In a groundbreaking move for budget travelers in Australia, Jetstar has announced an upcoming change that will transform how passengers travel light—or not. Beginning in February 2027, the airline will implement a fee for those who wish to place items in the overhead compartments, potentially ending the chaotic scramble for space that frequent fliers know all too well.
This decision follows feedback highlighting the anxiety-inducing moments of having bags weighed at the gate and the rush to secure a spot in the overhead bins, Jetstar revealed in a Wednesday statement. With this update, the airline joins the trend already popular among low-cost carriers in the U.S. and Europe, where customers pay for overhead luggage space.
However, travelers can still bring certain items for free, provided they fit comfortably under the seat. Jetstar clarified that personal items like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack would remain free of charge. Should passengers opt to use the overhead space, costs will start at 25 Australian dollars (approximately $18) per trip, with the fee adjusting according to the journey’s length.
In a fresh twist, Jetstar plans to allow bags up to 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds) in the overhead compartments, and these will no longer be checked for weight at boarding time. Moreover, Jetstar will relax the current 7-kilogram (15 pounds) limit for the small bags placed under the seats.
Aviation companies in Australia and New Zealand have previously introduced charges for checked luggage, seat selections, and even some onboard services. An industry expert pointed out that, in asking for overhead locker fees, Jetstar is setting a new precedent in the region.
“It will ruffle feathers because Australian travelers have got such high expectations,” said Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com. “For such a long time they lived in a bubble of full-service options only.”
Jetstar said the change would reduce frustrations at boarding gates.
“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,” Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said in a statement.
She added that the move would ensure customers only paid for what they needed. Petersen, however, said Jetstar’s base fares remained higher than those of low-budget carriers in Europe that had brought in similar policies.
“Jetstar’s starting price is generally well above what Ryanair or Wizz Air can offer, largely because Australia lacks that level of competition and because wages, taxes and operating costs sit much higher here,” she said.
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