Flying with a Bike on JetBlue (Updated May 2024)
The Bottom Line on Taking a Bike on JetBlue:
Our team of highly-trained bicycle travel scientists gives JetBlue a Bicycle Flight Grade (BFG) of B-. Standard baggage allowance and checked bag fees are in line with other major airlines. A carry-on bag is included, which is always helpful. There is no fee for bikes that measure under 62" in combined length, height, and width.
JetBlue recently increased their bike fee from $50 to $100. This is in addition to any applicable checked bag fee. Oversize and overweight fees increased from $100 to $150. Even if a bike fee has been paid, bikes in boxes or cases over 80" will not be accepted, so a lot of standard soft and hard travel cases don't qualify to be transported on JetBlue. If you find this totally lame, you're not alone. These fees are still slightly lower than some other carriers, so we only downgraded JetBlue to a B- rating.
JetBlue Baggage and Bicycle Policies at a Glance:
Please note that this information is subject to change and may not reflect the most recent information available on jetBlue's website. (Updated May 2024)
Specifications |
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Dimensions: |
62 Linear Inches (157cm) |
Oversize Fee: |
$150 |
Weight Limit: |
50lbs (23kg) |
Overweight Fee: |
$150 |
General Baggage Fees |
Domestic |
International |
1st Checked Bag: |
$35+ (included with some fares) |
$60+ (included with some fares) |
2nd Checked Bag: |
$50+ (included with some fares) |
$100 (included with some fares) |
Carry-on: |
Included |
Included |
Bicycle Baggage Fee:* |
$100 + standard checked bag fee |
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Bike Bag Max. Dimensions: | 80 linear inches (203cm) |
A few general notes on flying with a bicycle:
A few things to keep in mind when flying with a bike on jetBlue actually apply to all airlines. It’s important to come to the airport prepared with a knowledge of airline policies and procedures. Screenshots or printouts of relevant information can come in handy to help clarify these policies for less well-versed airline employees. It’s also prudent to take baggage policies into account when planning a trip and buying tickets. Why take the budget airline if they are sticklers at the baggage counter and will likely charge you double or triple to fly with your bike?
Lastly, a true Airport Ninja knows that airline employees don’t always play by the book, and this can both help us and hurt us as customers. Many gate agents will never look twice as your bags, while others are vigilantes who play fast and loose with the tape measure. Checking in early, approaching a well-rested-looking ticketing agent and being very polite, or using curbside check-in and offering a small tip are all strategies that can all help turn the odds in your favor. For more advice on how to be an Airport Ninja, see our blog Ninja Tutelage Lesson 1 - What's in the Bag?
Your best chance to avoid paying fees is to pack your bike in the smallest possible bike case, especially one with no obvious markings that indicate that it is a bike. This is where the Orucase Airport Ninja comes to the rescue. Designed and tested by professional cyclists to minimize or even eliminate excess baggage fees. Become an Airport Ninja Today.
- Tags: Airline Guide