Jetstar will charge passengers up to $52 to put carry-on baggage in the overhead locker, in a major change to the budget airline’s carry-on rules. The airline said it would remove the 7kg weight limit for carry-on bags from February 2027, although size restrictions will remain.
The airline announced the change in a press release on Wednesday morning, saying it followed extensive research and feedback from customers and crew. Jetstar said they had consistently identified bags being weighed at the gate and the struggle to find room in overhead lockers as among the most stressful parts of the airport experience.
“We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew,” the CEO of Jetstar, Stephanie Tully, said.
Under the new policy, all bookings will include one underseat bag such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag. Customers who want additional carry-on baggage will be able to pay a “Priority Carry-on” fee, which includes a second, larger bag for the overhead locker and priority boarding.
The airline said the size-based carry-on model is “similar to other leading low-fares carriers around the world”.
“From February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on,” Tully said.
“By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time.
“Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need – travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”
Jetstar said prices for Priority Carry-on will depend on the flight. The fee will be $25 for Launceston to Sydney, $33 for Sydney to Melbourne, and up to $52 for Cairns to Tokyo. The airline also said customers who need more carry-on baggage can pay the fee to be among the first to board.
Jetstar will no longer routinely use cabin baggage scales, but it will still ask customers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg so they can safely lift them themselves. The airline said the main requirement from February will be bag size rather than weight.
Customers travelling with an infant will be able to take an extra underseat bag for baby items at no extra cost. Underseat bags can be up to 40 × 30 × 20cm, while overhead bags can be up to 56 × 36 × 23cm.
There are no changes to Jetstar’s checked baggage allowance, which remains purchasable for up to 40kg per passenger.
What will passengers get under the new rules?
All bookings will include one underseat bag, such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag. If passengers want a second bag for the overhead locker, they will need to buy Priority Carry-on.
How much will Priority Carry-on cost?
Prices vary by route, with Jetstar setting the fee at $25 for Launceston to Sydney, $33 for Sydney to Melbourne, and up to $52 for Cairns to Tokyo.
Will Jetstar still weigh bags at the gate?
Jetstar said it will no longer routinely use cabin baggage scales, but it will still ask customers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg so they can safely lift them themselves.
What other baggage rules are changing?
The airline said there are no changes to checked baggage, which can still be purchased for up to 40kg per passenger. It also said the new carry-on model will apply from February 2027, with size restrictions remaining in place for both underseat and overhead bags.
Key Facts
- Jetstar will charge up to $52 for carry-on baggage in the overhead locker.
- The 7kg carry-on weight limit will be removed from February 2027, but size limits will remain.
- All bookings will include one underseat bag at no extra cost.
- Priority Carry-on prices include $25 for Launceston to Sydney, $33 Sydney to Melbourne, and up to $52 for Cairns to Tokyo.
- Checked baggage allowance remains unchanged and can be purchased for up to 40kg per passenger.
