Each passenger may carry one personal item that fits under the seat in front of him and one carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin. The personal item, which may include a purse, briefcase or laptop can be a maximum of 17 inches long by 12.5 inches wide and 8 inches high. Carry-on restrictions depend on the airplane type. For the Airbus A320, bags must must not exceed 26 inches long by 18 inches side by 12 inches high. For the smaller Embraer 190, maximum measurements are 24 inches long by 16 inches wide by 10 inches high.
Medical assistance devices do not count as carry-on bags. Any bags that exceed these requirements must be checked in. If the number of bags exceeds the overhead and under-seat storage capacity, a bag may still be pulled for check-in, even if it is within limits. Items that are not allowed in the cabin include metal scissors longer than four inches, box cutters, razor-type blades although safety razors are fine, bats, golf clubs, ice skates, firearms, ammunition and tools like screwdrivers, pliers, hammers and wrenches.
Each passenger can check in one bag for free, as of August 2010, if it is not greater than 50 pounds or 62 inches in overall measurements (length plus width plus height). Additional luggage or those exceeding the limits are assessed and charged additional fees at the airport. However, military personnel on active duty may check in a second bag for free. Baggage must be checked in at least 30 minutes before but not more than four hours before departure.
Hazardous materials are not allowed in baggage that is carried on or checked in. These include compressed gas cylinders, explosives, fireworks, gasoline, magnetized materials, lighter fluid, scuba tanks, spray paint and poisons.
Many sporting goods can be checked in as part of the free allowance if they meet the standard baggage requirements and are packed in a hardcase or other container that allows ordinary handling. These include golf equipment, hockey sticks, scuba gear except for the cylinders, water skis and tennis rackets. Firearms are also allowed if unloaded and with ammunition in a separate container specially designed for them. Locks are needed though keys and combos must be given to the TSA agents who inspect the cases.
Sporting equipment that does incur a fee include bicycles, windsurf boards and surf boards. Though skateboards can be checked as part of the free allowance, they are accepted only at the passenger's own risk. JetBlue is not responsible for their damage or loss.
