Jetstar changes carry-on baggage rules from 2027

Your overhead carry-on baggage on Jetstar flights will cost you an add-on fee from February 2027, so get the calculator out as they’re changing their carry-on baggage rules. If you’ve become clever at organising a week’s necessities into a 7kg cabin bag and adding a smallish laptop bag or handbag, you can rethink your plans. If that hand carry has to go in the overhead locker from 2nd February 2027, you’ll have to pay at least AUD25 for the privilege.

The new carry-on baggage rules

Current rules allow you one bag within the dimensions 56x36x23cm and most airlines allow you a laptop bag/backpack/handbag as well, provided they all fit within the 7kg limit. Jetstar has announced it will charge for cabin luggage in overhead lockers, but, very generously, the 7kg limit will go, but you must fit everything into one laptop bag, handbag or backpack, that must fit under the seat in front of you if you want it to go at no extra cost. Anyone taking more, will have to pay extra for it.

Why are they making this change?

The budget airline claims the move is in line with other low-fare carriers globally.

Is this true?

Within the region, the largest Asian low cost carrier, AirAsia, allows two pieces of cabin baggage with a combined total weight of up to 7 kg. They follow the 56x36x23cm overhead and 40x30x10cm under-seat guideline. Scoot allows the same two pieces, same sizes but give you up to 10kg. IndiGo gives you 7kg in 55 x 35 x 25 cm maximum measurements, with a small under-seat bag.
So presumably they’re comparing their offering with somewhere far away, where Jetstar don’t fly.

Jetstar claimed in a statement, that feedback had shown having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers were “the more stressful parts of the airport experience”. This cannot be disputed. Most people are wary of the eagle eyes gate staff who picks your bag as a possible culprit. But who misses the next size up bag that definitely will not fit. Solution. Check the carry on bag at the check-in counter. If you’re doing self check-in, have staff there to check and tag bags that are ok. Gate problem solved.

Now for a little levity.

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully noted that, apart from knowing that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for both customers and for Jetstar crew,  she explained that the changes would allow for better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time.  

Let’s have a look:

Would allow for better use of overhead locker space.
In over 5 decades of flying, this writer has never seen the overhead lockers used for anything but bags, and other items needed by the crew for safety or operational purposes.  I can’t help but wonder what might actually be a better use than these. (OK, levity finished)

Streamline boarding
Easy to fix. Most Asian Airlines show you where to line up. They got this sorted during Covid and have continued it because,,,, It WORKS!. Priority boarding in one line, the back 10 or so rows beside then and so on. Then nobody is falling over people putting bags in the lockers or trying to put it miles in front of where they’re sitting. Problem solved and staff have a much easier time too.

Help more flights depart on time
Refuse boarding to those who come past the cut-off time. It’s done across Asia. Painful, but it makes you turn up on time, next time. Might also help to have the security before the domestic boarding lounge, as they do for international flights. If you’re not distracted by your friends, you’ll be at the gate.

She also noted that  the new carry-on baggage model provides “more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low”
This is not much of a choice. You have to pay if you want it. No choice there.

Starting 2nd February 2027, overhead carry-on luggage will not be weighed but will be restricted to bags measuring 56x36x23cm (including wheels & handles). The cost will start at $25 per domestic one-way flight, while the add-on could be an extra $52 for an international flight between Cairns and Tokyo, according to a list of examples provided. Jetstar Japan is not changing their carry-on luggage policy, possibly because it is strictly enforced and fees for overweight bags are steep.

Those who purchase extra carry-on luggage will be among the first to board and passengers travelling with an infant may also take an extra under-seat bag at no additional cost.

Under-seat baggage allowance included in every fare will be restricted to one bag measuring 40x30x20cm. This is actually quite small, as pointed out by a colleague who regularly flies HLO (hand luggage only) using a backpack bigger than the dimensions allowed, which fits comfortably under the seat.

The good news is that there are no changes to Jetstar’s checked baggage fees and allowance of up to 40kg per passenger.

Reactions to the changes from those interviewed, have been mixed. We’d love to hear what you think, will you happily pay, change airlines, or find ways to fit everything in a tiny bag?