have an American Airlines Advantage Platinum Select Mastercard. I do not have American Airlines Platinum status. On American Airlines flights that card gives me free baggage and priority boarding. Do those benefits apply to JetBlue operated flights booked on American’s website?
I have paid for my family (4) air tickets with jet blue vacation in June 2023 with my regular credit card. I wanted to apply for a new jet blue card to get free baggage but didnt realize i had to apply for the card first and pay with the jet blue card. Is it too late If i apply for the jet blue card now to get the checked luggage free?Also I just came back from Hawaii and used Hawaii airlines as well as jet blue. Can I get those milage credit if I apply for card now?
If I fly Blue Basic but then Add a checked bag is the carrying luggage free or do I have to pay additional for the small luggage?
You would still need to pay for a carry-on bag. You may be better off upgrading to a Blue fare which includes a free carry-on. More info here: https://www.jetblue.com/at-the-airport/baggage-information
Hi! Could I bring my Baby Taylor Guitar on board if I purchased Basic Economy?
Hey Joan. You will need to purchase a Blue Fare to allow a carry-on and “a musical instrument is allowed in place of one carry-on item, as long as it can be stowed properly under the seat or in an overhead bin.” More information can be found here.
https://www.jetblue.com/help/musical-instruments-and-other-special-items
I meant to ask if I could still purchase carry on bags after the fact?
If I fly Blue Basic and bring a lap baby, will lap baby get their own personal bag as well as mine without a fee?
Hey Cilla. According to JetBlue, lap infants will be allowed one diaper bag, one stroller, and one car seat for free. More information can be found here: https://www.jetblue.com/help/traveling-with-lap-infants
🙂 thanks!
But even though I purchase a ticket (basic blue) with my JB+ card, I cannot bring a carry-on bag. Only a under seat backpack, correct?
Hey Kevin. That’s correct. That’s my understanding as well.
I am an American Airlines Platinum member. I get a free baggage allowance on American. Now that American Airlines has partnered with Jet Blue, will Jet Blue honor my American platinum status and let me check in a free bag, or will I have to pay $35 to check a bag even though American won’t charge.
Hey Tom. According to Jetblue’s website, “Mosaic and AAdvantage elite members can now enjoy reciprocal benefits, including priority boarding, expedited security, dedicated check-in, and up to 2 free checked bags.” Have a great day!
If I am a JetBlue Plus Card member and I purchase an extra seat am I entitled to an extra free checked bag? Is it true that if you use JetBlue frequent flyer points to book your flight and you are a Jetblue Plus Cardmember you get a free checked bag, even though you didn’t pay for your ticket with your card?
Hey Jay. If you hold a JetBlue Plus Card, you get a “free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation when you use your JetBlue Plus Card to purchase tickets.” It should still trigger the extra free bags even when booking with points (assuming you are paying for taxes and fees with your JetBlue Plus Card).
If I buy a basic fare and upgrade to extra leg room can I bring on a carry on and personal item.
Hey James. Yes, you will be able to do that. JetBlue states, “Effective 7/20, customers who purchased their tickets on or after 2/25 traveling on a Blue, Blue Extra or Mint fare on domestic flights within the U.S. (or who purchase an Even More® Space seat—for all legs, if connecting) have our word that your carry-on bag will make it on board, as long as it meets all the requirements.”
If I buy blue basic fare. Can I still check in baggage? Would that be $30 if I pay online
Correct!
Can you bring a stroller and car seat for an infant that is sitting in your lap? The Jet Blue seat is a bit confusing?
JetBlue states, “Strollers and car seats do not count toward your carry-on or checked bag allowance. You may check them through when you arrive at the airport or gate-check them at the jetbridge.”
https://www.jetblue.com/traveling-together/traveling-with-kids
What happens if you’re flying Blue Basic and you have one bag with a CPAP in it (medical equipment is exempt as I understand it) and also a personal item?
That should be just fine.