Jetstar to Charge Passengers for Overhead Bin Space Starting 2027
Budget Australian airline Jetstar is introducing a fee for passengers who want to store carry-on bags in overhead compartments, a change set to take effect in February 2027. The carrier said the decision follows feedback from passengers and staff who identified gate-side bag weighing and the scramble for overhead locker space as major stress points during airport travel.
With this move, Jetstar becomes the latest low-cost carrier to adopt such a payment model, following similar practices already common among budget airlines in the United States and Europe. Passengers will still be able to stow a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits within specified size limits under the seat in front of them at no extra cost. The fee for using overhead compartments will start at 25 Australian dollars (about $18) each way, with the final price depending on the route.
Bags placed in the overhead lockers can weigh up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds), and Jetstar says these bags will no longer be weighed at boarding. The previous 7-kilogram (15-pound) weight limit will be dropped for the small items stored under seats. Airlines across Australia and New Zealand already charge for checked luggage, seat selection, and some onboard dining and entertainment options, but an industry analyst noted that Jetstar is the first to charge for overhead locker use.
“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 says the change aims to reduce boarding frustrations. CEO Stephanie Tully explained that offering an underseat bag with an optional Priority Carry-on add-on would allow better use of overhead space, streamline boarding, and help more flights depart on time. She added that customers would only pay for what they need.
Petersen, however, pointed out that Jetstar’s base fares remain higher than those of low-cost European carriers that have introduced 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.