If you have an upcoming international flight with JetBlue, your checked baggage allowance could be affected by a baggage embargo.
In this post we will explain what a baggage embargo is. Then we will go through each of JetBlue’s destinations that are impacted by baggage embargoes and what luggage restrictions apply.
- What is a Baggage Embargo?
- Baggage Embargoes by Destination
- Baggage Embargoes for Flights to / from Cuba
- Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Ecuador
- Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from the Dominican Republic
- Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Peru
- Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Haiti
- Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Trinidad and Tobago
- Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Guyana
- Final Thoughts
What is a Baggage Embargo?
A baggage embargo is a restriction on checked baggage that is in effect on specific flight routes. The restriction usually takes the form of a limit on extra, oversized, and overweight bags. Usually, you can travel with at least two checked bags.
Another restriction you may see is a limit on boxes. Some routes do not allow boxes at all, while others only allow items that are in its sealed manufacturer’s packaging.
Certain baggage embargoes are in effect year-round, while others are seasonal – usually during busy or holiday periods.
It is not unheard-of for airlines to introduce baggage embargoes at short notice. To ensure that you don’t face any surprises when arriving at the airport, check your email inbox for emails from your airline for any last-minute announcements.
Baggage Embargoes by Destination
The following table summarizes the baggage restrictions that JetBlue imposes on destinations impacted by a baggage embargo. Further information for each destination follows this table.
| Destination | Embargo Period | Maximum Number of Bags | Bag Size Limit | Bag Weight Limit | Oversized Bags | Overweight Bags | Boxes Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuba | Nov 16 – Jan 15 | 3 | 62 in | 50 lb | No | 70 lb | No |
| Cuba | Jan 16 – Nov 15 | 5 | 62 in | 50 lb | No | 70 lb | Yes |
| Ecuador | Year-round | 2 | 62 in | 50 lb | No | 70 lb | No |
| Dominican Republic | Year-round | Standard | 62 in | 50 lb | No | 70 lb | No |
| Peru | Year-round | Standard | 62 in | 50 lb | No | 70 lb | No |
| Haiti | Year-round | Standard | 62 in | 50 lb | No | 70 lb | No |
| Trinidad & Tobago | Year-round | Standard | 62 in | 50 lb | No | 70 lb | No |
| Guyana | Year-round | Standard | 62 in | 50 lb | No | 70 lb | No |
Baggage Embargoes for Flights to / from Cuba
The following checked baggage restrictions apply to flights to and from Cuba. It’s important to note that JetBlue enforces two distinct embargo periods for Cuba:
- November 16 to January 15
- January 16 to November 15
Also, Cuba is the only destination where JetBlue allows boxes as checked baggage. This exception applies for the period January 16 to November 15. These boxes must be sealed in the original manufacturer’s packaging.
Number of Checked Bags
The maximum number of checked bags that you can check in when traveling to or from Cuba depends on your date of travel:
- For travel from November 16 to January 15: up to 3 checked bags
- For travel from January 16 to November 15: up to 5 checked bags
JetBlue’s checked baggage limit is more generous when compared to airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United, which impose a limit of 2 to 3 bags. If you wish to travel with a large number of checked bags to Cuba, JetBlue is a compelling choice.
Up to 2 checked bags can be pre-purchased online.
Checked bags beyond the first 2 are charged $150 per bag. They can be bought at the airport only.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags larger than 62 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.73 kilograms).
If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight bag fee of $150.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms).
Boxes as Checked Baggage
Whether you can travel with a box as checked depends on when you travel:
- For travel from November 16 to January 15: boxes are not allowed
- For travel from January 16 to November 15: boxes are permitted as checked baggage.
Boxes must be the original manufacturer’s packaging that is factory sealed.
Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Ecuador
The following baggage restrictions for travel to or from Ecuador apply for the entire year.
Number of Checked Bags
For flights to or from Ecuador, you can travel with up to 2 checked bags.
Additional baggage is not permitted.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags larger than 62 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.73 kilograms).
If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight bag fee of $150.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms).
Boxes as Checked Baggage
JetBlue won’t accept boxes as checked baggage for flights to or from Ecuador.
Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from the Dominican Republic
The following baggage restrictions for travel to or from the Dominican Republic apply year-round.
Number of Checked Bags
For flights to or from the Dominican Republic, there is no restriction on the number of checked bags that you can travel with.
You can prepurchase up to 2 checked bags online. For additional bags, they can only be purchased at the airport.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags larger than 62 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.73 kilograms).
If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight bag fee of $150.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms).
Boxes as Checked Baggage
JetBlue won’t accept boxes as checked baggage for flights to or from the Dominican Republic.
Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Peru
The following baggage restrictions for travel to or from Peru apply year-round.
Number of Checked Bags
For flights to or from Peru, there is no restriction on the number of checked bags that you can travel with.
You can prepurchase up to 2 checked bags online. For additional bags, they can only be purchased at the airport.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags larger than 62 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.73 kilograms).
If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight bag fee of $150.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms).
Boxes as Checked Baggage
JetBlue won’t accept boxes as checked baggage for flights to or from Peru.
Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Haiti
Number of Checked Bags
For flights to or from Haiti, the number of bags that you can check in depends on your date of travel:
- For travel from November 16 to January 15: up to 2 checked bags
- For travel from January 16 to November 15: as per JetBlue’s standard baggage policy.
You can prepurchase up to 2 checked bags online. Additional bags can only be purchased at the airport.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags larger than 62 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.73 kilograms).
If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight bag fee of $150.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms).
Boxes as Checked Baggage
JetBlue won’t accept boxes as checked baggage for flights to or from Haiti.
Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Trinidad and Tobago
Number of Checked Bags
For flights to or from Trinidad & Tobago, the number of bags that you can check in depends on your date of travel:
- For travel from November 16 to January 15: up to 2 checked bags
- For travel from January 16 to November 15: as per JetBlue’s standard baggage policy.
You can prepurchase up to 2 checked bags online. Additional bags can only be purchased at the airport.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags larger than 62 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.73 kilograms).
If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight bag fee of $150.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms).
Boxes as Checked Baggage
JetBlue won’t accept boxes as checked baggage for flights to or from Trinidad and Tobago.
Baggage Embargoes for Flights to/ from Guyana
Number of Checked Bags
For flights to or from Guyana, the number of bags that you can check in depends on your date of travel:
- For travel from November 16 to January 15: up to 2 checked bags
- For travel from January 16 to November 15: as per JetBlue’s standard baggage policy.
You can prepurchase up to 2 checked bags online. Additional bags can only be purchased at the airport.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags larger than 62 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.73 kilograms).
If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight bag fee of $150.
JetBlue won’t accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms).
Boxes as Checked Baggage
JetBlue won’t accept boxes as checked baggage for flights to or from Guyana.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed our examination of JetBlue’s baggage embargo policy.
JetBlue’s baggage restrictions aren’t as severe as many other airlines that fly to destinations south of the U.S. border. This is especially evident for travel to or from Cuba. For most of the year, you can travel with up to 5 checked bags.
Also, overweight bags up to 70 pounds are allowed for destinations affected by a baggage embargo. Most other airlines don’t permit overweight baggage to destinations with baggage restrictions.
JetBlue’s restriction on boxes as checked baggage may be inconvenient for some. Anecdotally, some travelers have had success with packing a box within a standard piece of luggage, such as a duffel bag. The luggage would still need to be within 62 linear inches in size. However, there is still a risk that it could be refused at the check-in counter.
Remember to always check JetBlue’s website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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