Jetstar Charges Up to A$52 for Overhead Bags From February 2027

Jetstar will start charging passengers A$25 to A$52 to store carry-on bags in overhead lockers from February 2, 2027. The budget airline is scrapping its 7kg weight limit and will no longer weigh bags at check-in. Passengers will receive one free under-seat bag, but anything larger requires a paid Priority Carry-on spot. The move has triggered backlash on social media, though aviation experts say it aligns with low-cost carrier business models worldwide.

What changes on February 2, 2027

All Jetstar bookings will include one free under-seat bag measuring up to 40cm by 30cm by 20cm, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop case. Passengers wanting overhead locker space must pre-purchase a Priority Carry-on spot, which also includes priority boarding. The airline will no longer routinely weigh carry-on bags at the gate but asks passengers to keep overhead items to 10kg so they can lift them safely. Sizing units will be available at airports and boarding gates.

How much will it cost

Priority Carry-on fees start at A$25 for shorter flights like Launceston to Sydney and scale up by route length. A Sydney to Melbourne flight costs A$33, while Cairns to Tokyo costs from A$52 one-way. Guardian Australia found overhead baggage on a Melbourne to Tokyo return trip would cost A$86 outbound and A$108 on the return flight on February 20. Jetstar acknowledged fees may vary based on demand.

Why Jetstar made the change

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the changes would streamline boarding and help flights depart on time by removing the need to weigh bags at the gate. Travel commentator Adele Eliseo said the move makes sense for a low-cost carrier, creating another revenue opportunity from a service passengers previously received as part of their ticket price. Swinburne University aviation expert Salim Hijazeen noted the fee-for-service model is standard for budget airlines and no different in principle to paying extra for seat selection or checked baggage.

Passenger reaction and broader trend

Social media users have expressed outrage, with some joking that Jetstar will soon charge for toilet use. Jetstar has not indicated that base fares will decrease despite passengers receiving less included in their ticket. The move reflects airlines’ efforts to boost ancillary revenue as fuel prices rise. Qantas is also facing pressure to cut costs, with reports in early August that it is considering offshoring up to 1,000 jobs to India as part of an AI deal with Accenture.

Final Thoughts

Jetstar’s overhead baggage fee marks a shift toward unbundled pricing for Australian budget travel. Passengers booking from February 2027 should budget an extra A$25 to A$52 per flight for overhead storage or pack light for under-seat carry-on only.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.