Jetstar says its ‘priority carry-on’ will cost between $25 and $52 and will be subject to availability. Photo: Jetstar.
Qantas low-cost subsidiary Jetstar has announced it will charge passengers for most carry-on luggage from February next year.
Jetstar passengers are currently able to travel with an up to 7 kg carry-on bag that fits in an overhead locker or under a seat for free.
The move will see passengers pay between $25 and $52 to pre-purchase ‘priority carry-on’ which will give priority boarding and overhead locker space to store small suitcases, backpacks, and other items weighing up to 10 kg and complying with dimensions of 56×36×23 cm on all Jetstar flights.
Smaller items such as handbags, laptop bags, and small backpacks will continue to be allowed to be carried for free, as long as they comply with dimensions of 40×30×20 cm, there is one item per passenger, and they are stored underneath the seat in front.
Priority carry-on will be subject to availability, although the airline hasn’t revealed what conditions would affect the availability.
Prices will vary depending on the routes it is offered on – examples include Launceston to Sydney from $25, Adelaide to Brisbane from $26, Sydney to Melbourne from $33, Perth to Bali from $39, and Cairns to Tokyo from $52.
The new fees won’t be applied to passengers already holding bookings for travel after the 2 February 2027 start date.
The airline will no longer regularly use luggage scales to weigh carry-on luggage at the gate, but says the 10 kg limit has been imposed so passengers can safely lift items into and out of overhead lockers themselves.
Jetstar says the change has been made after what is says was “extensive research and feedback from customers and crew”. It says that feedback consistently identified having to get carry-on bags weighed at the gate and sometimes not being able to find overhead storage after boarding as a stressful element of flying.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said having to weigh carry-on bags at the gate could be frustrating for customers and crew.
“To make packing easier we’ve decided to remove the 7 kg weight limit,” she said.
“So from February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on.
“By giving customers an under-seat 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.
“Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need – travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”
