Jetstar’s biggest cabin baggage shake-up in years is dividing travellers

Jetstar is preparing to rewrite one of the most familiar rules of budget air travel, and not everyone is happy about it.

On 5 August 2026, the Qantas-owned low-cost airline announced a major overhaul of its cabin baggage policy, introducing a paid system for overhead locker access while limiting free baggage to a single under-seat item. The changes will officially take effect from 2 February 2027 on Jetstar Airways (JQ) flights.

While the airline says the new model will reduce boarding delays, improve on-time performance and eliminate stressful baggage weigh-ins, critics argue it represents another step in the growing trend of airlines charging passengers for services that were once considered standard.

As the debate continues, here’s everything travellers need to know.

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What exactly is changing under Jetstar’s new carry-on baggage policy?

For years, Jetstar passengers travelling in economy were entitled to a free combined 7 kg carry-on allowance, usually spread across two cabin bags.

Beginning 2 February 2027, that system disappears.

Instead, every economy passenger will receive one free under-seat bag only. That bag can include a backpack, handbag or laptop bag, provided it fits within the maximum dimensions of:

• 40 × 30 × 20 cm

Passengers wanting to bring a larger cabin bag into the overhead lockers must now purchase Priority Carry-on.

The optional add-on allows:

• One additional cabin bag
• Maximum dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm (including wheels and handles)
• Priority boarding after Business Class passengers
• Guaranteed access to overhead locker space before passengers travelling only with under-seat bags

Unlike the previous system, Jetstar says no individual cabin bag can weigh more than 10 kg, and travellers must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker themselves.

Another notable change is that Jetstar will stop routinely weighing cabin baggage at departure gates. Instead, the focus shifts primarily to bag size, with baggage sizers remaining available at airports.

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Jetstar Priority Carry-on prices vary depending on route and demand

The new add-on won’t have a fixed price.

Jetstar confirmed that Priority Carry-on pricing will be dynamic, meaning the cost depends on both the route and demand.

Official starting prices include:

Route	Starting Price (One-Way)
Launceston – Sydney	A$25
Sydney – Melbourne	A$33
Perth – Bali	A$39
Cairns – Tokyo	A$52

However, actual prices may be significantly higher.

Checks of Jetstar’s website around the announcement showed Melbourne–Tokyo bookings in early February 2027 charging approximately A$86 outbound and A$108 return.

Checked baggage rules remain unchanged, with passengers still able to purchase allowances of up to 40 kg.

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Existing bookings won’t lose their current baggage benefits

Travellers who already booked flights before the announcement have not been left behind.

Anyone holding an eligible booking made before 5 August 2026 for travel after 2 February 2027 will automatically receive Priority Carry-on at no additional cost.

Passengers who previously paid for the airline’s +7 kg carry-on upgrade will also receive refunds.

Other exceptions include:

• Business Class passengers continue receiving both an under-seat bag and overhead cabin bag without extra charges.
• Customers travelling with an infant receive an additional free under-seat bag for baby essentials.
• Jetstar Japan (GK) will continue operating under its existing baggage policy for now.
• Passengers travelling across the policy changeover may have different baggage allowances on separate flight legs.

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Jetstar says the changes came directly from customer feedback

Jetstar insists the move is about making travel smoother rather than simply generating additional revenue.

According to CEO Stephanie Tully, research involving customers and cabin crew identified gate baggage weigh-ins and competition for overhead locker space as two of the most stressful parts of the airport experience.

“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. 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.” — Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully

Jetstar also pointed to similar baggage models already used by major European low-cost airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air, saying the system better matches international budget airline practices.

The airline has also faced pressure to improve punctuality, having ranked as Australia’s lowest-performing airline for on-time departures in recent data released around the announcement.

Critics call the move another airline “cash grab”

Despite Jetstar’s explanation, public reaction has been overwhelmingly divided.

Political figures criticised the decision as another example of airlines unbundling services while maintaining attractive headline fares.

A spokesperson for Transport Minister Catherine King said Jetstar should demonstrate that the policy genuinely helps keep fares lower and emphasised that airlines should clearly communicate what is included so passengers are not surprised at the airport.

Opposition figures described the change as an “easy cash grab.”

Online, many travellers responded with sarcasm, joking that airlines could eventually start charging passengers to use onboard toilets. Others admitted that, despite their frustration, they would likely continue flying Jetstar because its base fares remain among the cheapest available.

An opinion column published the following day reflected a broader sense of passenger frustration, describing Jetstar flights as already involving crowded cabins, strict rule enforcement, limited amenities and occasional onboard disorder. The piece argued that the new baggage fee simply adds another “humiliating ritual” to the budget flying experience and suggested the airline knows price-conscious travellers will continue booking regardless.

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Why this baggage policy could signal a bigger shift in budget airlines

Jetstar’s announcement reflects a wider global movement among low-cost airlines to separate basic fares from optional extras.

Charging for cabin baggage has become a major source of ancillary revenue across the aviation industry, while regulators—particularly in Europe—have increasingly pushed for clearer pricing and more transparent display of what is included in advertised fares.

Whether Jetstar’s new model genuinely improves boarding efficiency and on-time performance or simply increases the overall cost of travelling will become much clearer after the policy comes into force in February 2027.

For now, one thing is certain: overhead locker space has officially become something passengers may need to pay for.

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Disclaimer

This article is based on thorough research and verified reporting from The Guardian (business reporting and James Colley opinion, 5–6 August 2026), Sydney Morning Herald, news.com.au, Jetstar official website and partner communications (carry-on baggage pages and announcement materials), Reuters, SBS News, RNZ, Fox Business, The New York Times, and Aerospace Global News.

Sources:

• The Guardian (James Colley opinion piece)
• The Guardian (Jetstar carry-on fee announcement reporting)
• Sydney Morning Herald (Detailed policy explanation)

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