Jetstar to Charge for Overhead Luggage and Scrap Free 7kg Carry-On Limit

The budget airline said the policy change aims to speed up boarding times and reduce gate stress, introducing new fees ranging from $25 to $52 depending on the route.

Passengers booking Jetstar’s cheapest fares will soon face a major shake-up to how they pack for domestic and international flights. Rather than including an overhead-bound suitcase in the base ticket price, the budget carrier will remove the 7kg weight limit for carry-on bags, shifting to a system that restricts free belongings to a single under-seat item.

New Under-Seat Rules and Priority Fees

Under the new model, every standard booking will include one small bag—such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag—measuring up to 40 by 30 by 20 centimetres, which must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Travelers carrying an infant will be allowed an extra under-seat bag for baby items at no additional cost.

These overhead bags will be restricted to 56 by 36 by 23 centimetres. While the airline will no longer routinely weigh cabin baggage at the gate, it will still ask customers to keep their overhead items under 10kg so they can lift them safely into the lockers.

Route Pricing and International Routes

The cost of the priority carry-on add-on varies depending on the destination and distance of the flight. According to examples provided in a list by Jetstar, domestic one-way routes start at $25, while longer international flights scale up significantly.

Route Example	Additional Carry-On Cost
Launceston to Sydney	$25
Sydney to Melbourne	$33
Cairns to Tokyo	Up to $52

Jetstar’s checked baggage policy remains unchanged, allowing passengers to purchase checked luggage allowances for up to 40kg per traveler.

Why Jetstar Says the Policy Is Changing

The airline stated that extensive research and feedback from both customers and crew pointed to gate-weighing and locker hunts as major pain points. Executive leadership defended the overhaul as a measure to improve punctuality and align with international standards.

Generic image of a JetStar plane — Photo: abc.net.au

Tully added that the adjustment is similar to other leading low-fares carriers around the world and helps the company manage cabin space more efficiently. 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, she said, emphasizing that travelers only pay for what they use.

Industry Context and Political Pushback

Not everyone welcomes the new fee structure. Independent senator David Pocock criticized the airline’s decision during an appearance on television, arguing that carriers should focus on operational performance rather than shifting costs onto passengers in a market with limited competition.

Jetstar to Charge for Overhead Luggage and Scrap Free 7kg Carry-On Limit — Photo: AFR

We've seen so little action from the government to hold airlines to account, Pocock said, pointing to a lack of choice and competition in the domestic aviation market.