Jetstar is changing its carry-on policy in a way that will cost travelers more. Starting in February 2027, the Australian budget airline will drop its 7kg carry-on weight limit, but passengers will have to pay a new “Priority Carry-on” fee to store a bag overhead. CEO Stephanie Tully announced the change on Wednesday, Aug. 5, saying it gives customers more choice over what they pay for.
Base Fares Now Cover Only an Underseat Bag
Under the new system, a standard ticket includes just one underseat bag, such as a backpack, handbag or laptop case, measuring up to 40 by 30 by 20 centimeters. Anyone wanting to bring a larger bag for the overhead locker must pay extra. The fee scales with flight length: $25 for Launceston to Sydney, $33 for Sydney to Melbourne, and from $52 for Cairns to Tokyo, Jetstar said.
Gate Scales Are Going Away, but a Weight Guideline Remains
Jetstar will no longer routinely weigh carry-on bags at the gate, ending a practice the airline said was one of the most stressful parts of flying. Even so, the airline is asking customers to keep overhead bags to 10kg so they can lift them into the locker themselves. Overhead bags can measure up to 56 by 36 by 23 centimeters under the new size-based rules.
One Route Shows Just How Much the New Fee Can Add Up
The Guardian tested Jetstar’s website for a Melbourne to Tokyo itinerary in February 2027 and found the overhead bag fee alone came to $86 for the outbound flight on February 6. The return leg on February 20 cost an additional $108. Jetstar has not said fares will drop to offset the new charge, meaning many travelers could end up paying more overall.
Jetstar’s CEO Says the Model Keeps Fares Low
Stephanie Tully, Jetstar’s chief executive, said the changes are meant to streamline boarding and cut delays. “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,” she added, noting that travelers who pack light will pay less than those who need more space.
Australia’s Transport Minister Wants Proof Fares Will Stay Low
The office of Transport Minister Catherine King said Jetstar needs to back up its claims. “Jetstar claim this change is to keep fares affordable, it will be up to them to demonstrate that to passengers,” a spokesperson said. Officials also said airlines generally should be clear about what services are included when tickets are purchased, so passengers face no surprises once they reach the airport.
Critics Call the New Fee a Cash Grab
Not everyone is convinced by Jetstar’s explanation. Australian opposition Senator Bridget McKenzie criticized the new policy on social media, calling it a “cash grab,” according to Fox Business. Fees for baggage, seat selection and priority boarding already make up a growing share of revenue for budget carriers worldwide, and consumer groups argue advertised base fares often obscure the true cost of flying.
Europe Is Already Fighting Over Overhead Bin Fees
Jetstar’s new policy adds to a fight already playing out in Europe, where many budget airlines charge for overhead bins. In January, the European Parliament voted to guarantee passengers two free carry-on items, a small case plus an underseat bag. After airlines pushed back, the European Council instead required carriers, booking platforms and search engines to display fares that include carry-on luggage from the start of booking.
Extra Fees Have Become a Growing Revenue Stream
Jetstar told investors it saw “continued strength in ancillary revenue” in its last full-year financial results, without disclosing an exact figure. Ancillary revenue covers income airlines generate beyond ticket sales, from checked bags to seat selection, cancellation rights and in-flight food. The pricing strategy lets airlines advertise a cut-price base fare while collecting more from travelers who need extras once they book.
What Else Is Changing, and What Isn’t
A few more details complete Jetstar’s new policy. Travelers flying with an infant can bring an extra underseat bag for baby items at no charge, and checked baggage rules are untouched, still purchasable for up to 40kg per passenger. Jetstar says the changes followed feedback from customers and crew who called gate weigh-ins and cramped overhead lockers among the most stressful parts of flying.
