JetBlue Baggage Fees in 2022 (And How To Avoid Them)

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 baggage fees are no exception – in fact, they've gotten even worse in the past year.

Curious 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 baggage fees – if not avoid them entirely?

We've got it all covered.

Current JetBlue Baggage Fees

When it comes to checking a bag, JetBlue baggage fees are far more straightforward than you'll find on other airlines.

While the cost to check a bag with Delta varies based upon where you're flying to and from, that's not the case with JetBlue. The New York-based airline charges a flat rate whether you're flying within the U.S., across the country, or down to the Caribbean or South America.

Here's a look at the current JetBlue baggage fees, which can vary based on what kind of fare you buy or whether you hold JetBlue mosaic status – and how many bags you need to check. These charges apply each way, so double them for a round-trip flight.

JetBlue recently upped the charge for your first checked bag from $30 to $35 per bag – but there's a catch. If you pay for your luggage online (or via the JetBlue app) at least 24 hours before departure, you'll save $5 and pay just $30 for your bag.

Need even more than two bags? You'll pay dearly. JetBlue charges $150 per bag starting at the third piece of checked luggage. 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 maximum weight is 70 pounds.

Have a bag 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.

JetBlue's Carry-On Bag Allowance

Packing in just a carry-on bag? It's getting much more complicated when flying JetBlue.

JetBlue will no longer allow travelers who bought a Blue Basic fare (the airline's name for basic economy) to bring a carry-on bag onboard. That policy change is set to start for JetBlue flights on July 20, 2021, and onward for tickets purchased starting Feb. 25, 2021.

That means flying with a JetBlue basic economy fare will only get you a backpack or other small bag to stow underneath the seat in front of you – nothing more. It puts JetBlue in line with United for having some of the most punitive restrictive basic economy restrictions. Delta, American, Alaska, and other carriers all still allow travelers with a basic economy fare to bring a carry-on bag.

And unlike with United, carrying a JetBlue credit card won't allow you to bring a carry on – only JetBlue Mosaic status will do that. If you buy a Blue Basic fare and purchase an Even More Space seat assignment with extra legroom, you'll be allowed to bring a carry on.

Read more: JetBlue will ban basic economy flyers from bringing carry ons

Bring a carry-on to the gate anyway? JetBlue says it will charge you a whopping $65 to gate-check your carry-on bag. 

Sports Equipment, Pets & More

JetBlue details the cost of checking in more uncommon items for your journey, from skis to 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 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked luggage. Be sure to double-check the exact policy related to your miscellaneous luggage. 

If you’re traveling with a pet, JetBlue also has charted out what it will cost you, along with all the rules and regulations for this. Generally, bringing a pet will run you $125 for each flight segment along with other stipulations. Familiarize yourself with all the rules related to traveling with pets if you intend to travel with a buddy. 

Pack in a Carry-On to Avoid JetBlue Baggage Fees

The first way to avoid paying JetBlue baggage fees is completely free. You just have to pack a bit less.

JetBlue says these 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.

While it will save you money, packing into a carry-on bag can also save you time and stress. There’s no more waiting to check in your luggage or grab it from the baggage carousel. You don’t have to worry about the airline losing your bag anymore – it’s with you at all times.

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.

Check out some of our favorite carry-on bags if you need to pick one up.

Just beware: If you're flying with JetBlue from July 20, 2021 and onwards, you'll need to pay up for a standard Blue fare (or higher). Otherwise you won't be allowed to bring a carry-on bag onboard without paying a hefty fee.

Fly Mint for Free Baggage

JetBlue's first class seats dubbed Mint have changed the game, with lie-flat seat and better food and service than you'll find on any domestic carrier.

And it comes with a bonus: No JetBlue luggage fees, either. Plus, JetBlue Mint passengers get two free checked bags each weighing up to 70 pounds apiece. It's the most generous luggage allowance you'll get flying JetBlue by far.

JetBlue flies planes equipped with Mint seats only on select routes, like premier transcontinental flights or some flights to the Caribbean. Check out JetBlue's route map to see where Mint is flying these days.

Free Bags with JetBlue Credit Cards

JetBlue has two co-branded credit cards: The JetBlue Plus Card and the JetBlue Business Card. Both are operated by Barclays, and both will get you a free bag on every JetBlue flight. 

Not only that, but you can get a free first 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 top-tier status, and it'll get you two free checked bags and a free carry-on bag on every JetBlue flight. Along with a wide array of other generous benefits, holding Mosaic status is a solid option to ensure you of never paying for baggage fees.

And JetBlue has made elite status easier to earn than almost any other major airline. There are three main ways to earn Mosaic status:

• Earn 15,000 True Blue Points
• Flying at least 30 segments a year
• Hold the JetBlue Plus or Business card and put $50,000 of eligible spend on it per year.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, JetBlue has made it even easier to earn status: They've halved many of those requirements!

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.

And JetBlue has doubled down recently by charging even more to check a bag and banning basic economy passengers from bringing a carry-on bag onboard. But there are still easy ways to save on JetBlue baggage fees – if not avoid them entirely.