Budget Australian airline Jetstar will begin charging passengers for storing carry-on bags in overhead compartments starting February 2, 2027, as part of a major overhaul of its cabin baggage policy, according to Foxbusiness. Under the new rules, travelers purchasing the airline’s lowest fares will receive one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of them at no charge, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or backpack, as reported by Mothership.
Jetstar to Introduce Overhead Bag Fees in 2027
Passengers who wish to store a larger cabin bag in the overhead lockers must pre-purchase a Priority Carry-on
option. One-way fees will range from A$25 to A$52 ($18 to $37 USD) depending on the specific route, according to ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Specific examples of one-way charges include A$33 for flights between Sydney and Melbourne, A$39 for Perth to Bali, and A$52 for Cairns to Tokyo’s Narita Airport, as detailed by Mothership.
Changes to Weight Limits and Boarding Procedures
Along with the fee structure, Jetstar is altering its weight limitations. Bags stowed in the overhead compartments can weigh up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds), replacing the current combined two-item limit of 7 kilograms (15 pounds), according to Nbclosangeles and NINE. Airline staff will no longer weigh bags at the boarding gate, removing a process that company officials noted was a frequent source of traveler stress, as reported by Foxbusiness. The pre-purchase Priority Carry-on option also includes early boarding access.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully stated in a company release that the policy shift is designed to reduce boarding gate frustrations. 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,
Tully said, adding that the model ensures customers only pay for what you need
according to Foxbusiness.
Industry Context and Reactions
The announcement makes Jetstar the first carrier in the region to charge specifically for overhead locker space, joining ultra-low-cost airlines in the United States and Europe that utilize similar fee structures, according to Foxbusiness and ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation. While international budget operators like Ryanair and Wizz Air offer lower base fares, industry analysts note that Australian operating costs and a lack of direct low-cost domestic competitors keep Jetstar’s starting prices higher, as reported by Nbclosangeles.
The decision drew immediate public and political scrutiny. Australian opposition Senator Bridget McKenzie characterized the adjustments as a “cash grab” on social media, while Federal Transport Minister Catherine King stated that airlines must clearly disclose any additional fees at the time of ticket purchase to prevent airport surprises, according to Foxbusiness. Meanwhile, major domestic carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia have not implemented separate charges for overhead compartment usage, continuing to include cabin baggage in standard economy fares, as noted by ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
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