Jetstar to Charge for Overhead Locker Access From 2027
The Facts
- Jetstar announced Wednesday it will charge passengers for overhead locker access from Feb. 2, 2027, scrapping its existing 7kg carry-on allowance. The budget airline's new Priority Carry-on fee starts at A$25 one-way on domestic routes and reaches A$52 for flights between Cairns and Tokyo.
- Under the new policy, every Jetstar fare will include one underseat bag — such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag — measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm at no extra cost. Overhead bags, capped at 56 x 36 x 23cm, will require the paid Priority Carry-on add-on.
- Jetstar said it will no longer routinely weigh cabin bags at the gate, instead asking passengers to keep carry-on bags under 10kg so they can safely lift them. The Priority Carry-on fee also includes priority boarding access.
Sources Split
LEFT
CENTER
RIGHT
+1
+2
ESTAB
CRIT
CENTER
PRO
ESTAB
The Spin
Narrative A
Jetstar's new carry-on fee is a smart fix for a broken boarding process, as paying a small upcharge guarantees overhead space and gets planes off the ground on time. Removing weight checks at the gate reduces stress for passengers and crew alike. For travelers who pack light, the base fare stays low, and that's a genuine win worth getting behind.
Narrative B
Jetstar's overhead locker fee is a straight-up cash grab that makes it nearly impossible to compare airfares honestly. Australia's lack of airline competition means passengers have no real choice but to absorb these new charges, and travel experts are warning this is just the start of basic services being stripped from tickets. Meanwhile, Europe is moving in the opposite direction, requiring airlines to display fares that include carry-on luggage upfront.
Metaculus Prediction
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 7.18.2