Jetstar announced a new baggage pricing structure that will take effect next year, under which passengers will only receive one underseat bag included with their ticket. Any additional carry-on luggage placed in overhead bins will incur extra fees that vary based on flight length and destination, potentially exceeding $100 for international routes.
The shift represents the latest development in airline pricing strategies that bundle previously included services into separate add-on charges. Passengers already face fees for seat selection, baggage cancellation protection, and meals. Consumer advocates argue these practices make it difficult for travelers to compare fares across carriers and understand the full cost of travel. Graeme Hughes, a consumer expert at Griffith University, noted that while airlines advertise low base fares, the additional costs accumulate during the booking process. Andy Kelly of the advocacy group Choice characterized the policy as a straightforward revenue extraction tactic that complicates consumer decision-making.
Jetstar framed the change as aligning with low-cost carriers globally and keeping base fares competitive by allowing customers to pay only for services they use. The airline cited European carriers including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Eurowings as precedents, all of which charge carry-on fees ranging from approximately €12 to €36. In comparison, major U.S. low-cost carriers like JetBlue and Southwest typically include both a personal item and carry-on bag with base fares.
The European Union recently mandated that airlines, booking platforms, and search engines display fares inclusive of carry-on baggage from the outset of booking to improve price transparency and comparability. Dr. Ian Douglas of the University of New South Wales expressed concern about Jetstar following the Ryanair model, noting that Jetstar serves different routes than its parent company Qantas and occupies a distinct market position.
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