Caribbean Airlines Baggage Fees and Policy

Caribbean Airlines, the flag carrier airline of Trinidad and Tobago, is a popular choice for travelers looking to fly to destinations in the Caribbean and beyond. However, before you book your flight with Caribbean Airlines, it is important to understand the airline’s baggage policy to ensure that you are prepared and avoid any unexpected fees or issues at the airport.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Caribbean Airlines’ baggage policy. We will detail both carry-on and checked baggage allowances, so that you know how much luggage you can bring with you. We will also explain how much you’ll have to pay for your checked bags, and ways to minimize these fees.

Some destinations have seasonal or year-round baggage restrictions. We’ll explain which destinations are affected so that you don’t experience any unpleasant surprises at airport check-in.

Sometimes you want to bring special items such as sports equipment or musical instruments. Or maybe you wish to bring your furry friend. We’ll explain the allowances and fees that you should expect when bringing these items or pets.

Finally, we’ll explain what items you can’t pack in your luggage. Also, we’ll explain what to do if your bag is delayed or damaged,

Baggage Allowance and Fees Summary

Carry-on Baggage Allowance

You can bring the following items on board at no charge:

1 Personal Item

• Size limit: 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 15 centimeters)

1 Carry On Bag

• Size limit: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters)
• Weight limit: 22 pounds (10 kilograms)

Checked Baggage Allowance

• Size limit: 62 linear inches (157 centimeters)
• Weight limit: 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
• Oversized bags: 63 to 115 linear inches (157 to 292 centimeters)
• Overweight bags: 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilograms)

Checked Baggage Fees

Carry-on Baggage Allowance

Each passenger is allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board the aircraft. There is no baggage fee associated with either item.

Personal Item

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and must not exceed the dimensions of 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 15 centimeters).

If your personal item exceeds this size limit, Caribbean Airlines will charge it as an extra bag.

Caribbean Airlines does not apply a weight limit for your personal item.

Examples of personal items include:

• Laptop
• Purse
• Backpack

Carry-on Bag

Your carry-on bag must be able to fit in the overhead bin.

Carry-on Bag Size Limit

Your carry-on bag must be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters).

Carry-on Bag Weight Limit

Your carry-on bag can weigh no more than 22 pounds (10 kilograms).

If your carry-on bag exceeds the size and/or weight limit, Caribbean Airlines will charge it as an extra bag.

Assistive Devices in Carry-on Baggage

In addition to the items listed above, passengers with special needs may also bring assistive devices into the cabin. These items do not count towards your carry-on allowance. Caribbean Airlines waives all size and weight limits. However, if there is limited storage space in the cabin, your assistive device may have to be checked into the hold.

Typical assistive items carried on board include:

• Wheelchairs
• Crutches
• Walkers

It’s important to contact Caribbean Airlines in advance to ensure that these items can be properly accommodated.

Restricted Items in Carry-on Baggage

Some items can be brought on board in restricted quantities.

Liquids Rule

If you have flown before, you would be quite familiar with this universal restriction of liquids in carry-on baggage. All liquids and gels brought in your carry-on must be stored in 3.4 ounces (100 ml) containers.

Powders

Powders can be brought as carry-on in limited quantities. Caribbean Airlines restricts each item to 12 ounces (350 ml). However, they must be packed and sealed within the manufacturer’s original packaging.

There are exemptions to this rule:

• Infant formula when an adult passenger is traveling with an infant.
• Prescribed medications which are in powder form. Caribbean Airlines staff may request to see a copy of your prescription.
• Human remains.

Standard Checked Bag Rules

All standard checked bags must fall within Caribbean Airlines’ size and weight limits. These limits should not come as any surprise as their allowances align with most other airlines’ limits.

Checked Bag Size

It’s important to keep in mind that the size of your checked bags should not be more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) or 157 centimeters. When taking your measurements, be sure to measure the outside of your bag. Make sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, and straps in your measurements.

Any bags exceeding this size limit will be considered oversize and will incur an extra fee.

Checked Bag Weight

The maximum weight of a standard checked bag is 50 pounds (23 kilograms).

If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, you will be charged an overweight fee upon check-in.

Boxes as Checked Bags

You can use a box as a checked bag, but it needs to abide by the standard checked bag limits outlined above. Please be aware that boxes may not be allowed on routes where a baggage embargo is in effect.

Oversize and Overweight Baggage

If your checked baggage exceeds the allowed weight or size limit, you will be charged an excess baggage fee.

Oversize Baggage

Checked bags which are larger than 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) but no more than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) will be subject to an oversize fee. If you are flying between the U.S. and the Caribbean, your oversize bag will be subject to an oversize fee of $75.

Caribbean Airlines does not allow oversize bags on domestic flights (within Trinidad and Tobago).

Oversize baggage fees are in addition to any other applicable fees.

Caribbean Airlines will not accept checked bags larger than 115 linear inches.

Overweight Baggage

Checked bags which weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), but no more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms) will be subject to an overweight fee. If you are flying between the U.S. and the Caribbean, your overweight bag will be subject to an overweight fee of $75.

Overweight baggage fees are in addition to any other applicable fees.

Caribbean Airlines will not accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds.

Free Checked Bags

The route and type of fare you book determines how many free checked bags you will receive.

Types of fares available by route:

Domestic

• Flex

International

Economy

• Lite
• Classic
• Flex

Business

• Biz
• Biz Flex

Free Checked Bags for Trinidad and Tobago Domestic Routes

When traveling domestically within Trinidad and Tobago, Flex (Economy) is the only fare type available. The Flex fare includes 1 free checked bag.

Free Checked Bags for International Routes

The type of fare bought determines how many bags you can check for free. All fare types, except Lite, include at least one free checked bag.

Free Checked Bags by Fare Type

Free Checked Bags with Caribbean Miles Elite Status

Caribbean Airlines’ loyalty program is called Caribbean Miles. The program has four tiers:

• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold
• Executive Gold

If you have achieved elite status (Silver, Gold, or Executive Gold), your second bag will be checked in for free.

Note: Your second checked bag fee will only be waived for international routes. You will still need to pay for your second bag on domestic flights within Trinidad and Tobago.

Checked Bag Fees

Trinidad and Tobago Domestic Checked Bag Fees

When flying domestically within Trinidad and Tobago, your first standard checked bag flies free. A standard TTD $3 per kilogram (TTD $3 per 6.6 pounds) fee applies for extra or overweight bags. At the time of writing this post, TTD $3 converts to USD $0.44 – a charged checked bag weighing 50 pounds (23 kilograms) would cost USD $10.15.

Note: Caribbean Airlines does not allow oversize bags on domestic routes.

International Checked Bag Fees

Caribbean Airlines’ international checked bag fees follow the fee structure of many U.S. carriers – with each extra bag escalating in cost.

Checked baggage fees for international routes fall into two categories:

• Flights departing Canada.
• All other international itineraries.

All International Routes except Departures from Canada

Unless you are departing Canada, if your itinerary includes an international segment, your checked bag fees are charged in US dollars.

Departures from Canada

Baggage fees are charged, unsurprisingly, in Canadian dollars (CAD). Currently, Lester B. Pearson International, Toronto (YYZ) is the only Canadian airport serviced by Caribbean Airlines.

Tips for Saving on Checked Baggage Fees

Here are some tips to help you save on checked baggage fees when traveling with Caribbean Airlines:

Travel Light

If possible, try to pack everything you need in a carry-on bag to avoid paying the checked baggage fee.

Choose a Fare That Includes Checked Baggage

Some Caribbean Airlines fares include one or two checked bags as part of the ticket price. When booking your flight, make sure to check if your fare includes checked baggage, and what the restrictions are.

For example, if you are intending on traveling with one checked bag, then it would be more cost effective to avoid buying the Lite fare, rather than buying a checked bag later. Similarly, if you would like to bring two checked bags with you, then avoiding the Lite and Classic fares makes more financial sense.

Check the Baggage Policy Before You Book

Make sure to check the baggage policy for your route and destination before you book your ticket to avoid any unexpected fees.

Consider Joining Caribbean Airline’s Loyalty Program

Caribbean Airlines offers a frequent flyer program called Caribbean Miles. Members of the program can earn miles for their flights and redeem them for free checked baggage or other benefits.

Check In Process

The check-in process for Caribbean Airlines is straightforward and simple. You can check-in for your flight online, at the airport self-service kiosk, or at the check-in counter. If you check in online or at the self-service kiosk, you will need to print your boarding pass and baggage tags. If you check in at the counter, the airline representative will provide you with your boarding pass and baggage tags.

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to allow enough time for check-in and baggage drop-off. When you drop off your checked baggage, make sure that each piece is clearly labeled with a luggage tag. Include your name and contact information on the tag.

Note: Caribbean Airlines check-in counters will close 1 hour before your flight’s scheduled departure.

Baggage Embargoes

A baggage embargo is a limitation on oversize, overweight, and extra checked bags for specific international destinations. Some destinations have year-round restrictions while other restrictions are seasonal – often during summer and holiday travel periods.

Flight Routes Affected by Baggage Embargoes

There are currently baggage limitations on the following routes:

• To/from the US
• To/from Canada
• To/from Caracas
• To/from Granada

What Can You Take?

When a baggage embargo is in effect, you are limited by your cabin class’s checked baggage allowance – you cannot purchase excess baggage.

Exception: If you purchased a Lite fare, your first purchased bag is not subject to the embargo.

During the travel periods outlined below, the following checked bag limits will apply:

• No extra bags
• No oversize bags
• No overweight bags
• No boxes

When is the Baggage Embargo in Effect?

The following table summarizes periods when a baggage embargo is in effect.

Note: Caracas has a permanent embargo in place.

Special Items in Checked Baggage

Caribbean Airlines allows you to bring special baggage items such as sports equipment and musical instruments. Most of these items follow the same allowances and fees as standard baggage.

Mobility aids can be checked without being subjected to a fee.

Sports Equipment in Checked Baggage

For those traveling with sports equipment, such as golf clubs or surfboards, Caribbean Airlines allows these items to be checked as part of your baggage allowance. However, it is important to note that there may be additional fees for items that are considered oversized or overweight.

Exception: Surfboards can only be checked as excess baggage, incurring a fee. They cannot be checked as part of your free baggage allowance.

Sports equipment have the same rules as standard bags:

• Maximum size: 62 linear inches (157 centimeters)
• Maximum weight: 50 pounds (23 kilograms)

All sports equipment must be packed in a protective case or container.

You can check oversize and/or overweight sports equipment on a standby basis. This means that the airline may transport your sports equipment on a later flight if there is insufficient cargo space available on your flight. It will be your responsibility to return to the airport to collect the equipment. Oversize and/or overweight fees will apply.

Allowed sports equipment include:

• Archery equipment
• Bicycles (non-motorized)
• Boogieboards
• Cricket equipment
• Field hockey equipment
• Fishing equipment
• Golf equipment
• Ice hockey equipment
• Lacrosse equipment
• Scuba equipment
• Snow ski equipment
• Water ski equipment

Sports equipment prohibited on all Caribbean Airlines flights:

• Canoes
• Hang gliding equipment.
• Kayaks
• Sailboards
• Windsurfing equipment.

Televisions in Checked Baggage

Televisions may form part of your free checked baggage allowance if they do not exceed the following limits:

• Length: 32 inches (81 centimeters) measured diagonally
• Size: 62 linear inches (157 centimeters)
• Weight: 50 pounds (23 kilograms)

Televisions must be weighed and measured inside the box.

Televisions larger than the above limits can be checked if they do not exceed the following limits:

• Maximum length: 75 inches (191 centimeters)
• Maximum size: 115 linear inches (292 centimeters)
• Maximum weight: 70 pounds (32 kilograms)

Oversize and/or overweight charges apply.

Infant Baggage Allowance

For parents traveling with infants, it is important to understand the airline’s baggage allowance for infants, as it may differ from the standard baggage allowance for adult passengers.

According to Caribbean Airlines policy, an infant is a child who is under 2 years of age on the date of travel.

Each adult passenger can travel with only one infant.

Lap Infant Baggage Allowance

Lap infants are not eligible for a checked baggage allowance, although you are allowed to check one of the following assistive items for free:

• 1 fully collapsible infant stroller or carry basket, or
• 1 infant car seat

Seated Infant Baggage Allowance

Seated infants receive a baggage allowance based on the type of fare bought. Also, you can check an assistive item for free, as per lap infants.

Traveling with Pets

Caribbean Airlines allows dogs and cats to be checked as baggage.

Pet Checked Baggage Rules

When checking your pet, you need to:

• Inform Caribbean Airlines at least 72 hours prior to your flight.
• Obtain all required documentation for the transport of your pet.
• Ensure that you have met all requirements for each country that forms part of your itinerary.
• Prepare instructions for the care of your pet (feeding, watering, etc.) while in the airline’s care.

Pet Checked Baggage Fees

Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

If you are traveling with Caribbean Airlines, it is important to be aware of the restrictions and guidelines for checked baggage, as certain items are prohibited or restricted for safety and security reasons.

Note: The following list is indicative, not exhaustive. For a more complete list of what items are restricted or prohibited, you can visit Caribbean Airline’s website or the Transport Security Administration (TSA).

Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods include items that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. Examples of dangerous goods include explosives, flammable liquids and solids, gases, toxic substances, and radioactive materials. The transportation of these items is strictly prohibited in checked baggage and carry-on baggage.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are commonly used in electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras. The transportation of these batteries is restricted in checked baggage, and they must be carried in the cabin with the passenger.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials include items that are dangerous or potentially hazardous to health, safety, or the environment. Examples of hazardous materials include pesticides, corrosives, and toxic substances. These items are strictly prohibited in checked baggage and carry-on baggage.

Flammable Items

Flammable items, such as gasoline, diesel, and propane, are prohibited in checked baggage and carry-on baggage. It’s best to leave these items at home or dispose of them before traveling.

Compressed Gas Cylinders:

Compressed gas cylinders, such as oxygen tanks and carbon dioxide canisters, are prohibited in checked baggage and carry-on baggage. If you need these items for medical reasons, you must declare them at the airport check-in and follow the appropriate procedures.

Hot Tip: If you need to bring compressed gas cylinders with you, for medical reasons, contact Caribbean Airlines well before you leave for the airport. You may need to provide specific documentation or make special preparations to travel with the equipment.

Electronic Devices

Some electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, must be carried in the cabin with you.

Delayed and Damaged Baggage

Delayed or damaged baggage can be challenging, especially at the start of a vacation. Thankfully, mishandled baggage is rare. However, that’s no consolation when it does happen. There are steps that you can take to lower the chances of your checked baggage becoming lost, but that’s of little comfort after the fact.

Delayed Baggage

With any airline, there is always the possibility of having your luggage delayed or lost while in transit, Caribbean Airlines is no different.

Report the Delay

As soon as you arrive at your destination and realize that your bags have not arrived, you should immediately report the delay to a Caribbean Airlines representative. You can do this either in person at the airport, or by calling their toll-free number. It’s always best to inform the airline as soon as possible, so that a search can be started sooner rather than later.

When reporting the delay, you will be asked to provide your name, flight information, and a description of your bags. You will also have to present your boarding pass as your checked baggage receipt will be on this document. This will help in tracing your missing checked baggage.

You will need to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) form. This needs to be completed before you leave the airport. You will then be given a reference number, which you should keep for future reference. This number is used to reference your file when you contact the airline.

Track Your Baggage

Once you have reported the delayed baggage, Caribbean Airlines will initiate a search for your bags and provide you with regular updates. You can also track the status of your delayed bags through their online baggage tracking system, using your reference number. If you have provided contact information, the airline will also keep you informed of any updates or developments.

Compensation for Delayed Baggage

Caribbean Airlines will compensate you for any inconvenience caused by a delayed bag, as long as the delay was within their control. You are eligible for reimbursement for any reasonable expenses you incur as a result of the delay, such as clothing or toiletry purchases.

You will need to claim expenses incurred due to your delayed checked baggage within 21 days. Make sure that you keep all original receipts to submit with your claim.

What to Do if Your Luggage is Lost

If your delayed checked baggage is not found within 7 days, you will have to file a claim with the airline. At this point, you will need to submit a claim to Caribbean Airlines.

You have two options to submit a claim:

• You can print a Baggage Claim form, fill it out with the required information, and mail it to their customer services department, or
• Submit a Baggage Claim form online.

The airline will conduct another search. If your bags are not found within 21 days, they will be considered lost, and you will be eligible for compensation under their baggage liability policy.

Damaged Baggage

If you’re flying with Caribbean Airlines, it’s important to know what to do if your baggage is damaged during transit.

If you discover that your baggage or its contents has been damaged, the procedure is like delayed baggage.

Report the Damage at the Airport

The first thing you should do if you notice that your baggage has been damaged is to report it to a Caribbean Airlines representative at the airport. This should be done as soon as you notice the damage, as there are time limits for filing a claim. As you may not realize that your baggage has been damaged until after you have left the airport, you can inform the airline by submitting a claim within 7 days of your arrival date.

You’ll need to provide a detailed description of the damage and fill out a claim form. It’s a good idea to take photos of the damage and retrieve any receipts for items that may have been damaged or lost during the flight.

Contact Caribbean Airlines Customer Service

Once you’ve reported the damage to the baggage service desk, you should contact Caribbean Airlines customer service to start the claims process.

You have two ways to submit a claim:

• You can print a Baggage Claim form, fill it out with the required information, and mail it to their customer services department, or
• Submit a Baggage Claim form online.

You will need to provide the following information:

• Your name and contact information.
• Your flight information, including the flight number and dates.
• A description of the damage and any photos you took at the airport.
• The value of the items that were damaged.
• Any receipts for items that were damaged.

Wait for a Response

Once you’ve submitted your claim, you’ll need to wait for a response from Caribbean Airlines. This can take several weeks, so be patient. The airline will review your claim and determine if it will be approved or denied. If it’s approved, you’ll receive a check for the value of the items that were damaged. If it’s denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reasons why.

Final Thoughts

When traveling with Caribbean Airlines, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the airline’s baggage policy to avoid any unexpected fees or delays at the airport. Whether you are traveling within the Caribbean or internationally from the U.S., the key to a stress-free trip is to plan ahead and make sure your bags are within the weight and size limits outlined by the airline.

We hope that, with this comprehensive guide, you will have a smooth and enjoyable trip with Caribbean Airlines.

Remember to always check Caribbean Airline’s website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.

Sources

• Caribbean Airlines