Caribbean Airlines has introduced additional booking classes, giving travelers more flexibility to match those offered by its American legacy competitors.
The airline has gone from an older economy and business fare option, to offering more flexible options in economy, both in terms of seating and baggage allowances. In this article, we will break down the pricing and allowances.
In This Post
Caribbean Airlines Fares Overview
In late 2019, Caribbean Airlines revamped its fare classes, offering more flexibility in both the economy and business class cabins.
They also added ‘Caribbean Plus’ seating which is basically a premium economy seat option on its 737 MAX 8 operated flights, offering additional recline and legroom. Fares can be booked in the following five classes:
Business Class
- Biz
- Biz Flex
Economy Class
- Lite
- Classic
- Flex
The only exception to this is domestic tickets booked between Trinidad and Tobago. As this is a subsidized route being sold at a fixed price (USD 60 / TTD 400), all fares are classified as Economy Flex. In the tables below, you will see the other domestic fares being blanked out as a result.
Caribbean Airlines Carry-on Allowance
| Economy Lite | Economy Classic | Economy Flex | Biz | Biz Flex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (Trinidad/Tobago) | N/A | N/A | 1 free carry-on + 1 personal item | N/A | N/A |
| International | 1 free carry-on + 1 personal item | 1 free carry-on + 1 personal item | 1 free carry-on + 1 personal item | 1 free carry-on + 1 personal item | 1 free carry-on + 1 personal item |
Regardless of fare class and destination, Caribbean Airlines allows passengers to travel with one free carry-on bag and one personal item.
- Carry-on bags should measure no more than L22″ x W14″ x H9″ (56cm x 35cm x 23cm), and not weigh more than 10kg/22lb.
- Personal items should not be larger than L13″ x W17″ x H6″ (33cm x 43cm x 15cm). Personal items not meeting this criteria may be treated an an additional baggage item.
- Passengers traveling with infants are allowed a collapsible stroller, an infant-carrying basket or an infant car seat in the cabin, subject to space availability. In addition, lap Infants are also allowed one carry-on bag up to 10kg/22lb.
Caribbean Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance
Besides the Economy Lite fare, Caribbean’s checked bag policy is a bit more flexible, with Economy Classic fares allowing for one free checked bag, and Econ Flex customers have the option for two. One noticeable downgrade is between Biz and Biz Flex. Prior to the change, all business class travelers were entitled to three bags, but now, regular Biz customers are limited to two free bags while Biz Flex remains at three.
International Travel (one-way sector of travel only)
| Economy Lite | Economy Classic | Economy Flex | Biz | Biz Flex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Bag | USD 30 / CAD 40 | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| 2nd Bag | USD 40 / CAD 55 | USD 40 / CAD 55 | Free | Free | Free |
| 3rd Bag | USD 150 / CAD 200 | USD 150 / CAD 200 | USD 150 / CAD 200 | USD 150 / CAD 200 | Free |
| 4th Bag | USD 175 / CAD 235 | USD 175 / CAD 235 | USD 175 / CAD 235 | USD 175 / CAD 235 | USD 175 / CAD 235 |
Dollar amounts are subject to tax depending on the point of origin, and CAD rates only applicable to flights departing out of Canada.
Domestic Travel
| 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd Bag | 4th Bag | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checked bag cost | Free | TTD 3.00/kg | TTD 3.00/kg | TTD 3.00/kg |
Domestic baggage options are standardized as the route is subsidized and can only be booked under one fare class.
In both types of travel, bags should weight no more than 23kg/50lb, and should not have combined dimensions (L+W+H) of 157cm/62 inches.
Caribbean Airlines Additional and Excess Baggage Fees
Compared to some other carriers, Caribbean’s rates are not extremely expensive on the checked-bag side of things, but be careful as gate checked bags can rack up an expensive bill, especially if they are found to be overweight or oversized.
International Travel (one-way sector of travel only)
| Economy Lite | Economy Classic | Economy Flex | Biz | Biz Flex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight Bag (23-32kg) | USD 75 / CAD 90 | USD 75 / CAD 90 | USD 75 / CAD 90 | USD 75 / CAD 90 | USD 75 / CAD 90 |
| Oversized Bag | USD 75 / CAD 90 | USD 75 / CAD 90 | USD 75 / CAD 90 | USD 75 / CAD 90 | USD 75 / CAD 90 |
| Extra Gate Checked Bag | USD 100 / CAD 129-142 | USD 100 / CAD 129-142 | USD 100 / CAD 129-142 | USD 100 / CAD 129-142 | USD 100 / CAD 129-142 |
| Gate Checked Bag (overweight – 11-23kg) | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 |
| Gate Checked Bag (oversized) | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 | USD 50 / CAD 65-71 |
Dollar amounts are subject to tax depending on the point of origin, and CAD rates only applicable to flights departing out of Canada
Domestic Travel
| Checked Bag Cost | |
|---|---|
| Overweight Bag (23-32kg) | TTD 3.00/kg |
| Oversized Bag | USD 75 |
| Extra Gate Bag | USD 100 |
| Gate Checked Bag (overweight – 11-23kg) | USD 50 |
| Gate Checked Bag (oversized) | USD 50 |
As mentioned above, overweight bags can range from 23-32kg/50-70lb, while oversized bags can have combined dimensions up to 292cm/114 inches. Note that these options are not guaranteed depending on the aircraft loads for your specific day of travel.
Other Caribbean Airlines Baggage Fees, Guidelines and Allowances
Traveling With Pets
Regardless of fare class, traveling with animals (up to 32kg) in the hold comes at a standard fee depending if you travel on a domestic or international flight.
- Domestic flights: TTD 3.00/kg
- International flights: USD 100 / CAD 129-142
Service dogs are accepted free of charge in the aircraft cabin when accompanying a passenger with disabilities. A service dog is defined as a certified, professionally-trained service dogs. Passengers will also need to show relevant documents backing their disability, as well as dog’s status.
Traveling With Infants
- Lapped infants are entitled to one free carry-on bag, as well as one of the following:
- A free checked or carry-on collapsible baby stroller/push chair/buggy
- A free carry-on infant’s carrying basket
- A free carry-on infant’s car seat
- Seated infants are entitled to the same luggage limits as adults, as well as one of the following:
- A free checked or carry-on collapsible baby stroller/push chair/buggy
- A free carry-on infant’s carrying basket
- A free carry-on infant’s car seat
Mixed Fares Baggage Fees
- Passengers with only part of their multi-sector itinerary ticketed in Business class in only one direction will be allowed the Business class checked baggage allowance for the entire multi-sector itinerary in that direction only.
- Passengers with a mix of Economy Class fare types (Lite, Classic, Flex) shall be subject to the checked baggage allowance applicable to the longest sector in that direction only.
Sporting Equipment and Musical Instruments
If you plan to fly with sporting equipment or musical instruments, it will can taken on the aircraft and considered as your one carry-on item, once it is 157cm/62 inches or less in length. If the item exceeds this measurement, it must be checked in as an oversized bag.
It’s also good measure to consult with the airline to find out beforehand if they will allow you to fly with your equipment.
Country Baggage Restrictions
Travelers on the following flights are subjected to baggage restrictions, and passengers should consult with the airline before booking.
- Flights between Grenada and North America (USA or Canada)
- Flights to and from Caracas, Venezuela
Caribbean Airlines Baggage Waivers
Travelers booking an Economy Classic are entitled to one checked bag, but can get a second checked bag free if they meet one of the following conditions:
- Having Caribbean Miles Silver, Gold or Executive Gold status
- Attending an approved tertiary institution. Unfortunately domestic flights, as well as flights to Grenada, the United States and Canada are excluded from this offer.
Caribbean Airlines Payment Options for Baggage
Paying for baggage can either be done via the manage booking portal, over the phone, at a reservation office, or at the airport. If you pay via the online portal, you can use a credit or debit card, or PayPal. Payments over the phone, at the reservations office or at the airport are generally limited to credit or debit cards. Some reservation offices may take cash as well.
[Featured Photo: Bradley Wint/Gate Checked]
Featured image: Bradley Wint/Gate Checked
