Jetstar will introduce a new carry on baggage system that requires passengers on its lowest fares to pay to place a bag in the overhead locker.
From 2 February 2027, every Jetstar Airways booking will include one small bag that must fit beneath the seat in front, with maximum dimensions of 40cm by 30cm by 20cm.
Passengers wanting to bring a second or larger cabin bag will need to purchase a new Priority Carry on option, which includes space for an overhead bag measuring up to 56cm by 36cm by 23cm and priority boarding.
Prices will vary according to the route and demand, starting at $25 each way. Examples provided by Jetstar include $33 between Sydney and Melbourne, $39 between Perth and Bali and $52 between Cairns and Tokyo.
The change effectively removes a standard overhead cabin bag from Jetstar’s lowest fares, although the airline is also scrapping its current combined 7kg carry on limit.
Under the new size based model, individual bags may weigh up to 10kg, with Jetstar saying it will no longer routinely weigh cabin baggage at departure gates. Passengers must still be able to lift their own bags into the overhead locker.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the changes followed feedback from passengers and crew about two of the most stressful parts of the airport experience: having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find space in overhead lockers.
“We know that weighing carry on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew,” Tully said.
“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.”
Priority Carry on will be available as a paid extra and included with selected Economy bundles. However, availability will be limited on each flight. Passengers who arrive at the gate with an additional bag may be able to purchase the option if space remains. Otherwise, the bag may need to be checked and additional airport charges will apply.
Qantas Classic Flight Reward bookings on Jetstar will include Priority Carry on in the fare at no extra cost, alongside the existing complimentary checked baggage allowance. Club Jetstar members will receive a 20% discount on baggage fees as a membership benefit. Passengers travelling with infants will be entitled to an additional free underseat bag for baby items.
Travel agents will need to pay particular attention to itineraries spanning the changeover date. Flights departing before 2 February 2027 will continue to use Jetstar’s existing 7kg or 14kg carry on allowances, while flights departing on or after that date will use the new system. This could mean different baggage rules applying to the outbound and return sectors of the same booking.
Customers who booked before 5 August 2026 for travel from 2 February 2027 will receive Priority Carry on at no additional cost. Jetstar says passengers who had already paid for an additional 7kg allowance on an affected booking will receive a refund.
The new rules apply to flights operated by Jetstar Airways under the JQ code. Jetstar Japan flights will retain their existing carry on allowances.
