JetBlue aircraft

JetBlue Media Baggage

Media rateJetBlue offers a media bag rate, but you must request it by email at least 3 business days before you fly.

The quick answer

What do I pay per bag?
Not published — JetBlue tells you after approval
How heavy can each bag be?
Ask JetBlue in your request
How big can each bag be?
Ask JetBlue in your request
Who qualifies?
Media company crews with credentials
What do I show or send?
Email the form + IDs to companyblue@jetblue.com 3 business days before

Prices are per bag, one way. Weight includes the case. Total inches = length + width + height added together.

All the details

Media bags
Confirmed by JetBlue after approval
Deadline
3 business days before the flight

How it works

  1. Book and pay for your flight first.
  2. Fill in JetBlue's Media Bag Request Form and attach each traveler's credentials.
  3. Email it to companyblue@jetblue.com.
  4. Wait for the confirmation email — sending the form doesn't guarantee the rate.

Where the airline says this

Official airline pages and quoted wording to show at check-in. Look for the section named in each link. Highlighting depends on your browser; PDFs may need a search. Reviewed October 28, 2026; any unverified allowance is labeled above.

Guitars & musical instruments

Agent says it can't go onboard? Open these on your phone and show them:

The airline's page says: “will count as the Passenger’s carry-on item”

The 165 lb purchased-seat rule is NOT a checked-bag rule. JetBlue must confirm any special media arrangement in writing.

Can my guitar come onboard?
Yes. The current contract names guitars and violins. Must fit overhead or under the seat; space is first come, first served.
What does it replace?
Your carry-on bag—not an extra free overhead suitcase. A small personal item must still meet the airline’s rules.
What do I pay in the cabin?
Nothing extra if your ticket includes a carry-on bag. The guitar counts as that bag. It is not a free extra bag.
Can I buy my instrument a seat?
Yes. Buy additional seat(s), with the instrument in a case, no more than 165 lb including the case, and safely stowed. Obtain JetBlue’s price and approval.
What do I pay to check it?
Normal bag fee plus weight/size charges. General fees: 51–99 lb +$150 / £120 / €140; 63–80 inches +$150 / £120 / €140. Both can apply. Route restrictions and premium-fare weight benefits may change this.
How heavy and big can a checked case be?
Maximum 99 lb / 80 total inches, including the case. These are general acceptance limits—not a special instrument waiver. Normal allowance: 50 lb / 62 total inches (some premium fares include 70 lb). A hard-sided container is required. The current contract does NOT publish the old 165 lb / 150-inch checked exception. Overweight/oversize restrictions apply to Dominican Republic, Haiti and Port of Spain.

Weight and size include the case. Cabin space must be available when you board. Use a protective case suitable for checking if the cabin is full.

U.S. law protects your guitar. On U.S. flights, airlines must let a guitar in its case ride in the cabin if it fits safely in the overhead bin or under the seat and there is room when you board. Show this page — the rule itself (14 CFR 251.3) — if an agent says no: Read the rule ↗

Official instrument rules

Original 2024 article (historical)
JetBlue aircraft

JetBlue AIRLINES

Media Rate: Conditions & Pricing

Traveling with media equipment requires navigating through a myriad of airline policies. Knowing these policies is crucial for those in the filmmaking or media industries to ensure your equipment arrives safely and affordably at your destination.

This guide focuses on JetBlue media baggage rates and policies to simplify your travel planning. Whether you're a seasoned media traveler or preparing for your first assignment, our guide promises to make your JetBlue experience smooth, affordable, and tailored to your professional needs.

JetBlue Airlines Media Rates

JetBlue Airways, renowned for its customer-centric approach, offers a special media baggage rate designed to support media professionals who travel with camera, film, video production, lighting, and sound equipment. Whether you're covering a news story or shooting a documentary, understanding JetBlue's airline media rates and policy can significantly ease your travel.

This section details who qualifies for these rates, what the rates entail, and how to apply.

  • Who Qualifies for Media Bag Rates?

JetBlue Airlines media baggage rates are designed for you if you're involved in journalism, broadcasting, or commercial filmmaking and need to transport equipment like cameras, lighting, or sound gear. These rates are accessible to professionals who can verify their industry affiliation.

  • Rate Details and Baggage Allowance

JetBlue media baggage rate is set at $50 per bag for items up to 99 pounds, including oversized baggage. This rate is available across all fare types but is exclusive to JetBlue-operated flights. Pre-travel application and approval are required, emphasizing that these rates cannot be applied retroactively (after your journey).

  • Application Process and Requirements

To access JetBlue Airlines media baggage rates:

  1. Submit a Media Bag Submission Request form and a valid photo ID with your company insignia.
  2. Provide a scanned image of your company ID/media credentials.
  3. Ensure submission at least three business days before your departure.

After booking your flight, the Media Bag Submission Request form and the required ID should be emailed 72 hours before departure. If approved, JetBlue will make a note in the customer’s reservation, facilitating a smooth check-in process at a full-service counter.Remember to coordinate with JetBlue in advance to take advantage of the special offer, ensuring your media equipment is handled with care throughout your journey.For further details or to download the form, visit JetBlue's official website or contact their customer service.

  • Restrictions and Limitations

The special rates don't apply to interline or codeshare flights and are subject to specific market exclusions. Notably, JetBlue media baggage rates are not available for westbound flights from the East Coast on JetBlue's A320 aircraft. Additionally, remember that JetBlue's fares, including Blue Basic, may not include carry-on allowances, necessitating alternative fare selections for overhead bin use.

  • Quick Tips for Special Items and Instruments

In addition, take a look at these pointers to comply with JetBlue's policies:

  1. Weight Limits: Checked items cannot exceed 99 pounds. Consider purchasing an extra seat for large musical instruments up to 165 pounds.
  2. Protecting Your Instruments: Ensure instruments are in hard-sided cases for damage protection. Soft-sided cases are accepted but not covered for damages. Check JetBlue's baggage liability for more details.
  3. TSA Screening: Regardless of their allowance, all items may be subject to TSA's final decision on additional screening or checkpoint passage.
  4. Planning Your Trip: For urgent travel within 24 hours, contacting JetBlue directly is recommended. The airline's focus on accommodating media professionals underscores its commitment to supporting the unique needs of this community.

Fly With Media ID: A Universal Solution for Media RatesIn the fast-paced world of media production, transporting equipment efficiently and affordably is paramount. Recognizing this need, Fly With Media ID emerges as a pivotal tool for media professionals, facilitating cost-effective and efficient travel across various airlines, including JetBlue. This ID ensures universal recognition, streamlined booking and check-in processes, and significant equipment transport savings.Benefits of Fly With Media ID:

  • Universal Recognition: Fly With Media ID is acknowledged across multiple airlines, offering a standardized verification process.
  • Streamlined Travel: Fly With Media ID is like your golden ticket to a streamlined travel experience. This ID ensures swift and straightforward booking and verification of your credentials, enabling you to focus more on your work and less on travel logistics.
  • Cost Savings: Unlock exclusive airline media rates for equipment transport, allowing more budget allocation to your projects.
  • Enhanced Travel Experience: Enjoy expedited security and priority boarding, ensuring you and your gear reach your destination promptly and smoothly.