Bahamasair, the national airline of the Bahamas, has a baggage policy that outlines specific allowances, restrictions, and fees for carry-on and checked baggage, applicable to both domestic and international flights. Below is a concise summary based on the latest available information from the airline’s official website and related sources.
Carry-On Baggage
Allowance:
- One carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop case, small backpack) per passenger on all flights, except those to Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, and Inagua, where restrictions may apply.
- Weight: Combined maximum of 13.6 kg (30 lbs), though some sources note 9 kg (20 lbs) for both items.
- Dimensions: Maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 22 cm), including handles and wheels, to fit under the seat or in overhead bins.
Additional Items (Not Counted in Allowance):
- Lady’s handbag, pocketbook, or purse (not used as a general container).
- Briefcase/laptop case, overcoat, wrap, blanket, umbrella, walking stick.
- Small camera, binoculars, reasonable reading material.
- Infant food, carrying basket, or fully collapsible stroller.
- Collapsible wheelchair, crutches, braces, or prosthetic devices for dependent passengers.
Restrictions:
- Liquids, aerosols, and gels must follow the 3-1-1 rule: containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a single 1-liter transparent, resealable bag.
- Prohibited items include compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable liquids/solids, radioactive materials, poisons, and briefcases with alarm devices. Spare lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage.
- On flights with 50 seats or less, only one personal item may be permitted due to limited overhead space.
- All carry-on is subject to security checks; oversized items may be tagged as “carry-out” and placed in the cargo hold, counting toward the checked baggage allowance.
Checked Baggage
Allowance:
Domestic Flights (within the Bahamas):
- Two bags with a combined weight of 44 lbs (20 kg), each not exceeding 62 inches (157 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).
- No charge for luggage within this limit; travelers can pool allowances, but no single bag can exceed 70 lbs (31.75 kg).
- Note: Due to COVID-19-related flight infrequency, some routes (e.g., Nassau to Havana) may limit passengers to one checked bag.
International Flights:
- One bag up to 50 lbs (22.68 kg) and 62 inches (157 cm) free of charge, though allowances vary by destination (e.g., Havana may have specific rules).
- Cuba (Nassau to Havana): One bag up to 50 lbs, with additional fees for TVs (e.g., $150 for 46–54" screens, $175 for 55"+).
- Infants: No separate allowance, but one collapsible stroller, bassinet, or car seat is accepted free.
Excess Baggage Fees:
Domestic and Turks & Caicos:
- Bag over 44 lbs: $65.
- Bag over 62 inches: $65.
- Third bag (under 44 lbs): $50.
- Fourth bag (or more): $125 each.
International:
- Additional bags: $85–$95 per bag.
- Overweight (51–70 lbs): $75.
- Overweight (over 70 lbs, up to 99 lbs): $125.
- Oversized (over 62 inches) and over 70 lbs: $150.
- Bags over 100 lbs (45.36 kg) are not accepted.
Havana-Specific: TVs incur extra fees (see above); not included in free allowance.
Note: On flights to Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, and Inagua, excess baggage is accepted on a space-available basis and may be sent on the next flight. Bahamasair assumes no liability for delays.
All domestic excess charges incur a 10% VAT. Fees are refundable if services are unused due to flight cancellations.
Restrictions:
- Bags over 70 lbs (31.75 kg) or 99 lbs total are not accepted as checked baggage; must be shipped as cargo.
- Fragile (e.g., paintings) or improperly packed items (e.g., boxes) may not be covered under liability.
- Checked baggage must remain unlocked per U.S. federal regulations.
Special Items
Sports Equipment:
- Treated as checked baggage, subject to standard allowance or excess fees if over 50 lbs or 62 inches. Items over 70 lbs (31.75 kg) are not accepted.
- Bicycles: $125, must be in a hard-sided, padded case or packed in plastic foam/cardboard with handlebars secured and pedals removed.
- Surfboards/Windsurf Boards/Kite Surf Boards: One per case, up to 6 feet, in hard-sided cases preferred. Standard checked bag fees apply.
- Other Equipment: Archery, bowling balls, camping gear, fishing gear, golf clubs, scuba gear (without tanks), skateboards, tennis rackets, etc., must be properly packed and under 99 lbs.
Firearms:
- Treated as checked baggage, under 99 lbs, with proper declaration and documentation (e.g., firearm license). Ammunition limited to 11 lbs. Soft cases not accepted.
Pets:
- Accepted in-cabin (max 2 pets per flight) or as checked baggage. Fee: $75 + VAT (domestic/international).
- In-Cabin: Pets (dogs, cats, household birds on domestic flights) must fit in a carrier under the seat, counting as carry-on. Max carrier size not specified but must be comfortable.
- Checked: Hard-shell cages required; animals travel in the cargo hold.
Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, crutches, or prosthetic devices are carried free, not counted in allowance.
Recommendation: Verify your destination-specific allowance (e.g., Havana, Cuba) on bahamasair.com, as rules vary. Pack within size/weight limits to avoid fees, and check-in early for smaller aircraft or remote routes. For excess baggage, contact the airline in advance to confirm space. If you have a specific route or item, let me know for tailored details!
