Key facts
- Jetstar will charge up to $52 for passengers to place carry-on baggage in overhead lockers.
- The airline is removing the 7kg carry-on weight limit starting February 2027.
- A standard booking will include one underseat bag; a 'Priority Carry-on' option will allow for a larger overhead bag.
- Size restrictions will apply: underseat bags up to 40x30x20cm, and overhead bags up to 56x36x23cm.
- The airline aims to streamline boarding and improve overhead locker space utilization.
Jetstar is set to implement a significant change to its carry-on baggage policy in February 2027, introducing charges for passengers wishing to place bags in overhead lockers. The budget airline will remove its 7kg weight limit for carry-on items but will enforce size restrictions, with a standard booking including one underseat bag. Passengers requiring additional space for an overhead bag will need to purchase a 'Priority Carry-on' option, with prices varying by route, potentially reaching up to $52.
According to Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully, the change is a response to customer and crew feedback identifying gate weighing and overhead locker space as stressful aspects of air travel. The new model aims to streamline boarding processes and ensure more flights depart on time by managing overhead locker usage more effectively. The airline stated this approach is similar to other low-cost carriers globally, offering customers more choice and allowing them to pay only for the baggage space they need.
While the 7kg weight limit is being removed, passengers will still be advised to keep their carry-on bags to a maximum of 10kg to ensure they can safely lift them into the lockers themselves. The underseat bag allowance has dimensions of up to 40x30x20cm, while the optional overhead bag can be up to 56x36x23cm. Checked baggage allowances remain unchanged and are available for purchase separately.