🗓️ Updated May 2026
📋 In This Guide
- Overview & Who Qualifies
- Media Bag Rates
- How to Apply — Step by Step
- Bag Limits by Aircraft
- Fare & Policy Restrictions
- Excluded Routes
- Pro Tips for Travel Day
Overview & Who Qualifies
JetBlue offers a discounted media bag rate for media professionals who need to travel with large amounts of camera, broadcast, or production equipment. Rather than paying standard oversize and overweight fees qualified media crews pay a flat per-bag rate covering weight up to 99 lbs.
⚠️ Important Eligibility Note: This rate is strictly for crew members representing a local or national television network, broadcasting company, or commercial filmmaking company. It is not available to independent content creators, YouTubers, podcasters, TikTok creators, or social media influencers.
Who Is Eligible?
✓ TV Network Crew
✓ Broadcast Company Staff
✓ Commercial Film Production
✓ News Photographers
✕ YouTubers / Vloggers
✕ TikTok / Instagram Creators
✕ Podcasters
✕ Personal Filmmakers
What Equipment Qualifies?
The media bag rate covers checked bags containing professional camera, film, video, lighting, and sound equipment. Standard personal luggage mixed in with equipment does not qualify for this rate. Note that undeveloped film may be damaged by airport security screening equipment — be sure to declare it separately.
💡Tripods, selfie sticks, and other telescopic devices may be brought as a personal item if they fit within carry-on size limits, without occupying a checked media bag slot.
Media Bag Rates
The media bag rate is calculated on a one-way basis. Approval is required in advance — rates cannot be applied retroactively after your trip.
✅ Weight included — up to 99 lbs / 45 kg per bagStandard oversize and overweight surcharges do not apply to approved media bags, as long as weight does not exceed 99 lbs.
Restrictions:
- Media bag rate does not apply to Blue Basic fares, JetBlue Groups, or JetBlue Vacations bookings.
- Bag weight cannot exceed 99 lbs / 45 kg.
- Rates cannot be applied retroactively post-travel; approval is required in advance.
How to Apply — Step by Step
The media bag rate does not apply automatically. You must request it in advance and receive written approval before your travel date. Here is exactly how to do it:
1. Book Your JetBlue Flight
Reserve your flight on JetBlue.com or through your travel manager as usual. Do not add bags through the standard booking flow — the media rate is applied separately after approval. Keep your booking confirmation and reservation number handy.
2. Download the Media Bag Request Form
Download the official JetBlue Media Bag Submission Request Form directly from JetBlue's website.
Form URL https://www.jetblue.com/magnoliapublic/dam/ui-assets/p/MediaBagSubmissionRequestPDFFINA12418.pdf
Fill in all required fields: your name, travel date, flight number, origin and destination airports, number of bags, and company/organization name.
3. Prepare Your Media Credentials
JetBlue requires proof of employment with a qualifying media organization. You will need a scanned image of one of the following:
- Valid company-issued photo ID with company insignia/logo
- Official media press credentials
- Company ID card issued by a recognized TV network, broadcaster, or film production company
📸 Make sure the scan is clear and legible. Blurry or cropped images may result in your request being denied.
4. Email JetBlue at Least 3 Business Days Before Travel
Send your completed form and scanned credentials to JetBlue's corporate travel team. This must be done a minimum of 3 working days (72 hours) before your scheduled flight.
Send To: companyblue@jetblue.com
Include in your email subject line: your reservation/booking reference number, travel date, and the text "Media Bag Request."
🚫 Last-minute requests cannot be accommodated.Rates cannot be applied retroactively post-travel. Submit early to allow processing time.
5. Wait for Confirmation Email
JetBlue will send you a confirmation email if the media bag rate can be accommodated. Upon approval, JetBlue adds a remark to your reservation so airport staff are informed.
📧I f you do not receive a confirmation, follow up before your travel date. Do not assume approval if you haven't heard back.
6. Check In at a Full-Service Counter on Travel Day
On the day of your flight, go directly to a staffed JetBlue check-in counter — do not use self-service kiosks or online bag drop for media bags. Bring a copy of your approval email and your company ID. The agent will verify the remark on your reservation, weigh your bags, and tag them accordingly.
✅ Arrive early — media bag check-in takes longer than standard check-in due to the manual verification process.
Bag Limits by Aircraft
JetBlue imposes a maximum number of media bags per aircraft due to cargo hold capacity. These limits apply across the entire flight — not per individual passenger.
⚠️ Excess bags travel on a space-available basis.If your bags exceed the aircraft limit, they will be transported on the next available JetBlue-operated flight. The final decision rests with the flight crew on the day of travel.
Fare & Policy Restrictions
Even with approval, there are important limitations on when and where the media bag rate applies.
Excluded Routes
The media bag rate is not available on the following specific routes. Always verify your route before submitting your request:
⚠️ Selectwestbound A320 flights fom East Coast cities are also excluded, including routes such as BOS–PHX, FLL–LAS, JFK–RNO, and similar westbound legs. Confirm your specific flight with JetBlue at the time of your request.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Travel Day
✦ Submit Your Request as Early as Possible
While 3 business days is the minimum, submitting a week in advance gives JetBlue more time to confirm and reduces the risk of last-minute issues, especially during peak travel seasons.
✦ Carry a Printed Copy of Your Approval Email
Technology fails. Print your approval confirmation and bring it to the airport alongside your digital version. This speeds up counter check-in significantly.
✦ Weigh Your Bags Before You Arrive
Media bags over 99 lbs / 45 kg will not be accepted under the media rate. Use a luggage scale to ensure each bag is within limits before heading to the airport.
✦ Protect Undeveloped Film
Airport X-ray screening can damage undeveloped film. Request a manual inspection if you are carrying film stock. You are entitled to request this at security checkpoints.
✦ Confirm the Media Rate Has Not Been Revoked
JetBlue reserves the right to revoke the media bag offer at any time. If your flight is weeks away, consider re-confirming your approval closer to the travel date, especially if you receive no automated reminder.
📌 Sources & Accuracy. This guide is based on JetBlue's official media bag request documentation and publicly available JetBlue policy pages as of May 2026. Policies are subject to change — always verify the latest details directly with JetBlue at jetblue.com or by contacting companyblue@jetblue.com before your trip.
Contact us to learn more about the Fly With Media ID.
