So how strict is JetBlue with personal items? And is JetBlue really strict with its personal item size?
JetBlue is slightly strict about its personal item size, especially on busy flights. The personal item must not exceed the following dimensions: 17” x 13” x 8” (43.2 x 33 x 20.32 cm), so it can fit perfectly under the seat in front of you.
This detailed post covers everything you need to know about JetBlue personal item size and rules, in addition to what to do if your personal item size is slightly larger.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- JetBlue allows 1 free personal item per passenger.
- Maximum size is 17″ L x 13″ W x 8″ H (43 x 33 x 20 cm), and it must fit under the seat.
- Examples include a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or tote.
- JetBlue is usually not strict unless the bag looks oversized or flights are full.
- Soft-sided bags can often be squeezed to fit the space.
- Oversized personal items may count as a carry-on, leading to extra fees.
- Best tip: use a compliant bag to avoid stress at the gate.
JetBlue Personal Item Policy
The JetBlue Personal Item Size Limits
All JetBlue fares include 1 personal item, which is limited to the following dimensions: 17″ L x 13″ W x 8″ H / (43.2 L x 33 W x 20.32 H cm).
Examples of a personal item can be a purse, daypack, laptop bag, a small duffle bag, or approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
Additional Items
In addition to your one personal item, you are also allowed to carry the following items for free:
- Reading material (books, newspapers, etc.)
- A coat or jacket
- Diaper bags when traveling with an infant
- Portable oxygen concentrators, respiratory devices, or any other assistive devices, and foot rugs for use during prayer
For more information please visit this page on JetBlue’s website.
Is JetBlue Airlines Strict About Its Personal Items?
Most of the time JetBlue won’t inspect your carry-on bag or personal item if it looks small and normal, or if it fits easily in the baggage sizer.
However, if your personal item is too heavy or looks large, JetBlue staff will be more likely to be strict with you and ask you to place your bag in the luggage sizer.
A good starting point is to focus on what’s important and take only your essential items.
If you get to the gate with a personal item that exceeds the size limits, it will be counted as your main carry-on bag and you may end up checking one of your bags.
My Personal Item Is Above the Size by a Few Inches. What Should I Do?
You can only take the risk if your personal item is a soft-sided bag.
That way you can mitigate the risk carefully, meaning that the item can be padded or crammed easily to fit the sizer and under the seat in front of you.
Is a Personal Item Free on JetBlue?
Yes. The personal item is included in your ticket.
If you are traveling on a Blue Basic fare, you will need to be careful with the size of your personal item.
If it goes above the size requirements, you will end up paying checked baggage charges.
If you are traveling with a stroller, crutches / metal cans, a wheelchair, or other assistive devices, they are also free and they won’t count toward your carry-on or personal item.
How To Take More in Your Personal Item With JetBlue
There are plenty of tips and tricks for taking extra baggage on board, like wearing extra layers of clothes or checking in early.
I like to pack all my essentials first and place them in my personal item before anything else.
If I’m traveling in winter, I walls wear my heavy clothes before boarding the airplane.
This will give you more room to pack essentials and valuable items in your personal item or in carry-on bags in general.
What Is the Best Personal Item for JetBlue?
The best way to make your JetBlue flight stress-free is to be armed with the right personal item that will fit easily under the seat in front of you.
This vibrant, sturdy, stylish bag has these dimensions: 13.8” (L) x 11.8″ (H) x 5.9″ (W), and it is a wonderful lightweight tote for personal items and carry-on.
Amazon has a variety of personal items that fit JetBlue’s personal item policy (17″ L x 13″ W x 8″ H), from tote bags to floral large mesh backpacks and more.
If you are a woman, take a look at this beautiful BAOSHA HB-28 Ladies’ Tote.
Is a Backpack a Personal Item on JetBlue?
According to JetBlue, a backpack will be considered a personal item if it can be stowed underneath the seat in front of you.
The allowed size for a personal item must not exceed 17″ L (43.2 cm) x 13″ W (33 cm) x 8″ H (20.32 cm). If your backpack is over this size, it will be counted as a carry-on instead.
Peggy asked JetBlue customer service if her backpack would be counted as a personal item if it is within the airline’s dimensions, and the airline answered YES.
JetBlue Restricted Items
Just like most airline, some items are not allowed onboard the airplane, such as weapons and replicas of them (in general, anything that could be used as a weapon or to cause harm), explosives, or incendiaries.
Liquids, on the other hand, have special rules on JetBlue.
They need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule and must be placed in a transparent quart-sized bag.
You can review a list provided by the TSA of permitted and prohibited items which may be included in carry-on baggage, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Travelers Thoughts About JetBlue Personal Item On Reddit
I found this screenshot from Reddit for travelers discussing whether certain backpacks and bags will fit under JetBlue personal item size.
Some travelers mentioned that soft-sided bags can be squeezed to fit under the seat, while others recommend buying a bag that is specifically within JetBlue’s size limits.
Final Thoughts
There are no issues if your personal item is a few inches above the JetBlue size limits as long as it can fit under the seat in front of you.
Most airlines care about passengers, and they won’t be strict about a few inches.
But, if you take a large bag that is noticeable and won’t fit under the seat, you will likely end up checking it in.
You can’t really know how strict they will be until you arrive at the airport.
I strongly advise getting a bag that is fully compliant with JetBlue’s personal item size.
The good news is that you can use the bag with almost any US airline.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
JetBlue Personal Items FAQ
Does JetBlue weigh personal items?
JetBlue does not have a specific weight limit for personal items, but if you bring a heavy bag it may get flagged at the gate. You won’t have any issues as long as the bag is lightweight and fits under the seat in front of you.
Can I bring both a personal item and duty-free shopping bags?
You won’t have any issues bringing a duty-free shopping bag in addition to your personal item, but it must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Are camera bags or instrument cases allowed as personal items?
Small camera bags, instrument cases, and other specialized items are allowed if they fit the 17″ L x 13″ W x 8″ H size limit and can be stowed under the seat.
Are personal item rules different on international flights?
JetBlue generally has the same size rules for both domestic and international flights. But keep in mind that some international flights may be stricter due to limited space under-seat.
What happens if my personal item doesn’t fit under the seat (like on a bulkhead or exit row)?
If your seat doesn’t have under-seat space, gate agents may ask you to place your personal item in the overhead bin. Oversized items will be transferred as checked luggage.
Are children allowed their own personal item?
Children traveling with their own ticket are allowed one personal item just like adult passengers. Diaper bags for infants are also allowed in addition to a personal item.
Can I pay to bring a second carry-on instead of a personal item?
If your personal item exceeds the allowed size or you want an additional bag, you can pay for a standard carry-on or checked bag instead.
Are personal items checked at security or only at the gate?
TSA will screen all your bags to make sure they don’t contain dangerous or prohibited items, but they do not care about personal item size. Gate agents are the ones who enforce the size limit and may ask oversized items to be checked.
What type of personal items are recommended for frequent JetBlue travelers?
Lightweight tote bags, soft-sided backpacks, and under-seat rolling bags that meet the 17″ x 13″ x 8″ limit are good choices. Also choose bags with multiple compartments to organize your essentials efficiently.
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