JetBlue has a straightforward baggage policy, but knowing the details can save you money—especially during peak travel seasons when prices may be higher. Here’s what you need to know about JetBlue’s checked bag fees and how to avoid unnecessary charges.
Peak-Season Pricing on Checked Bags
If you’re traveling during high-traffic periods—including Presidents’ Week, Thanksgiving, Winter holidays, and peak spring and summer travel seasons—expect to pay more for checked bags on select fares. This applies to Blue, Blue Basic, and Blue Extra fares, so plan accordingly when booking your flight.
Checked Bag Fees for Domestic and Standard Route (U.S., Latin America, Caribbean and Canada)
For flights within the U.S. and standard routes, baggage fees depend on when you add checked bags to your booking:
More than 24 hours before departure:
- First checked bag: $35
- Second checked bag: $50
Within 24 hours of departure:
- First checked bag: $45
- Second checked bag: $60
However, if traveling during peak-season dates, these fees will be higher at $40 and $60 if checked more than 24 hours before departure and $50 and $70 within 24 hours.
Checked Bag Fees for Transatlantic Flights
JetBlue’s baggage fees for transatlantic routes differ based on when you add checked bags to your booking and your fare type. If you add a checked bag more than 24 hours before departure, you’ll save $5 per bag. Within 24 hours of departure, the price increases.
For Blue Basic off-peak fares (more than 24 hours before departure):
- First checked bag: $60 (includes a $5 discount)
- Second checked bag: $100
For Blue Basic off-peak fares (within 24 hours of departure):
- First checked bag: $65
- Second checked bag: $105
For peak fares (more than 24 hours before departure):
- First checked bag: $65 (includes a $5 discount)
- Second checked bag: $110
For peak fares (within 24 hours of departure):
- First checked bag: $70
- Second checked bag: $115
The Points Mom’s Got IT!
How to Get Free Checked Bags
If you want to avoid these baggage fees altogether, consider these options:
- Higher-Class Tickets: Mint, Mosaic, and certain Blue Plus and Blue Extra fares include free checked bags—some even allow a free second bag.
- JetBlue Plus, Premier and JetBlue Business Credit Cards: Cardholders get one free checked bag for themselves and up to 3 others on the same reservation. However, unlike some other airlines (looking at your Delta and American), to get the free bag benefit, you need to use your card to book your tickets.
- Frequent Flyer Status: If you have JetBlue’s Mosaic status, you may qualify for free checked bags, depending on your fare type.
- Airline Credit Benefits: You may be able to use statement credits from certain premium credit cards to cover the cost of checked bags. These include:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $300 in travel credits each year
- The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : $200 annual credits for airline incidental purchases
- Ritz-Carlton Credit Card: $300 annual travel credit
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card: $50 annual airline credit
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $50 quarterly travel credit
Final Tips
- Always check JetBlue’s baggage policy before booking, especially for peak-season travel.
- If you’re flying transatlantic, add bags more than 24 hours before departure to save $5 per bag.
- Consider getting a JetBlue credit card, achieving frequent flyer status, or using a premium credit card with travel credits to avoid baggage fees altogether.
Knowing these details can help you plan smarter, save money, and avoid surprises at the airport!
