Jetstar, the low-cost carrier under Qantas, will begin charging passengers a fee of AUD $25 (roughly SGD $23) per flight for storing larger carry-on luggage in overhead bins, effective February 2027. Under the updated policy, basic fares cover only one small personal item that fits under the seat, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Travelers who need the overhead compartment for a standard carry-on suitcase or duffel must purchase the airline’s new Priority Carry-on add-on.
What the New Policy Means
The change effectively dismantles Jetstar’s current 7-kilogram cabin baggage limit for those who buy the add-on. The Priority Carry-on package bundles early boarding with the right to use the overhead locker, removing the weight cap entirely for that category. Passengers who stick with the base fare can bring only one small item beneath the seat—no larger bags allowed in the cabin.
Jetstar says the move is designed to streamline boarding. By eliminating gate-side bag checks and reducing competition for limited overhead space, the airline expects faster turnaround times and fewer delays.
“This approach aligns with what many low-cost carriers already do globally,” an airline spokesperson noted in a statement.
Why Jetstar is Making the Change
Low-cost airlines have increasingly unbundled baggage fees over the past decade. Carriers such as Ryanair, Spirit, and AirAsia already charge separately for cabin-sized suitcases. Jetstar’s shift brings it directly in line with this industry trend. The airline frames the policy not as a price hike but as a “choice” for passengers: those who travel light can enjoy the lowest base fare, while those who prefer to maximize overhead storage pay an extra fee in exchange for priority boarding and no weight restriction.
Reactions and Criticisms
The announcement has drawn sharp online backlash. Many travelers have labeled the surcharge a cash grab, arguing that shrinking the carry-on allowance to only a personal item effectively forces anyone with more than a small bag to pay up. Others question the necessity of another travel fee when budget-conscious flyers already pay extra for checked luggage, seat selection, and meals.
“This feels like a way to nickel-and-dime passengers who thought they were saving by not checking a bag,” wrote one user on social media.
Still, some industry observers note that the move is predictable. “Airlines have realized that overhead bin space is a premium asset,” aviation analyst Sarah Lim told reporters. “If you can charge for it and speed up boarding simultaneously, it’s a win for the bottom line.”
What This Means for Travelers
For now, the practical takeaway is clear:
- If you travel with only a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag that fits under the seat: the base fare covers you fully. No extra cost.
- If you plan to use an overhead bin for a larger carry-on: budget an additional SGD $23 per flight starting February 2027. Alternatively, check a bag and compare prices.
The change may encourage lighter packing or push more passengers toward checking luggage, especially on shorter routes where speed and simplicity matter. Jetstar has not announced whether the policy will apply across its entire network or only certain routes, but the carrier says further details will be released closer to the implementation date.
As the low-cost landscape evolves, one thing is certain: the era of free overhead storage on budget airlines is fading fast. Travelers should factor this into their trip budgets—or rethink what they bring aboard.
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