✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Bahamasair is the national flag carrier of The Bahamas, flying domestic island-hops as well as international routes to Florida, the wider Caribbean and Cuba. Its baggage rules differ sharply between domestic and international flights, so the single most important thing to know is which category your ticket falls into before you pack.
The good news for deal-hunters: even on its cheapest fare, Bahamasair includes a free carry-on plus a checked bag on domestic routes. On international routes the first checked bag carries a modest fee. All figures below are quoted in US dollars (Bahamasair prices in USD/Bahamian dollar, which are pegged 1:1), and several fees add 10% VAT on domestic travel.
Quick facts
| Carry-on | 1 piece, 22 x 14 x 9 in, up to 20 lb (~9 kg), free |
| Personal item | Handbag, laptop bag, coat, umbrella, small camera — allowed in addition |
| Checked bag (domestic) | 1st bag free; 50 lb (23 kg) limit |
| Checked bag (international) | 1st bag $35; 50 lb (23 kg) limit |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 (+10% VAT on domestic) |
| Overweight 50–70 lb | Bag price + $50 |
| Max weight | 70 lb (32 kg) — bags over this refused |
| Currency | USD (= Bahamian dollar, 1:1) |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | Must fit under the seat in front (approx. 9 x 14 x 22 in). Bahamasair also lets you carry, in addition to the main carry-on, a lady's handbag, a laptop/briefcase, an overcoat or wrap, an umbrella or walking stick, and a small camera or binoculars at no charge. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) · 20 lb (~9 kg) Free — 1 piece in every fare |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | Domestic: 1st bag free. International (incl. Cuba): 1st bag $35. Business Class: 2 bags included. |
| Weight limit | 50 lb (23 kg) per piece; max linear size 62 in (158 cm) combined |
| Typical fee | 2nd bag $55, 3rd bag $95, 4th+ bag $125 (domestic fees add 10% VAT) |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (cheapest fare) | Plus handbag/laptop/coat etc. | 1 carry-on, 20 lb | 1 bag — free domestic, $35 international |
| Business Class | Plus handbag/laptop/coat etc. | 1 carry-on, 20 lb | 2 bags up to 50 lb each |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get at deal prices: Bahamasair does not strip baggage out of its lowest fares the way European low-cost carriers do. Every Bahamasair ticket — including the cheapest economy fare — comes with a free carry-on and the standard personal items.
On domestic island routes the first checked bag is also free, so a cheap Nassau-to-out-island fare typically lands you with 20 lb in the cabin plus a 50 lb (23 kg) bag in the hold at no extra cost. On international routes (Florida, Caribbean, Cuba) the first checked bag is a flat $35 — still cheaper than the per-bag fees most US carriers charge. This makes Bahamasair fares more “all-in” than the headline price suggests for a checked-bag traveler.
Oversize, sports & special items
Overweight and oversize. A bag from 50 to 70 lb (23–32 kg) is accepted but costs the normal piece price plus $50. On international and Cuba routes, oversize (over 62 in combined) adds $150, and a bag that is both overweight and oversize adds $175 on top of the piece fee. Nothing over 70 lb (32 kg) is accepted as checked baggage — split it into two bags instead.
Sports equipment and special items. Sports gear (golf clubs, dive gear, etc.) is treated as a standard checked bag and charged at the normal piece rate, subject to the weight/size limits. Bicycles cost $125 and must be in a hard-sided case. Televisions run $50–$125 domestically/internationally and $100–$180 on Cuba routes depending on screen size. Hoverboards are not accepted.
Pets. Pets travel for $75 (plus VAT domestically); pets are not accepted on Cuba flights.
Musical instruments. Small instruments may go in the cabin if they fit the carry-on dimensions and weight; larger instruments must be checked and are charged as standard checked baggage (or carried as an extra seat purchase for fragile items). Confirm with Bahamasair before travel as instrument handling is not separately published.
VAT note. Domestic baggage fees add 10% VAT; international fees are generally quoted without it. Always reconfirm at the airport, as published rates can change.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a checked bag on Bahamasair?
On domestic Bahamas flights the first checked bag is free. On international flights (Florida, the Caribbean and Cuba) the first checked bag is $35. A second bag is $55, a third $95, and a fourth or more $125 each. Domestic fees add 10% VAT.
What is the Bahamasair carry-on size and weight limit?
One carry-on up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and a maximum of 20 lb (about 9 kg) is allowed free in every fare. You may also bring a personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag or coat in addition.
What is the checked baggage weight limit on Bahamasair?
Each checked bag may weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg) and measure up to 62 inches (158 cm) total. Bags from 50 to 70 lb are accepted for an extra $50, but nothing over 70 lb (32 kg) is accepted — you must split it into two bags.
Does Bahamasair's cheapest fare include a checked bag?
Yes on domestic routes — the first checked bag is free even on the lowest economy fare, along with the free carry-on. On international routes the first checked bag costs a flat $35, which is still included as a standard option rather than a stripped-out extra.
How many bags does Bahamasair Business Class include?
Business Class includes two free checked bags, each up to 50 lb (23 kg), versus the one-bag economy allowance. The carry-on allowance is the same as economy.
How much does a bicycle or sports equipment cost on Bahamasair?
A bicycle costs $125 and must be in a hard-sided case. Other sports equipment (golf, dive gear, etc.) is treated as a standard checked bag and charged at the normal piece rate within the weight and size limits.
Does Bahamasair charge VAT on baggage fees?
Yes. Domestic baggage fees add 10% VAT on top of the listed price. International baggage fees are generally quoted without VAT, but always reconfirm at the airport as rates can change.