Jetstar to charge up to $52 for overhead-locker carry-on bags

Jetstar will charge passengers up to $52 to place carry-on bags in the overhead locker, under a major change to the budget airline's cabin baggage rules.

From February 2027, the airline will remove the 7kg carry-on weight limit while keeping size restrictions. The move follows research and feedback from customers and crew, who told Jetstar that weighing bags at the gate and struggling for overhead-locker space were among the most stressful parts of flying. CEO Stephanie Tully said the airline knows this can be frustrating for customers and crew.

Every booking will include one underseat bag — a backpack, handbag or laptop bag. Those needing more space can pay a Priority Carry-on fee, which adds a second, larger bag for the overhead locker and earlier boarding. Prices include $25 from Launceston to Sydney, $33 from Sydney to Melbourne, and up to $52 from Cairns to Tokyo.

Jetstar said the size-based model is similar to other leading low-fares carriers. It will no longer routinely use cabin-bag scales, but will ask customers to keep carry-on to 10kg so they can lift it safely. Travellers with infants can bring an extra underseat bag for baby items at no extra cost. Checked baggage allowances remain available up to 40kg per passenger.