Jetstar unveiled changes to its carry-on baggage policy set to take effect in February 2027, eliminating the existing 7-kilogram weight restriction on carry-on bags while introducing new fee structures for overhead locker access.
Under the revised policy, base ticket fares will include only one underseat bag such as a backpack or laptop case. Passengers wishing to store a second, larger bag in the overhead locker must purchase the airline’s “Priority Carry-on” option, which also includes priority boarding privileges. The airline indicated pricing will vary by route length, citing examples of $25 for a Launceston-to-Sydney flight, $33 for Sydney-to-Melbourne, and from $52 for Cairns-to-Tokyo routes. Third-party verification found overhead bag fees reaching $86 on certain international routes.
Jetstar stated the change follows customer and crew feedback identifying gate baggage weighing and overhead locker congestion as stressful elements of airport experiences. The airline framed the modification as improving operational efficiency by optimizing overhead locker usage, streamlining boarding procedures, and enhancing on-time departure rates. The carrier removed the requirement for routine cabin baggage scales but still recommends passengers keep carry-on bags to 10 kilograms for safe manual lifting. Size restrictions remain in place, with underseat bags limited to 40 × 30 × 20 centimeters and overhead bags to 56 × 36 × 23 centimeters.
Jetstar characterized the model as consistent with practices among major low-cost carriers globally. However, the airline did not announce corresponding reductions in base fares, prompting government scrutiny. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Catherine King stated the government expected Jetstar to demonstrate that the changes maintain affordable ticket pricing and called for airlines to display service inclusions transparently during the booking process to prevent passenger surprises at airports.
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