Key facts
- Jetstar will charge up to A$52 for carry-on baggage in overhead lockers starting February 2027.
- Standard fares will include only one under-seat bag.
- An optional 'Priority Carry-on' service will be available for larger overhead bags.
- The policy aims to improve on-time departures and overhead locker utilization.
- The new policy aligns with practices of other low-cost carriers.
Jetstar will begin charging passengers for carry-on baggage stored in overhead lockers, with prices ranging from A$25 to A$52 depending on the flight route, effective February 2027. The budget airline is removing its previous 7kg carry-on weight limit, instead allowing one underseat bag as standard with bookings. An optional 'Priority Carry-on' service will be available for passengers wishing to use overhead locker space for larger bags.
Consumer advocates criticize the move as an "easy cash grab" that obscures the true cost of airfares and makes comparisons difficult. Graeme Hughes, a consumer expert, noted that add-on costs obscure the checkout price, while Andy Kelly of Choice highlighted the cumulative cost of various fees. Dr. Ian Douglas from UNSW noted that while common among European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, it represents a shift for Jetstar.
The EU has mandated that airfares must be inclusive of carry-on luggage at the outset of booking to facilitate price comparisons. Jetstar claims the change, which aligns with other global low-fare carriers, helps keep fares low by allowing passengers to pay only for what they need. The airline cited customer and crew feedback identifying gate weigh-ins and locker space competition as stressful aspects of air travel. Size restrictions will apply to both underseat and overhead bags.