How Strict Is JetBlue With Personal Item Size?

Every airline has different rules about how much carry-on luggage passengers are allowed, especially low-cost carriers like JetBlue. 

All fare classes on JetBlue flights permit guests to bring one personal item that fits under the seat in front of them; however, they have restrictions on additional carry-on items for Blue Basic customers.

JetBlue gate agents can be strict about the size of personal items, especially on full flights. Personal items cannot exceed 17″ L x 13″ W x 8″ H (43.2 x 33 x 20.32 cm) and include purses, backpacks, laptop bags, or approved pet carriers. Passengers with oversized personal items may not be permitted to bring their bags onboard and may have to gate-check them for an additional fee. 

This article outlines the ins and outs of bringing luggage on JetBlue flights. 

What Are JetBlue’s Fare Classes?

JetBlue offers five fare classes, allowing travelers to customize how they fly and how much they spend. 

Flight classes range in price from super economy with no bells and whistles to a luxurious business cabin with lie-flat seats.

The least expensive fare class is Blue Basic, followed by Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint. 

Blue Basic has the fewest perks, while Mint offers passengers individualized pods with direct aisle access and a sliding door for privacy.

Travelers should understand the luggage allowances of their fare class to avoid paying unexpected baggage fees at check-in or at the gate.

Which JetBlue Fares Allow Free Personal Items?

All fare classes include a free personal item that fits under the seat in front of them.

Personal items include things like purses, backpacks, laptop bags, and airline-approved pet carriers smaller than 17″ L x 13″ W x 8″ H (43.2 x 33 x 20.32 cm).

Passengers that purchase Blue Basic fares are restricted to one personal item only. 

If guests bring personal items that exceed the size allocated, they must gate-check their bags for a fee.

Gate fees are $65 if it’s the first or second checked bag and $180 if it’s the third piece of checked luggage.

Which JetBlue Fares Allow a Free Carry-On Bag?

Other than JetBlue Basic, all other fare classes allow a complimentary carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin (in addition to a personal item). 

That said, some Blue Basic tickets allow a free carry-on item if the passengers are active military, unaccompanied minors, Mosaic members, flying to and from London, or have Even More Space seats added on.

Passengers who add a pet to their Blue Basic fare must travel with an approved pet carrier that fits under the seat and weighs less than 20 lbs. (including the animal) but are permitted to bring an additional personal-sized item.

Overhead space is limited, so gate agents often make sure personal items and carry-on bags are within the approved size limits.

What Size Can Carry-On Luggage Be on JetBlue Flights?

JetBlue allows (most) passengers to bring carry-on bags measuring 22” L x 14” W x 9” H (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm), including the handle and wheels. 

On domestic flights within the United States, Blue, Blue Extra, or Mint passengers, plus travelers who purchase the Even More Space add-on, are guaranteed overhead bin space for their carry-on bags. 

For other flights, overhead bin space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Passengers in later boarding groups for these flights sometimes can’t find room for their carry-on bags in overhead bins. 

If that occurs, gate agents will check the bag at no additional cost.

How Much Is Checked Luggage on JetBlue Flights?

JetBlue offers low-cost airfares but recoups some of those losses by charging fees for checked bags.

Checked baggage fees depend on the fare class and destination.

Domestic Flights between the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean:

• Blue Basic, Blue, and Blue Extra: $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third.
• Blue Plus: free first bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third.
• Mint: two free bags, $150 for the third.

International Flights between the US and the UK:

• Blue Basic: $65 for the first bag, $105 for the second, and $200 for the third. 
• Blue, Blue Plus, and Blue extra: free first bag, $105 for the second, and $200 for the third.
• Mint: two free bags, $200 for the third.

All checked bags, regardless of destination, must weigh less than 50 lbs (22.68 kg) per bag and cannot be larger than 62″ (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions (length + width + height).

Overweight and oversized bags are subject to additional fees as follows:

Overweight Bags

• 51 to 70 lbs (23.1 to 31.8 kg): $150 each
• 71 to 99 lbs (32.2 to 44.9 kg): $150 each
• Bags over 99 lbs (44.9 kg): not allowed.

Oversized Bags

• 63 to 80 inches (160.0 to 203.2 cm): $150 each
• Bags over 80 inches (203.2 cm): not allowed.

JetBlue passengers of all fare classes can also travel with sports equipment, such as bicycles and surfboards, which typically cost $100 to check.

However, when traveling with sports gear, it’s always best to contact the airline beforehand to confirm what’s allowed and how much it costs.

Conclusion

JetBlue allows all passengers to bring one personal item on board their flights that fits under the seat in front of them.

This piece of hand luggage can be a bag or pet carrier, but it must be smaller than 17″ L x 13″ W x 8″ H (43.2 x 33 x 20.32 cm).

Gate agents often inspect personal (and carry-on) items to ensure they are within the size limits.

Any oversized personal or carry-on items will ‌be gate-checked for a fee.