Cayman Airways Baggage Policy: Carry-On, Checked Bags, Fees & Rules 2026 

Cayman Airways allows economy passengers up to 2 free checked bags on domestic flights, with international checked bags starting at US$30 each (online) for tickets issued on or after November 1, 2025. Each bag must not exceed 55 lbs or 62 linear inches. One carry-on and one personal item are permitted on jet service flights.

Planning a trip through Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, or Little Cayman? Before you zip up your suitcase, it’s worth knowing exactly what Cayman Airways allows and what it costs when you exceed those limits. Baggage policies differ from airline to airline, and even small misunderstandings can result in unexpected fees at the check-in counter.

What Is Cayman Airways Baggage Allowance?

Cayman Airways baggage allowance depends on your class of service, route type (international vs. domestic), and aircraft type (jet vs. propeller). For economy passengers on international jet routes, the standard allowance includes 2 checked bags at US$30 each (when purchased online) and one carry-on bag. Business class travelers receive 3 free checked bags on international routes.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Each checked bag must not exceed 55 lbs in weight or 62 linear inches (length + width + height) in size. Cayman Airways’ 55 lb weight allowance exceeds the industry-standard 50 lb limit, which is a notable advantage for travelers packing heavier gear.

What Are the Cayman Airways Carry-On Baggage Rules?

Cayman Airways carry-on rules allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item on jet service flights. The exact dimensions depend on the type of service. On international jet flights, your carry-on must not exceed 51 linear inches (24″L × 16″W × 11″H). On domestic jet flights, the limit drops slightly to 45 linear inches (24″L × 16″W × 11″H).

Cayman Airways Personal Item Size

Your personal item must fit within 38 linear inches (14″L × 14″W × 10″H) and must not exceed 15 lbs. This applies to both international and domestic jet service.

Qualifying personal items include:

• A briefcase, purse, or day planner
• A small laptop computer or camera case
• A compact disc player or similar personal entertainment device
• Wheelchairs, canes, crutches, braces, prosthetic devices, or walking sticks (if you depend on them)
• One infant article  a small collapsible stroller, diaper bag, or government-approved child seat

What Are the Carry-On Rules for Propeller Flights?

This is where many passengers get caught off guard. On Cayman Airways Express (propeller service) flights between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, you are not permitted a standard carry-on bag. Only one personal item up to 38 linear inches and 15 lbs is allowed. Any excess weight on these routes is charged at US$0.50 per pound (GCM–CYB/LYB) or US$0.25 per pound (CYB–LYB).

What Are the Cayman Airways Baggage Fees?

Cayman Airways Baggage Fees for International Flights

For tickets issued on or after November 1, 2025, Cayman Airways international baggage fees for economy class passengers are as follows:

Pro tip: Pre-paying through the Cayman Airways website or mobile app saves you US$5 per bag on your first two bags. On a round trip with two bags, that’s US$20 back in your pocket.

Business class passengers receive their first 3 bags free on international routes. Bags 4 through 8 are charged at the same rates as economy.

Important exceptions for Havana routes: Flights with Havana (HAV) as the final destination are limited to a maximum of 4 checked pieces total, with each piece not exceeding 70 lbs or 120 linear inches.

Cayman Airways Checked Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights

Economy and business class passengers both enjoy 2 free checked bags on domestic jet service. Additional bags are charged by weight:

• Up to 55 lbs: US$30
• 56–70 lbs: US$60
• 71–99 lbs: US$90

On the domestic propeller service, the 2-bag allowance is shared  meaning the combined weight of both bags cannot exceed 55 lbs.

What Are the Excess and Overweight Baggage Fees?

Excess baggage fees at Cayman Airways are non-negotiable and cannot be waived. Cash is not accepted only debit and credit cards. Excess baggage also travels on a space-available basis, so it’s not guaranteed to be on your flight.

• Overweight bag (56–70 lbs): US$50 per bag
• Overweight bag (71–99 lbs): US$75 per bag
• Oversized bag (>62 in, up to 120 in): US$75 per bag (up to 55 lbs, up to 4 pieces)
• Bags exceeding 99 lbs or 120 linear inches: Not accepted as checked baggage  must be shipped as cargo

What Is the Cayman Airways Liquid Allowance?

Cayman Airways follows standard international security regulations for liquids in carry-on bags. Each liquid container must not exceed 90 ml (3 US ounces), and all containers must fit inside a single clear, zip-top, resealable bag no larger than 20 cm × 20 cm (8″ × 8″) with a capacity no greater than 1 liter.

Additional liquid rules:

• The bag must be completely sealed and screened separately at the security checkpoint
• Exception: Up to 12 oz of liquid hand sanitizer is permitted separately from the 1-liter bag rule
• Duty-free liquids purchased after security screening may be brought on board
• Passengers departing the US or Canada will receive duty-free liquids in a Sealable Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) at the gate

What Items Are Not Allowed on Cayman Airways Flights?

The following items are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage on all Cayman Airways flights, per the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA):

• Flammable liquids and solids
• Oxidizers (e.g., bleaching powder)
• Organic peroxides
• Tear gas devices or gas cylinders
• Infectious substances (e.g., live virus materials)
• Wet-cell car batteries
• Instruments containing mercury or magnets
• Fireworks and non-safety matches
• Fire lighters, lighter fuel, paints, thinners
• Poisons (arsenic, cyanide, weed killer)
• Radioactive materials, acids, corrosives, caustic soda
• Lithium batteries (subject to specific conditions)

What is not allowed into the Cayman Islands specifically? Beyond flight security rules, Cayman Islands customs prohibits or restricts:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (restrictions apply)
• Spear fishing equipment (no spear fishing is permitted in the Cayman Islands)
• Pets from Asia, Africa, or Central and South America (Cayman Airways cannot transport these pets to the Cayman Islands)
• Certain dog breeds (per the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture’s prohibited breed list)
• Public nudity or topless sunbathing (social conduct, not baggage  but worth knowing)

What Are the Rules for Special Baggage Categories?

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Several items can be checked as a single bag in place of one standard piece, counted at the 62-linear-inch equivalent:

• One duffel, sea bag, or B-4 bag
• One knapsack, backpack, or rucksack
• One sleeping bag or bedroll
• Any portable musical instrument (in its case) up to 39 inches in length
• One golf bag with clubs and golf boots
• One complete set of fishing or shooting equipment

Sporting equipment with additional surcharges:

Pet Travel

Cayman Airways accepts domestic dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and captive-caged birds. All pets require a valid health certificate, rabies vaccination records, and any required entry permits.

Pet travel fees:

• International cabin: US$100 per pet, each way
• Domestic cabin: US$25 per pet, each way
• International checked: US$125 per pet, each way
• Domestic checked: US$50 per pet, each way

Note: Cayman Airways cannot transport pets from Asia, Africa, or Central and South America to the Cayman Islands. All pets entering the Cayman Islands require an import permit from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture.

Mobility Aids and Medical Equipment

Assistive devices including electric wheelchairs are accepted even if they exceed 99 lbs. These items travel at no additional charge and do not count against your standard baggage allowance.

Does Cayman Airways Charge for Seat Selection?

Standard seat selection on Cayman Airways is completely free for all passengers. However, as of October 16, 2024, Cayman Airways introduced a Preferred Seat Selection Service, allowing passengers to pay for premium seats such as exit rows and bulkhead seats. The fee varies by route and seat type.

Sir Turtle Rewards Gold, Platinum, and Club members receive complimentary access to preferred seat selection  no extra charge.

What Are the Benefits of Flying Cayman Airways?

Cayman Airways consistently offers advantages that set it apart from other carriers serving the islands:

• Higher weight allowance: 55 lbs per checked bag vs. the industry-standard 50 lbs
• Lowest baggage fees among all airlines serving the Cayman Islands (as confirmed by CAL in its November 2025 fee update announcement)
• Free standard seat selection for all passengers
• Sir Turtle Rewards frequent flyer program: earn miles on every flight, with Gold status at 25,000 miles/year and Platinum at 40,000 miles/year
• Complimentary refreshments on all flights (soft drinks, juices, and snacks)
• Business class upgrades available at check-in from US$50 to US$400 depending on route
• Online bag fee savings: Pre-purchase bags via the website or app and save US$5 per bag vs. airport prices

How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on Cayman Airways

• Pre-pay online or via the app  saves US$5 per bag on your first and second checked bags on international routes
• Weigh your bags at home  keep each bag under 55 lbs to avoid the US$50–$75 overweight fee
• Measure your bags  add length + width + height; keep each under 62 inches total
• Ship scuba gear wisely  a full scuba set counts as one checked bag when properly packed, avoiding separate excess charges
• Enroll in Sir Turtle Rewards  Gold and Platinum members get free preferred seat selection and change fee waivers
• Pack duty-free liquids in checked bags where possible to avoid complications at security

Is Cayman Airways Good?

Cayman Airways is a well-regarded regional carrier with strong loyalty among travelers to and from the Cayman Islands. The airline’s most tangible advantages are its competitive baggage fees, generous 55-lb weight allowance, and free standard seat selection  features that many larger airlines have eliminated entirely. For travelers flying specifically to Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, or Little Cayman, Cayman Airways often provides the most direct routing with some of the most passenger-friendly policies in the Caribbean region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for Cayman Airways bags at the airport?
Yes, but it costs more. Bags paid at the airport or by phone cost US$35 each (1st and 2nd bags on international routes). Paying online or through the app costs US$30 per bag  a US$5 saving per bag.

What happens if my bag weighs between 55 and 70 lbs?
Your bag will be charged an overweight fee of US$50 in addition to any applicable bag fees. Bags between 71 and 99 lbs incur a US$75 overweight fee.

Can I bring a carry-on bag on Cayman Airways propeller flights?
No. On propeller service (Twin Otter or Saab aircraft) between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, only one personal item up to 15 lbs and 38 linear inches is permitted. A standard overhead carry-on is not allowed.

What is the maximum number of bags allowed on Cayman Airways?
Most passengers may check up to 8 bags total, though this may vary by route. Any item exceeding 99 lbs or 120 linear inches cannot be accepted as checked baggage and must be sent as cargo.

Does Cayman Airways allow surfboards?
Yes. Surfboards are accepted as checked baggage for a US$95 surcharge per board, in addition to standard bag fees.

Are there special baggage rules for flights to Havana?
Yes. Flights where Havana is the final destination are limited to a maximum of 4 checked pieces per person. Each piece can weigh up to 70 lbs and measure up to 120 linear inches. Standard bag fees apply.

What liquid hand sanitizer is allowed in carry-on?
Up to 12 US ounces of liquid hand sanitizer is permitted in your carry-on and screened separately. This is an exception to the standard 3-oz rule and does not count against your 1-liter liquid bag.

How are Cayman Airways bags measured?
Bags are measured by adding the length, width, and height using the thickest or widest part of each dimension. The total must not exceed 62 linear inches to avoid oversized fees.

Can I travel with my dog on Cayman Airways?
Yes, if your dog is not on the Cayman Islands’ prohibited breed list and you hold a valid import permit from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture. Pets from Asia, Africa, or Central and South America cannot be transported to the Cayman Islands on Cayman Airways.

Does Cayman Airways accept cash for excess baggage fees?
No. Excess baggage fees must be paid by debit or credit card at the ticket counter. Cash is not accepted.