Jetstar will begin charging passengers a fee to store carry-on luggage in overhead lockers starting in February 2027 [1].
The policy change marks a significant shift in how the Australian budget airline manages cabin space and passenger boarding. By restricting free overhead access, the company aims to reduce the congestion that often occurs when passengers struggle to fit bags into limited locker space.
Jetstar said the new fees will help improve flight punctuality by speeding up the boarding process and reducing turnaround times between flights [1]. Under the new rules, only a small bag intended for under-seat storage will remain free of charge [2]. This free bag must measure less than 40 x 30 x 20 cm [3].
Passengers who wish to use the overhead lockers must pay a fee for bags measuring up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm, including wheels and handles [3]. This change replaces the previous system where passengers could carry a bag for free provided it stayed under a certain weight limit.
As part of this overhaul, the airline has scrapped the previous seven-kg carry-on weight limit [4]. The move shifts the focus from the weight of the luggage to its physical location within the aircraft cabin, either under the seat or in the overhead bin.
The airline has not yet detailed the specific pricing for the overhead locker fees. The policy will apply to Jetstar's domestic and regional flights within Australia [1].
“Jetstar will begin charging passengers a fee to store carry-on luggage in overhead lockers starting in February 2027.”
This move signals a further transition toward an 'unbundled' pricing model, where airlines strip away standard amenities to lower base fares while increasing ancillary revenue. By monetizing overhead space, Jetstar is prioritizing operational efficiency and faster turnaround times over passenger convenience, a trend increasingly common among low-cost carriers globally to combat rising operational costs.
