Jetstar to charge up to $52 for putting carry-on luggage in overhead lockers
Australian budget airline Jetstar will remove the 7kg carry-on weight limit from February 2027 and introduce a fee of up to $52 for placing larger bags in overhead lockers.
Jetstar has announced major changes to its carry-on baggage rules. Starting in February 2027, the airline will remove the existing 7kg weight limit for carry-on bags, though size restrictions will remain in place.
The company said the change follows extensive research and feedback from customers and crew, who consistently identified weighing bags at the gate and struggling to find overhead locker space as some of the most stressful parts of the airport experience.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the new system will let customers focus mainly on the size of their carry-on. All bookings will now include one underseat bag, such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag.
Passengers who need more carry-on space can pay a "Priority Carry-on" fee, which includes a second, larger bag for the overhead locker and the chance to board among the first. Prices vary by route: $25 for Launceston to Sydney, $33 for Sydney to Melbourne, and up to $52 for Cairns to Tokyo.
The airline notes that this size-based carry-on model is similar to other leading low-cost carriers around the world. Tully stressed that the new model gives customers more choice while helping keep fares low — you only pay for what you need.
Jetstar will no longer routinely weigh cabin baggage, but will still ask passengers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg so they can safely lift them themselves. Passengers travelling with an infant will be allowed an additional underseat bag for baby items at no extra cost.
Underseat bags can be up to 40 × 30 × 20cm, and overhead bags up to 56 × 36 × 23cm. Checked baggage rules remain unchanged, with up to 40kg per passenger still available for purchase.
