JetBlue baggage fees and how to avoid paying them

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Similar to many other airlines, JetBlue raised its checked bag fees in 2024. However, unlike other airlines, JetBlue then raised its baggage fees a second time.

First, JetBlue raised their check bag fees in February. Then, on March 22, they introduced a new dynamic pricing structure for peak and off-peak checked bags — which saw further increases.

Frustrating as all this undoubtedly is, it doesn’t mean you can’t still check your 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 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.

In addition to the personal item, JetBlue passengers who booked a Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra or Mint fare are 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 — cannot 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 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

*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, but the fee you pay (or don’t pay) will be determined by your fare type, JetBlue elite status and whether you have a JetBlue credit card.

JetBlue separates its checked bag fee charts into one for routes within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada, and one for transatlantic flights. As of March 22, the airline also separates pricing into peak and off-peak times, with differing prices for each, and you’ll also pay slightly different prices depending on when you book your checked bags.

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 — more than 24 hours before departure

*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, the second checked baggage fees cost $45.

JetBlue baggage fees for flights within the US, Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada — within 24 hours of departure

*For bookings on or after Mar 22, 2024, peak-season pricing applies on the following dates: April 11-29, 2024, June 20-Sept.3, 2024, Nov. 21-Dec. 2, 2024, Dec. 19, 2024-Jan.6, 2025, Feb. 13-24, 2025, April 3-28, 2025.

The fee for the third checked bag is $125 off-peak or $135 peak, and for the fourth checked bag (or more) is $150 off-peak or $160 peak.

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 a fee for the first checked bag and $50 to $70 for the second checked bag depending on when you’re flying.

Paying your checked baggage fees more than 24 hours before departure can secure the least expensive pricing, so if you’re able to do so, you definitely should.

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 must 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 — more than 24 hours before departure

JetBlue baggage fees for transatlantic flights — within 24 hours of departure

The fee for a third checked bag (or more) on transatlantic routes is $200 off-peak and $210 for peak.

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 between $100 and $115 depending on whether you’re flying peak or off-peak and when you pay for your checked bags, for each subsequent bag, regardless of your fare type or elite status.

What dates does JetBlue class as peak times?

JetBlue’s full list of peak travel dates currently includes:

• April 11-April 29
• June 20-Sept. 3
• Nov. 21-Dec. 2
• Dec. 19-Jan. 6
• Feb. 13-Feb. 24
• March 3-March 28

The longest period of peak pricing is between June 20 to Sept. 3, which is quite a large chunk of the summer season.

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. 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.