MacArthur flight bag fees cost more this holiday season: What you'll pay
Passengers collect their baggage at MacArthur in Ronkonkoma. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
Holiday travelers flying out of Long Island MacArthur Airport will face higher checked-bag fees on JetBlue this season compared to last, with the airline raising prices for the second time in seven months.
It marks a $15 total increase since last holiday season, as JetBlue currently lists a fee of $55 each way to check a first bag during peak periods, up from $40 last year. The peak period runs Nov. 19 through Jan. 18. When it's purchased within 24 hours of departure, it can cost travelers as much as $70 each way.
But JetBlue isn't the only airline adding to the cost of flying. Across the six carriers serving the Ronkonkoma airport, checked-bag fees range from $45 to more than $100 round trip, depending on the airline, destination and when travelers pay. Some carriers also charge $75 or more for a carry-on, while others significantly increase baggage prices at the airport or boarding gate.
Here's a breakdown of what Long Island travelers can expect to pay to bring their bags on board at MacArthur Airport this holiday season.
Prices are per person, per direction. All carriers offer personal items at no additional cost.
JetBlue
Peak travel during the holidays begins Nov. 19 and continues through Jan. 18. Travelers who wait until check-in can pay up to $140 round trip for a first checked bag or $170 for a second, according to JetBlue's online bag calculator.
- Carry-on bag: Free
- First checked bag: $55 when paid more than 24 hours before departure. $70 within 24 hours of departure.
- Second checked bag: $75 more than 24 hours before departure and $85 within 24 hours of departure.
- At check-in: Up to $70 for a first checked bag and $85 for a second, each way.
MORE INFO jetblue.com/bag-calculator
Southwest Airlines
The carrier known for its decades-long "Bags Fly Free" policy implemented checked bag fees for the first time last May, then increased its first and second checked-bag fees by $10 in April.
- Carry-on bag: Free
- First checked bag: $45
- Second checked bag: $55
MORE INFO southwest.com
Breeze Airways
Baggage prices vary by destination and when travelers purchase their bags. A first checked bag purchased during initial booking would cost $90 round trip for the lower-priced destinations and $100 for Orlando, Tampa or Fort Lauderdale. Waiting until the airport would bring the round-trip cost to $150.
Flights to Charleston, Wilmington, Richmond, Raleigh-Durham, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Vero Beach:
- Carry-on bag: $35 at initial booking, $40 before check-in begins, $45 after check-in begins and $75 at the airport.
- First checked bag: $45 at initial booking, $50 before check-in begins, $55 after check-in begins and $75 at the airport.
- Second checked bag: $60
- Third checked bag: $65
Flights to Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale/Miami:
- Carry-on bag: $40 at initial booking, $45 before check-in begins, $50 after check-in begins and $75 at the airport.
- First checked bag: $50 at initial booking, $55 before check-in begins, $60 after check-in begins and $75 at the airport.
- Second checked bag: $60
- Third checked bag: $65
MORE INFO flybreeze.com
Frontier Airlines
Frontier currently offers nonstop service from MacArthur to Orlando through August 2027. A first checked bag would cost $138 if purchased during booking, compared with $198 if paid for at the boarding gate.
- Carry-on bag: $69 at initial booking, $79 before or after check-in begins, $89 at an airport kiosk or check-in counter and $99 at the boarding gate.
- First checked bag: The same pricing applies, starting at $69 during initial booking and reaching $99 at the gate.
- Second checked bag: $79 at booking, $89 before or after check-in begins and $99 at an airport kiosk or counter.
- Third checked bag: $150
MORE INFO flyfrontier.com
Avelo Airlines
Avelo offers service from MacArthur to Charlotte, North Carolina, and uses dynamic pricing for baggage. Fees vary by route, demand and when travelers purchase their bags. A checked bag could cost up to $104 round trip when purchased during booking or $150 at the airport.
- Carry-on bag: Up to $57 at initial booking, $62 before or after check-in begins and $75 at the airport.
- Checked bag: Up to $52 at initial booking, $57 before or after check-in begins and $75 at the airport.
MORE INFO aveloair.com
Cape Air
Cape Air, which flies from MacArthur to Boston, includes one free bag up to 45 inches in combined length, width and height. Because most of the airline's aircraft have small cabins without traditional overhead bins, carry-on bags may be collected at the gate and returned planeside after landing. Passengers can also check the bag at the ticket counter and retrieve it at baggage claim.
- Free baggage allowance: One bag up to 45 inches in combined length, width and height.
MORE INFO capeair.com
How to save on baggage fees
For travelers who haven't booked yet, adding bags during the initial reservation is often the least expensive option. Several airlines increase fees as departure approaches, with some charging their highest prices at the airport or boarding gate.
It's also worth comparing the total cost of a ticket, including baggage, rather than choosing a flight based on its advertised fare alone. A lower-priced ticket may not be the least expensive option once carry-ons, checked bags and other extras are added.
