Jetstar Scraps 7kg Carry-On Limit, Charges Up to $52 for Overhead Bags From February 2027

Jetstar announced on August 5 it will scrap its 7kg carry-on weight limit and charge passengers $25 to $52 for overhead locker access starting February 2, 2027. The budget airline will include only one small underseat bag in all fares, forcing travellers with larger suitcases to pay for Priority Carry-on, which also includes priority boarding. The shift aligns Jetstar with European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Easyjet.

What changes on February 2, 2027

From February 2, 2027, every Jetstar booking will include one free underseat bag measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Travellers wanting to bring a larger suitcase for the overhead locker must purchase Priority Carry-on, which includes priority boarding. The airline will no longer routinely weigh bags at check-in but asks passengers to keep overhead bags to 10kg and within 56cm x 36cm x 23cm dimensions.

How much will overhead baggage cost

Priority Carry-on fees start at $25 one-way for shorter flights like Launceston to Sydney and scale up based on flight length. A Cairns to Tokyo flight costs $52 one-way, with prices varying by demand. The Guardian found Melbourne to Tokyo cost $86 on February 6, 2027, and $108 for the return flight on February 20.

Why Jetstar made this change

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the shift will streamline boarding, reduce delays, and help flights depart on time by eliminating the stress of bags being weighed at gates and passengers competing for overhead space. Swinburne University aviation expert Salim Hijazeen noted the change reflects low-cost carrier fee-for-service models, where passengers pay only for services they need. The policy mirrors practices at Ryanair, Easyjet, and other European budget airlines.

Impact on Australian travellers

Solo travellers on short trips may save money using only the free underseat bag. Families and couples may find checked baggage offers better value than paying Priority Carry-on for multiple passengers. Consumer advocate Adam Glezer told the SMH the airline has made free overhead space scarce and now charges for priority access. Victoria’s Premier Ben Carroll opposed the fee but acknowledged it reflects broader airline pricing trends.

Final Thoughts

Jetstar’s shift to paid overhead baggage aligns it with global low-cost carriers but signals higher total travel costs for Australians carrying standard luggage. Travellers should compare total fares including baggage fees before booking.

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