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JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways Policies: The Ultimate Comprehensive Guide for a Hassle-Free Journey
JetBlue Airways, one of the most beloved low-cost airlines in the United States, has established a loyal following with its customer-first approach, spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and generous policies compared to many competitors. However, even the most seasoned travelers can benefit from understanding JetBlue’s comprehensive set of rules before booking or flying.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore JetBlue’s policies in detail, covering baggage allowances, unaccompanied minor services, cancellations and refunds, flight changes, check-in procedures, and additional essential services. This in-depth overview will help you plan your trip with confidence and avoid unexpected costs or surprises.

JetBlue Baggage Policy: Everything You Need to Know Before You Pack

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

JetBlue offers one of the more generous carry-on allowances among U.S. low-cost carriers. Each passenger is permitted to bring:

  • One carry-on bag
  • One personal item

Carry-on size limits:

  • 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles)
  • Must fit in the overhead bin

Personal item size limits:

  • Should fit under the seat in front of you
  • Examples: backpack, purse, laptop bag

Blue Basic Fare Exception

If you purchase JetBlue’s most restrictive fare, Blue Basic, you are only allowed a personal item unless you purchase an Even More Space seat or qualify for Mosaic status. Passengers with Blue Basic who bring a full-size carry-on bag may be charged a checked bag fee at the gate.

Checked Baggage Policy

JetBlue’s checked baggage policy depends on your fare type and destination.

Fees for domestic flights (as of 2025):

  • First checked bag: $35
  • Second checked bag: $45
  • Third bag and beyond: $150 per bag

Weight and size limits:

  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs (23 kg)
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches (158 cm) in total (length + width + height)

Mosaic members and Mint customers:

  • Receive two free checked bags.

Overweight and Oversized Bags

Overweight fees:

  • 51–99 lbs (23–45 kg): $150 per bag
  • Bags over 99 lbs (45 kg) are not accepted.

Oversized fees:

  • 63–80 inches (total dimensions): $150 per bag
  • Bags larger than 80 inches are not accepted.

Special Items and Sports Equipment

JetBlue accommodates many special items, including:

  • Bicycles (must be properly packed; $100 fee per bike)
  • Skis and snowboards (count as one checked item)
  • Golf bags (count as one checked bag)
  • Musical instruments (if within carry-on size, may be carried on; otherwise checked)

Advance notice is encouraged when traveling with specialty items.

👦 Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Keeping Young Travelers Safe

JetBlue offers a robust unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service to ensure children traveling alone are comfortable and secure throughout their journey.

Who Qualifies?

  • Mandatory for children ages 5 to 13 traveling alone.
  • Children under 5 are not permitted to travel alone on JetBlue.
  • Children aged 14 and older may travel alone without using the UMNR service.

Restrictions

  • Only available on nonstop flights.
  • Not allowed on connecting flights or international flights (except to/from Puerto Rico).

Fees

  • $150 per child, each way, in addition to the ticket price.

Services Included

  • Dedicated JetBlue crew supervision throughout the airport and during the flight.
  • Early boarding so the child can get settled.
  • Escort to and from the aircraft by JetBlue personnel.
  • Verification and release only to pre-designated guardians upon arrival.

Parents or guardians must remain at the airport until the flight has departed.

🔁 Cancellation and Refund Policies: Flexibility When You Need It Most

JetBlue offers different cancellation and refund options based on fare type.

Blue Basic Fares

  • Non-refundable and non-changeable.
  • No credit issued if canceled voluntarily.
  • Exception: A travel credit may be offered if canceled within 24 hours of booking and booked at least 7 days before departure.

Blue, Blue Extra, and Mint Fares

  • Can be canceled without a fee.
  • You receive a travel credit valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Refundable Fares

  • Fully refundable to the original form of payment.
  • Must be canceled before scheduled departure.

Same-Day Cancellations

  • Available for Blue, Blue Extra, and Mint fares.
  • Fee: $75 (waived for Mosaic members).
  • Must request cancellation prior to scheduled departure.

Refund Process

  • Refunds to credit cards typically processed within 7 business days.
  • Travel credits issued immediately and stored in the travel bank.

📅 Date Change Policies: Adjusting Your Plans Made Easy

One of JetBlue’s key strengths is its relatively flexible change policies.

Blue Basic Fares

  • Changes are not permitted.
  • If you miss your flight, the entire value is forfeited.

Blue, Blue Extra, and Mint Fares

  • No change fees.
  • Only the fare difference applies if your new flight costs more.
  • If the new flight is cheaper, you receive a travel credit for the difference.

Same-Day Changes

  • Available on all Blue, Blue Extra, and Mint fares for $75 (waived for Mosaic members).
  • Requests must be made on the day of travel, beginning at midnight in your flight’s departure city.

🛫 Check-In Policies: Getting You Ready for Takeoff

Online and Mobile Check-In

  • Opens 24 hours before departure.
  • Closes 40 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights.

Airport Check-In

  • Recommended arrival: 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international flights.
  • Check-in counters close 40 minutes before domestic and 60 minutes before international flights.

Self-Service Kiosks

Available at most airports for:

  • Printing boarding passes
  • Checking bags
  • Changing seats

Boarding Process

JetBlue uses a group boarding system, assigned at check-in based on seat assignment and special needs. Mosaic members and Mint customers board earlier.

🪑 Seat Selection and Upgrades

Standard Seat Selection

  • Included with Blue, Blue Extra, and Mint fares.
  • Blue Basic passengers can choose a seat for a fee or receive a seat assignment at check-in.

Even More Space Seats

  • Extra legroom (up to 7 inches additional pitch).
  • Early boarding privileges.
  • Access to overhead bin space earlier.

Mint Upgrades

  • Available on select transcontinental and Caribbean routes.
  • Private suites, lie-flat seats, premium dining.

🐶 Pet Policies: Traveling with Your Furry Friend

JetBlue allows small pets in-cabin but does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo.

In-Cabin Pets

  • Cats and dogs only.
  • Combined weight with carrier: Up to 20 lbs (9 kg).
  • Carrier must fit under the seat.

Fees

  • $125 each way per pet.

Restrictions

  • Maximum of six pets per flight.
  • Pets are not allowed on flights to/from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, or the UK.

Carrier Requirements

  • Maximum dimensions: 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches.
  • Must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.

🦽 Accessibility and Special Assistance Services

JetBlue provides extensive support for travelers with disabilities or medical needs.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance

  • Available at all airports JetBlue serves.
  • Request during booking or check-in.

Pre-Boarding for Passengers with Disabilities

  • Offered at the gate for passengers needing extra time or assistance.

Service Animals

  • Only trained service dogs are accepted in-cabin.
  • Emotional support animals are not permitted.

Medical Equipment

  • Portable oxygen concentrators allowed with prior approval.
  • Passengers should notify JetBlue at least 48 hours in advance if traveling with certain medical devices.

🎒 Traveling with Children and Infants

JetBlue makes family travel easier with several family-friendly policies.

Lap Infants

  • Children under 2 can travel on an adult’s lap for free on domestic flights.
  • On international flights, taxes and fees still apply.

Child Safety Seats

  • FAA-approved car seats are allowed on board if a separate seat is purchased.
  • Booster seats are not permitted during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Strollers and Car Seats

  • Checked for free at the ticket counter or gate.

Family Boarding

  • Families with children under 2 may board early after Mosaic and Mint passengers.

🍽️ In-Flight Experience and Amenities

Complimentary Snacks and Drinks

  • Unlimited free brand-name snacks.
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

Buy Onboard Options

  • Fresh food items for purchase on longer flights.
  • Alcoholic beverages available for purchase; complimentary in Mint.

In-Flight Entertainment

  • Free high-speed Wi-Fi (“Fly-Fi”) on most aircraft.
  • Free DIRECTV® and SiriusXM® Radio at every seat.
  • Free movies on demand.

Power Outlets

  • Available at every seat in Mint and select Even More Space seats.
  • USB ports on most aircraft.

⚖️ Contract of Carriage and Passenger Rights

JetBlue’s Contract of Carriage outlines important passenger rights and airline obligations.

Overbooking and Denied Boarding

  • Compensation provided if denied boarding involuntarily, as per DOT regulations.
  • Volunteers sought first before bumping passengers involuntarily.

Delays and Cancellations

  • Rebooking on next available JetBlue flight at no extra cost.
  • Compensation or travel credits may be offered depending on the cause of the disruption.

Tarmac Delays

  • Food, water, and access to lavatories provided after two hours.
  • Passengers may deplane after three hours if safe and feasible.

🌐 TrueBlue Loyalty Program

JetBlue’s loyalty program, TrueBlue, rewards frequent flyers generously.

Earning Points

  • Earn points based on dollars spent, not miles flown.
  • Extra points for booking directly on JetBlue.com and for Mosaic members.

Mosaic Status

  • Earned by earning 15,000 qualifying points or flying 30 segments and earning 12,000 points in a calendar year.
  • Benefits include:
    • Free same-day changes and standby
    • Two free checked bags
    • Early boarding
    • Expedited security

Redeeming Points

  • Points can be redeemed for any JetBlue-operated flight with no blackout dates.
  • Taxes and fees (as low as $5.60 each way) apply.

💡 Prohibited and Restricted Items

JetBlue follows TSA and international guidelines regarding items permitted on flights.

Prohibited Items

  • Explosives, flammable items, and corrosives.
  • Large lithium-ion batteries (>160 Wh) not permitted in either cabin or checked baggage.

Restricted Items

  • Liquids over 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags.
  • Self-defense sprays and certain sporting goods must be checked.

Final Tips for Flying with JetBlue

  • Book early for the best seat availability and prices.
  • Check in online or via the app to avoid lines at the airport.
  • Know your fare type, especially if booking Blue Basic, to avoid surprises.
  • Take advantage of TrueBlue points, and consider Mosaic status if you travel frequently.
  • Pack lightly, and remember size and weight restrictions on both carry-on and checked bags.

Bring a device, as in-flight entertainment is streamed directly to personal devices.