Jetstar will start charging passengers for larger carry-on bags stored in overhead lockers on flights departing from February 2, 2027, turning a familiar part of the cabin into a paid add-on for many travelers.
The Qantas-owned budget airline says every booking will still include one small under-seat item, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Passengers who want a larger bag in the overhead compartment will need to buy Priority Carry-on, with fees starting at A$25 one way and varying by route.
The practical change is simple: Jetstar is removing its current 7kg carry-on weight limit, but the cheapest fare will no longer include the larger cabin bag many travelers treat as standard.
What changes
Jetstar says the new model applies to Jetstar Airways flights from February 2, 2027. The airline is moving from a weight-first system to a size-first system, meaning the free item is limited by whether it fits under the seat rather than by the old 7kg total cabin-bag limit.
Priority Carry-on will cover a second, larger cabin bag for the overhead locker. The Associated Press reported that overhead bags may weigh up to 10kg and will no longer need to be weighed by staff before boarding. Fox Business reported the fee range as A$25 to A$52, or roughly $18 to $37, depending on route.
Why Jetstar says it is doing this
Jetstar framed the change as a boarding and simplicity move. In its announcement, the airline said gate-side bag weighing and competition for locker space are common sources of stress for customers and crew.
Chief executive Stephanie Tully said the model is intended to make better use of overhead space, speed boarding, and let customers pay only for the baggage they need. The airline also says the approach is closer to low-fares carriers in other markets, where bare-bones fares often exclude larger cabin bags.
What travelers should check
The first thing to check is the travel date, not just the booking date. The new carry-on options apply to travel from February 2, 2027, so a future flight can fall under the policy even if the ticket is bought earlier.
Second, compare the full trip price, not only the base fare. A round trip with an overhead bag can mean two separate add-on charges, and international routes may cost more than domestic ones. Families and longer-stay travelers should price baggage before assuming the cheapest fare is actually cheaper.
Third, measure the bag that will go under the seat. If a traveler can pack into the free small-item allowance, the change may not add cost. If the trip needs a roller bag or larger cabin bag, Priority Carry-on becomes part of the fare comparison.
What to watch next
The bigger question is whether other airlines in Australia or nearby markets copy the model. Jetstar is a budget carrier, so the policy does not automatically mean full-service airlines will follow. But once a major airline group tests paid overhead-bin access, travelers should expect clearer fare comparisons to matter more.
For now, Jetstar flyers planning 2027 trips should treat overhead locker space as a paid travel option, not a default cabin perk.
