Escape with ease on JetBlue by using these carry-on guidelines.

When you’re looking for tickets for your next business trip or a family vacation, you might find some moderately-priced options from JetBlue, which is the 7th largest airline in North America. JetBlue is what’s known as a low-cost airline. Note that this is a subtle but important difference compared to ultra-low-cost airlines like Spirit, Allegiant, or Frontier. 

With those other no-frills airlines mentioned, there are strict limits on who can bring a carry-on and how much extra it’s going to cost to do so. But JetBlue is a level above that in terms of what’s included in ticket pricing, much more similar to major airlines, though there are a few things to keep in mind about carry-on size, price, restrictions, and more. 

In fact, JetBlue has one of the most unique carry-on policies in the industry, at least for its most affordable ticket option. Let’s dive in.

Just like with other airlines such as American or Delta, most JetBlue passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item while they fly. But that’s only if they opt for Blue, Blue Etra, Blue Plus, or Mint ticket fares. If you fly Blue Basic, you will not be allowed a carry-on bag at all, not even for an additional fee. 

Like all other airlines, JetBlue carry-on bags must be safely stowed in the overhead compartment when you board or under the seat in front of you. All personal items must fit under the seat in front of you as well. JetBlue does not offer closet storage for any hanging garments like dresses or suits.

JetBlue offers all passengers flying domestically (except Basic Blue) a guarantee that their carry-on will make it on board, regardless of overhead bin space. If the bag does not make it onboard, you’ll be granted a $25 JetBlue Travel Bank credit. 

Like most other airlines in the country, JetBlue has carry-on size restrictions that reflect the recommendation on the FAA’s website. Carry-on bags must not have any dimensions larger than 22” x 14” x 9” (55.88cm x 35.56cm x 22.86cm).

Having most airlines adopt these same carry-on size limits makes it easy since you can fly multiple airlines with the same bag. Not only does it make your travel experience easier, but it also makes shopping for carry-on bags much easier!

US Traveler Rio 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set

Protege Arendale Rolling Spinner Suitcase

Wrangler El Dorado Luggage Set

Kenneth Cole REACTION Madison Square Hardside Luggage

Most airlines don’t actually put a size limit on your personal item other than that it must fit under the seat in front of you. JetBlue, however, is one of the few that does limit its size, with maximum dimensions of 17” x 13” x 8” (43.2cm x 33.0cm x 20.32cm). 

The good thing here is that those dimensions are actually pretty big for a personal item, so you should still be able to bring whatever type of item you want. Some good examples of personal items include backpacks, totes, purses, laptop cases, briefcases, and more.

L.L.Bean Travel Backpacks and Totes

Even though the airline has more carry-on restrictions than some other companies, there is currently no weight limit on carry-on bags or personal items. The only caveat to this is that if your carry-on doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you, it must be light enough for you to safely lift it into the overhead compartment by yourself if assistance is not available. 

As mentioned above, JetBlue Blue Basic (which is JetBlue’s economy ticket option) passengers are not allowed carry-on bags at all, not even for an additional fee. If you show up at the gate with a bag as a Blue Basic passenger, you’ll be forced to gate check it for $65 – $180 depending on how many other bags you have checked. 

This policy is different compared to most other airlines who either offer free carry-ons to all passengers or, at the very least, allow them to pay a baggage fee and still fly with a carry-on. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. You can fly Blue Basic and bring a carry-on bag under the following exceptions:

JetBlue, like all other US airlines, follows rules set forth by the TSA when it comes to traveling with liquids in carry-on luggage. This is commonly known as the 3-1-1 Rule or 3-1-1 Directive and encompasses the following:

If you’re in a rush to get packed, you can just put your liquids in a quart-sized Ziploc bag you might have gathering dust in your pantry. But there are also some better options out there that are designed specifically for this purpose:

Container Store 1-Quart Resealable Clear Bags with Zippers

L.L.Bean Sea to Summit Travelling Light Clear Zip-Top Pouch

3-1-1 Travel Bags on Amazon