Jetstar to charge new fees for overhead carry-on baggage

Jetstar to charge new fees for overhead carry-on baggage Wed 5 Aug 2026 at 7:54am Jetstar has announced it will charge passengers to stow carry-on luggage in overhead lockers from next year, allowing only a small under-seat bag at no extra cost. The budget airline is set to scrap its free 7 kilogram carry-on allowance from February 2027, in a move it says is in line with other low-fare carriers globally. The changes will see all bookings allow one small bag such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag to be stored under the seat, while extra carry-on luggage will cost at least $25 per flight. In a statement, Jetstar said feedback had shown that having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers were "the more stressful parts of the airport experience". "We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew," Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said. Ms Tully said the changes would allow for better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time. "Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low,"she said. "You only pay for what you need — travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need." From February 2 next year, overhead carry-on luggage will not be weighed but will be restricted to bags measuring 56x36x23cm. The cost will start at $25 per domestic one-way flight, while the add-on could be an extra $52 for an international flight between Cairns and Tokyo, in a list of examples provided. Under-seat baggage allowance included in every fare will be restricted to bags measuring 40×30×20cm. There are no changes to Jetstar's checked baggage fees, which remain purchasable for up to 40kg per passenger. Customers with existing bookings after February 2, 2027, will be upgraded to include priority carry-on at no cost, the airline's statement said.