JetBlue’s Baggage Fee Structure Explained

While most airlines take a direct approach to baggage fees (pay this amount per bag), JetBlue’s approach is slightly more tailored, designed to ensure travelers don’t spend money unnecessarily. It all begins with the booking process: once you’ve selected your destination and travel dates, JetBlue then offers a menu with up to five tiers of airfare: Blue Basic, Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint.

A quick glance at this index shows there are a considerable number of reasons (TrueBlue booking points, waived cancellation fees, and expedited security, to name a few) why a customer would choose one particular fare option over another. That’s true of many airlines, of course, but what’s unusual about JetBlue is that pricier fare classes don’t always include more bags; some simply include more non-baggage perks. Here’s what you need to know about JetBlue’s unorthodox baggage-fee system, so you can select the best fare for your travel needs.

JetBlue’s Fares Overview

Many deciding factors go into choosing the best fare for you — such as comfort and convenience — but for many travelers, the most critical factor is luggage. All JetBlue fares include one personal item, such as a purse or backpack, as long as it’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. This is the minimum, and additional carry-on and checked baggage allowances vary based on the fare class you book.

Exceptions to these bag rules may apply to Mosaic members, travelers flying to and from London (including connecting flights), active U.S. military members, unaccompanied minors, and travelers who combine their Blue Basic Fare with an Even More Space seat. However, if you don’t qualify for any one of these exceptions, here’s the breakdown of what baggage allowances and fees come with each level of JetBlue service.

Blue Basic Fare

JetBlue’s cheapest fare option is great if you’re looking for a deal, but it comes with some concessions. Firstly, with this fare neither a carry-on bag nor a checked bag is included, so maximalist-style packers should stay away. There are a few exceptions worth noting. For example, if you are flying to or from London, you will be allowed to have a carry-on even if you book the basic fare. Also, if you purchase this fare and are flying with a pet, your pet carrier does not count towards your luggage, so you will be allowed an additional personal item.

If you book a Blue Basic fare and do need to add on extra luggage, you’ll have to pay for it — and you’ll have to check it since carry-on bags are never allowed for Blue Basic customers flying without one of those aforementioned exceptions. The cheapest way to add luggage is to do it online. On the JetBlue website, your first checked bag will run you $30 and your second $40, provided you book them more than 24 hours before your flight. (Bags purchased online less than 24 hours before flying cost $5 extra.) If you wait to check bags at the airport, fees will be steeper, especially if you get all the way to the gate with a suitcase you’ve forgotten that you can’t carry on. Gate-checking a bag costs $65 for your first or second piece of luggage and a whopping $180 if the luggage you need to check would be your third checked bag. In summary, if you’re flying Blue Basic, bring only an under-the-seat personal item or prepare to pay extra fees.

Blue Fare

This is the standard JetBlue fare, which means you get a personal item and carry-on. However, unless you’re flying to or from London (which is the only exception), a checked bag is not included. As with Blue Basic fares, the only way to get a checked bag on a non-U.K. flight is to pay for it, following the same fee structure as mentioned above.

Blue Plus Fare

Blue Plus is JetBlue’s mid-level option that includes a personal item, carry-on, and one piece of checked luggage. If you need a second checked bag, you can add one on for a minimum of $40, depending on your destination, when you purchase the bag, and whether you do so online or at the airport.

Blue Extra Fare

This fare comes with various perks — early boarding, same-day standby — but checked luggage is not among them. Blue Extra customers are allowed one personal item and one carry-on but no checked bags, making it ideal for the traveler who’s going light but still desires higher-level benefits. The only option to travel with checked luggage at this fare level is to purchase it as an add-on, following the same fee schedule as previously listed.

Mint Fare

In addition to the premium amenities and spacious suite-style seating of JetBlue’s Mint service, booking a Mint fare allows you two free checked bags. Another major perk is that Mint includes a preferred bag claim service, which ensures your checked bags are among the first to appear at the baggage claim carousel. However, please note that Mint is not available on all JetBlue flights; therefore, it’s advisable to check JetBlue’s official route map to confirm if your desired route offers Mint service.

Bag Size Rules

No matter what fare you opt for, it’s essential to remember that checked bags should not exceed 50 pounds or the airline’s size limit of 62 inches. This limit may be smaller if you are flying internationally, as you will have to adhere to each country’s specific regulations. If your bag is too heavy or large, you will incur a $150 penalty for checking it.

Finally, while JetBlue’s different fare options vary widely, the focus isn’t solely on baggage. Some mid-tier fares may offer more baggage perks than higher-end fares intended for light travelers. Therefore, when choosing a JetBlue fare, it’s crucial to consider which factors are most significant to you.