Jetstar will overhaul its baggage policy on February 2, 2027, removing the traditional 7kg weight limit and introducing a new size-based model. Passengers can bring an underseat bag for free, but using overhead lockers for standard suitcases will now incur additional fees starting at $23.
No-frills carrier Jetstar is making major changes to its carry-on baggage rules, shifting away from a strict weight limit model in favor of a simpler, size-based system. Under the new policy, the familiar 7kg limit is gone. Instead, the focus shifts entirely to dimensions, allowing passengers to stow an underseat bag like a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag at no extra charge.
Fees for this service start at $23 one-way on selected routes.
Pricing and Route Variations Across Domestic and International Flights
The cost of the new overhead bin add-on varies depending on the route. International short-haul routes see higher base rates, with Auckland to Brisbane starting at $34. Across the Tasman and into Asia, prices vary depending on the flight.
Photo: RNZ
Passengers who purchase Priority Carry-on gain access to a larger bag measuring up to 56 by 36 by 23 centimeters and are permitted to board among the first groups. Free underseat bags are restricted to maximum dimensions of 40 by 30 by 20 centimeters. The airline confirmed that checked baggage rules remain unchanged.
Operational Rationale and Customer Feedback
Jetstar executives pointed to ongoing passenger friction at the boarding gate as a primary driver behind the policy shift. Research and feedback from both travelers and cabin crew indicated that weighing bags at gates and scrambling for scarce locker space were among the most stressful parts of air travel.
Photo: 1news
“We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew. To make packing easier we’ve decided to remove the 7kg weight limit, so from February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on.”
Jetstar to charge passengers for overhead locker access
Stephanie Tully, chief executive
Airline leadership defended the ancillary fee structure as a way to maintain overall affordability while modernizing boarding procedures. Passengers who pack light avoid paying for overhead bin infrastructure they do not use.
“By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time. Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need – travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”
Stephanie Tully, chief executive
Implementation Timeline and Existing Bookings
The updated carry-on baggage model takes effect on February 2, 2027. For travelers who already hold tickets for flights scheduled after that date, the budget carrier announced that existing bookings will be automatically upgraded to include Priority Carry-on at no additional cost.
