Cayman Airways Updates Checked-Bag Fees November 1
Key points
- Cayman Airways increased checked-bag fees for tickets issued on or after November 1, 2025
- First and second bags cost $30 online or in-app, $35 via call center or at the airport
- International economy keeps a 55 lb per bag limit, higher than many competitors' 50 lb
- Business Class still gets three checked bags free; Sister Islands domestic allowances unchanged
- U.S. competitors to Grand Cayman typically charge $35-$45 for first and second bags
Impact
- Verify Fare Benefits
- Check your fare bundle and Sir Turtle status before purchase to see if a free bag applies
- Pay Online
- Buy checked bags in the app or on the website to get the lower $30 rate
- Mind Weight Limit
- Pack to the 55 lb Cayman Airways limit; competitors often cap at 50 lb
- Watch Interline Rules
- Connecting on U.S. carriers may apply their higher fees and 50 lb limits
- Holiday Travel Prep
- Expect fuller flights and pay bag fees in advance to avoid counter lines
Cayman Airways has updated its checked-baggage pricing for tickets issued on or after November 1, 2025. For most international itineraries to and from Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands, the first and second checked bags in economy now cost $30 each when purchased online or in the mobile app, or $35 each if paid by phone or at the airport. The airline retains its 55-pound per-bag allowance, which is higher than the 50-pound standard used by many competitors. Travelers booking holiday trips should confirm inclusions tied to fare brands, loyalty status, and interline connections before they buy.
What changed and who is affected
Cayman Airways' change applies to international jet flights and adds a channel-based price: $30 per bag when paid digitally or $35 when paid through the call center or at check-in. Third and additional bags also rise on international routes, while domestic allowances on jet and prop services between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman are unchanged, including two free checked bags on prop service. Business Class still receives three free checked bags.
Routes and travelers most impacted
The new pricing will be most visible on Cayman Airways' international network, including Miami, Tampa, New York, Denver, Los Angeles, Kingston, Montego Bay, Panama City, Havana, and Honduras gateways. Economy travelers who used to rely on counter purchase should shift to prepaying bags online to capture the $30 price. If your itinerary includes Havana, note CAL's separate limits on the number and weight of pieces on directional flights.
Allowances, status exceptions, and how to avoid surprises
Cayman Airways continues to allow up to 55 lb per checked bag on jet services, which provides five extra pounds compared with many U.S. airlines. Business Class retains three free bags, and Sir Turtle elite benefits from prior announcements continue to include complimentary bags for Gold and Platinum members, though you should always verify your specific ticket's rules at booking. Buying bags in the app or on the web is the cheapest path; overweight (56-70 lb) is $50 per piece and oversize is $75, collected at the counter.
How Cayman compares with U.S. competitors to Grand Cayman
For U.S. airlines that also serve Grand Cayman, typical economy checked-bag fees on Caribbean routes are higher than CAL's online rate. American lists $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second between the U.S. and the Caribbean. United and Delta generally publish $35 for the first and $45-$50 for the second on comparable routes, with variations by prepay channel and fare. These carriers also use a 50-lb weight limit, so bags weighing 51-55 lb that are fine on CAL could trigger overweight fees if the interline portion uses another airline's rules.
Background: who sets the rules on connecting trips
On a single ticket, the "most significant carrier" principle or first-marketing-carrier rule can determine which airline's baggage rules apply end-to-end. If your trip combines Cayman Airways with an American, Delta, United, or JetBlue segment, check the baggage allowance and fees shown at purchase and in your e-ticket. When different rules apply by segment, you may see CAL's $30 digital price outbound but a U.S. carrier's $35-$50 fee and 50-lb limit on the return.
What to do next
Before locking holiday plans, recheck your fare class, Sir Turtle benefits, and any co-branded card perks. Prepay checked bags in the Cayman Airways app to get the $30 rate and avoid counter lines. If you are interlining with a U.S. carrier, confirm that airline's fees and weight limit, and pack to the stricter rule to prevent surprise charges. If you need to travel with heavier items, CAL's 55-lb limit offers a small cushion; above that, factor in the published $50 overweight charge to budget accurately.