If you’re an active-duty member of the U.S. military and are considering traveling with JetBlue, understanding the airline’s military baggage allowance is an important consideration.
In this post, we’ll delve into the details of JetBlue’s military baggage policy, and how it differs from the airline’s standard baggage policy. Whether you’re traveling on orders or for pleasure, we’ll explain eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements, carry-on and checked baggage allowances, and fees.
Eligibility and Documentation
To take advantage of JetBlue’s military baggage policy, it’s important to know who qualifies and what documentation is required.
Active Duty Military Personnel
Active-duty U.S. personnel of the following branches of the military are eligible for the benefits provided by JetBlue’s military baggage policy:
- U.S. Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marines
- Coast Guard
- National Guard
- Reserves
The baggage allowance benefits also extend to the dependents of eligible military personnel.
Veterans and Retirees
JetBlue honors veterans and retirees by extending military baggage benefits to them as well. You will be required to present valid proof of military service at the airport to make use of the special baggage allowances.
Documentation
To take advantage of the military baggage policy, the following documents are required:
For Active-Duty Personnel
A valid military ID or Common Access Card (CAC).
For Veterans
A valid veteran identification card, a Department of Defense Form DD214, or other proof of honorable discharge.
Carry On Baggage Allowance
Active-duty U.S. military personnel are entitled to bring onboard 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag. This allowance applies to all fare classes, including Blue Basic.
However, you don’t receive any extra carry-on baggage allowances beyond JetBlue’s standard carry-on baggage policy.
Personal Item Size Limit
Your personal item can be up to 17 x 13 x 8 inches (43.2 x 13 x 33 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
Carry On Bag Size Limit
Your carry-on bag can be up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Typical carry-on bags include:
- Small suitcase
- Duffel bag
- Backpack
- Garment bag
Although JetBlue doesn’t impose weight limits on carry-on baggage, you should be able to lift your carry-on bag into the overhead bin without needing assistance.
Blue Basic Fares
Most passengers traveling on a Blue Basic fare are not entitled to bring a carry-on bag (except for itineraries to/from the U.K. or Europe). Normally, if a passenger turns up at the gate with a carry-on bag, it would be gate-checked, and subject to a gate-check fee in addition to a checked bag charge.
Active-duty U.S. military passengers are not subject to this restriction. You can bring a carry-on bag on board when traveling on a Blue Basic fare.
Be mindful that your carry-on bag could still be gate-checked if there is insufficient space in the overhead bins. However, in this instance, you would not be subject to any fees.
Checked Baggage Allowance
You will be required to show your travel orders and DoD Common Access Card at the airport.
| Passenger | Purpose of Travel | Number of Bags | Bag Size | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active-Duty Military Personnel | On Orders | 5 | 80 in | 99 lb |
| Dependent of Active-Duty Military Personnel | Accompanying Military Personnel on Orders | 5 | 80 in | 99 lb |
| Active-Duty Military Personnel | For Leisure | 2 | 62 in | 50 lb |
| Dependent of Active-Duty Military Personnel | Accompanying Military Personnel for Leisure | 2 | 62 in | 50 lb |
Active-Duty Military Personnel Traveling on Orders
Number of Checked Bags
If you are traveling on duty, you can check up to 5 bags each for yourself and your dependents traveling with you.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Each of your checked bags can have a maximum size of 80 linear inches (203.3 centimeters). Your bag’s size is calculated by measuring the outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together. You must include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps with your measurements.
Duffel bags, B-4 bags, or sea bags can be substituted for one of your checked bags.
Garment bags no larger than 90 inches (229 centimeters) can also be substituted as a checked bag, as long as they can be folded over.
JetBlue won’t accept checked baggage larger than 80 linear inches (203.3 centimeters).
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Each of your checked bags can weigh up to 99 pounds (44.91 kilograms).
JetBlue won’t accept checked baggage heavier than 99 pounds.
Active-Duty Military Personnel Traveling for Leisure
Number of Checked Bags
If you are traveling for leisure, you can check up to 2 bags each for yourself and your dependents traveling with you.
Checked Bag Size Limit
The bags can have a maximum size of 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters). Your bag’s size is calculated by measuring the outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together. You must include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps with your measurements.
If your checked bag is between 63 linear inches (160 centimeters) and 80 linear inches (203.3 centimeters), it will be considered oversized and subject to an extra fee.
JetBlue won’t accept checked baggage larger than 80 linear inches (203.3 centimeters).
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Each of your checked bags can weigh up to 50 pounds (23.13 kilograms).
If your checked bag weighs between 51 pounds (23.13 kilograms) and 99 pounds (44.91 kilograms), it will be considered overweight and subject to an extra fee.
JetBlue won’t accept checked baggage heavier than 99 pounds.
Extra Baggage Fees
If you wish to travel with extra baggage beyond what is included with your military baggage allowance, you will be required to pay a fee for each additional bag:
| Route | Extra Bag Fee |
|---|---|
| To the U.K. | $200 |
| From the U.K. | £150 |
| To Europe | $200 |
| From Europe | €185 |
| All other flights | $150 |
You can buy extra bags 24 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure, or at the airport.
It’s important to note that each extra bag is a standard checked bag. This applies for both travel on orders and for leisure.
Standard Checked Bags
Size limit: 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters)
Weight allowance: 50 pounds (23.13 kilograms)
Oversized Baggage Fees
Oversized baggage fees apply for standard checked bags only. They don’t apply to the 5 free bags for active-duty military personnel traveling on orders. However, they do apply for leisure travel and extra baggage purchases.
If your standard checked bag is between 63 linear inches (160 centimeters) and 80 linear inches (203.3 centimeters), your oversized bag fee will be as follows:
| Route | Oversized Bag Fee |
|---|---|
| From the U.K | £120 |
| From Europe | €140 |
| All other flights | $150 |
This fee is in addition to any other fees applicable to your checked bag, including overweight bag fee.
Overweight Baggage Fees
Overweight baggage fees apply for standard checked bags only. They don’t apply to the 5 free bags for active-duty military personnel traveling on orders. However, they do apply for leisure travel and extra baggage purchases.
If your standard checked bag is between 51 pounds (23.13 kilograms) and 99 pounds (44.91 kilograms), your overweight bag fee will be as follows:
| Route | Overweight Bag Fee |
|---|---|
| From the U.K | £120 |
| From Europe | €140 |
| All other flights | $150 |
This fee is in addition to any other fees applicable to your checked bag, including oversized bag fee.
Final Thoughts
We hope this blog post has helped you understand JetBlue’s military baggage policy better.
Summing up, active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders and their dependents can travel with 5 checked bags, each up to 80 linear inches and 99 pounds.
Military personnel traveling for leisure receive 2 free checked standard checked bags (62 linear inches and 50 pounds)
Thank you for your service.
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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