Bahamasair, the national airline of The Bahamas, has a baggage policy that varies by route (domestic and international) and fare class, with specific rules for carry-on and checked baggage. Below is a concise summary based on the latest information from their official website and other reliable sources.
Carry-On Baggage (Free):
- Personal Item: One personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag, small backpack) is allowed free, with maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. It must fit under the seat. Additional items permitted free include a coat, blanket, umbrella, walking stick, small camera, binoculars, reasonable reading material, infant food for in-flight use, or an infant carrying basket.
- Standard Carry-On: One carry-on bag is allowed, maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm, sum ≤ 45 inches), and maximum weight of 15 lbs (7 kg). It must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
- Notes: Carry-ons are subject to size checks at check-in or the gate. If they exceed limits or cabin space is limited, they may be checked into the cargo hold, potentially incurring fees (e.g., $50–$150). Liquids follow the 3-1-1 rule (100 ml/3.4 oz in a 1-liter clear bag). Excess carry-ons are weighed, tagged, and placed in the cargo hold, with weight recorded on the Load Data Form. On smaller aircraft, space constraints may limit carry-ons to personal items only.
Checked Baggage (Free Allowance):
- Size and Weight Limits: Maximum size per bag is 62 inches (157 cm, length + width + height). Maximum weight is 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag. Bags over 70 lbs (31.75 kg) or 99 lbs (45 kg) for specific items are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via cargo.
- Allowance by Route:
- Domestic Flights (within The Bahamas): One checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg) free for all passengers. Some sources note a historical limit of 44 lbs (20 kg) total, with pooling allowed for groups, but the current policy aligns with one 50-lb bag.
- International Flights (e.g., U.S., Cuba, Haiti, Turks & Caicos): As of January 4, 2021, no free checked baggage is included; the first checked bag costs $25 per bag (one-way).
- Infants: One stroller, car seat, or bassinet is free and does not count toward the allowance. No separate checked baggage allowance is provided for infants.
- Specific Routes: On flights to Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, and Inagua, excess baggage is accepted on a space-available basis and may be transported on a later flight.
- Interline Flights: For code-share flights (e.g., with American Airlines or United Airlines), the first carrier’s baggage rules apply if arriving in The Bahamas within 24 hours. For example, American Airlines’ 50-lb limit may be honored without additional fees for domestic Bahamasair flights.
Special Items:
- Sports Equipment: Accepted as checked baggage, subject to fees if exceeding allowance:
- Bicycles: $125, must be in a hard-sided or padded case, or packed in plastic foam/cardboard with pedals removed and handlebars secured sideways.
- Surfboards, Windsurf Boards, Kite Surf Boards: Treated as checked baggage, must be in hard-sided cases (recommended) and ≤6 feet. Fees apply if overweight/oversized ($75–$175). Items over 70 lbs are not accepted.
- Other Equipment (e.g., archery, bowling, fishing gear, golf clubs, scuba gear without tanks, skateboards, tennis rackets): Treated as checked baggage, must be properly packed, and ≤70 lbs. Fees apply if exceeding allowance ($50–$150).
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (≤22 x 14 x 9 inches, ≤15 lbs) can count as carry-on. Larger instruments are checked, subject to standard or excess fees ($75–$175 if oversized/overweight). Contact Bahamasair for extra seat purchases.
- Pets: Cats, dogs, and household birds are accepted:
- In-Cabin: $75 + 10% VAT (domestic) or $75 (international), maximum 2 pets per flight, in a carrier (≤22 x 14 x 9 inches, ≤15 lbs including pet). Counts as carry-on.
- Checked: $75 + 10% VAT (domestic) or $75 (international), in hard-shell cages. Advance booking required.
- Mobility Aids: Fully collapsible wheelchairs, crutches, braces, or prosthetic devices (if passenger-dependent) are free and do not count toward limits. Notify Bahamasair 48 hours in advance for battery-powered aids.
- Shooting Equipment: Accepted as checked baggage, ≤99 lbs, in hard-sided cases with a firearm license. Ammunition ≤11 lbs. Soft cases are not accepted. Fees apply if exceeding allowance ($75–$175).
- Prohibited Items: Compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable liquids/solids, radioactive materials, poisons, infectious substances, and briefcases with alarm devices are banned. Spare lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage; carry them in carry-ons.
