Jetstar Airways will begin charging passengers to store carry-on luggage in overhead lockers starting in February 2027 [1], [5].
The policy change removes a long-standing free allowance, potentially increasing the cost of travel for millions of passengers who rely on overhead storage. This shift reflects a broader trend among budget airlines to unbundle services and generate additional ancillary revenue.
Under the new rules, the previous free carry-on allowance of seven kg [6] will be eliminated. Passengers who wish to use the overhead lockers must pay a fee that starts at A$25 for short flights [2] and can reach a maximum of A$52 [1].
Jetstar said the change aligns its policy with other low-fare carriers worldwide [1], [5]. The airline is moving toward a model where only a small item placed under the seat remains free of charge.
To qualify as a free under-seat bag, the luggage must measure less than 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm [3]. Any bag exceeding these dimensions that requires overhead storage must meet the maximum allowed size of 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, including wheels and handles [4].
Passengers at Brisbane Airport expressed mixed reactions to the announcement [1]. While some travelers viewed the move as an expected evolution of the low-cost carrier model, others criticized the airline for adding costs to basic travel needs.
Jetstar said the new fee structure helps the company generate additional revenue [1], [5]. The airline has not specified if these fees will fluctuate based on demand or route distance beyond the initial pricing for short-haul flights.
“Jetstar will begin charging passengers for storing carry-on luggage in overhead lockers.”
This move signals a complete transition for Jetstar into a 'pure' low-cost carrier model where almost every amenity beyond the seat is monetized. By removing the seven-kilogram free limit, Jetstar is mirroring the aggressive pricing strategies of European budget airlines, which likely indicates a strategy to offset rising operational costs by shifting the financial burden to passengers.
