Need feedback: How anal is Jet Blue about carry-on size?

[Hugh R]

Flying to Jacksonville from LAX in a few days, taking the super cheap flight which only allows a carry on to fit under the seat. Max limit is 17", I have a map I want to bring that is rolled, can't be folded that is 24", I can slip it in the sleeve of my carry on jacket, The wifey is worried, about the Jet Blue "Police", can I reassure her that its not an issue?

[stevej37]

If you have a window seat...no problem.
I've placed a cane there when I was recovering from a broken femur.

Otherwise....in the overhead after the luggage.

[speeder]

The item that fits under the seat is technically not considered a carry-on piece but rather your "personal item," i.e. purse or backpack. So if they charge for a carry-on bag and you did not pay for one, you might have an issue if you are carrying a small bag. Depends on the gate agent and how awake they are when taking boarding passes...I assume there is some marking on them that tells them what was paid for(?) I really don't know.

Jet Blue hosed me good this summer on Nantucket, they made me check my carry-on at the gate and charged me something like $65 for it. Usually that is free, (when they ask to check your carry-on bag), I could not believe it. It was a small jet and it was leaving, we were basically on the tarmac and I wasn't in a good position to argue but it burned my ass.

[Hugh R]

Thanks guys.

[cstreit]

Tie the end of your sleeve closed. Slip it in there, carry on your jacket.

I seriously doubt they will give you grief for this.

[t6dpilot]

What is the diameter of the map rolled up? I can ask one of our gate agents about it. I don't think it will be an issue since something like that can be put lengthwise at the back of the bin. I do like Chris' idea though - pretty clever.

[Racerbvd]

Welcome to Florida.

[Steve F]

Coil it around a cane and walk with it

[A930Rocket]

Fold it up into a party hat or mask.

[Superman]

They wouldn't tell you that you cannot take a newspaper, and they wouldn't tell you that it has to be folded in any particular way. A section of the New York Times is about 22" tall. Roll it up with the map inside.

[Hugh R]

Supe, that is great thinking!

[Jeff Higgins]

As a guy who has flown around the world a few times (I think I've done three laps, if I've added it up correctly), let me say this:

Airlines do not make these rules just to make your life difficult. They make these rules so that you do not make the other passengers' lives difficult. Don't be "that guy".

Too many think they are special and therefor do not have to follow the rules. Breaking those rules often makes other's lives difficult, others who are following the rules. You bought a cheap ass ticket that is only cheap ass because of certain restrictions. If you are not comfortable with those restrictions, and have no intention of following them, buy a more expensive ticket with fewer restrictions. You have agreed to certain terms by buying that cheap ass ticket.

At a minimum, you owe it to the rest of the passengers to at least check with an airline agent, showing them exactly what you have while explaining what you intend to do with it. If they don't object, if they feel your plan is reasonable and will not prove a problem for other passengers, you're golden. I would bet they do not have a problem, but at least be up front about it and let them decide. It's their airplane, their rules, and you've agreed to them.

[t6dpilot]

Jeff is right. I spoke to a gate agent last night and he said it depends on the agent. He would allow it based on how I described the size and shape. I suspect that if you are up front about what you are carrying, most will not charge you. Or you could just pay for it at home and avoid the $65 at the gate charge. Most airlines are doing that now.

You could try just boarding and see if they say anything, but be prepared to pay for it if they say something. If it is sizable in diameter, then just pay the carry-on fee from home.