Australian budget airline Jetstar will start charging passengers for carry-on baggage in overhead compartments from February 2027, in a move that reflects commercial aviation practices in Europe and the United States.
The change to the terms of carriage means the only free cabin luggage for future Jetstar flyers will be items small enough to stow under the seat in front. That could include a small handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack, in line with specified dimensions, Jetstar said.
Putting carry-on luggage up to a maximum of 10kg into the overhead cabin compartments will begin at a price of AUD$25 (around €15) one way, depending on the route flown, with a longer flight such as Cairns to Tokyo costing AUD$52.
While opposition politicians like senator Bridget McKenzie slammed the baggage charges as a “cash grab,” the good news for travellers who find it hard to travel light is that the 10kg locker limit actually represents a 43% increase in the carry-on weight limit, currently 7kg and due to be scrapped when the new rules come into effect.
In implementing this shift, Jetstar will become the first and only Australian or New Zealand airline so far to make passengers pay for using overhead cabin lockers. Other regional carriers have, however, already brought in auxiliary fees for options such as checked luggage, in-flight entertainment, menus, and seat selection.
Industry commentators expect the new Jetstar regime to cause some upset among antipodean customers. “It will ruffle feathers because Australian travelers have got such high expectations,” said Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com. “For such a long time they lived in a bubble of full-service options only.”
Petersen also questioned whether the extra cost would be a step too far for customers given that “Jetstar’s starting price is generally well above what Ryanair or Wizz Air can offer” due to the “level of competition and because wages, taxes and operating costs sit much higher here.”
But Jetstar has defended the change, saying it would usher in a smoother boarding process and cut chaos at gates as it would eliminate the practice of weighing bags at the gate.
“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,” Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said in a statement, adding: “From February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on.”
