Jetstar has announced a significant change to its carry-on baggage rules and, predictably, the internet has taken it well.
What’s Actually Changing
From February 2027, Jetstar is scrapping the existing 7kg carry-on weight limit. But the replacement policy is an interesting one…
Every fare will include one underseat bag at no extra cost, with dimensions of up to 40 by 30 by 20 centimetres. That’s the free option. If you want to use the overhead locker, you’ll need to purchase Priority Carry-on, which starts at $25 one way on domestic routes and goes up to around $52 for longer international legs like Cairns to Tokyo. Priority Carry-on also includes early boarding.
If you have an existing booking on a flight departing after February 2nd, Jetstar says you’ll be upgraded to Priority Carry-on at no additional cost.
What the Internet Had to Say
The announcement landed about as warmly as you’d expect. Social media quickly produced the usual takes, including Jetstar introducing a $5 per hour armrest fee, a tiered bathroom pricing structure, and the observation that the overhead baggage fee won’t affect most passengers because their flight will be cancelled anyway.
Nobody is giving Jetstar the benefit of the doubt here, which probably tells you something about the goodwill the airline has accumulated with its customers over the years.
Is This Actually a Big Deal?
That depends entirely on how you travel. If you’re a light packer who fits everything under the seat in front, the new policy arguably works in your favour. The weight limit disappears, you’re not paying more than you were before and you avoid the overhead locker scramble entirely.
If you’re used to travelling with a standard cabin bag in the overhead locker, you’re now paying for something that was previously included. On a return domestic trip that’s an extra $50 minimum before you’ve bought anything else. Across a year of regular travel, that can add up.
The structure isn’t new in the budget airline world. It’s how Ryanair and a number of other carriers have operated for years. But Jetstar’s existing reputation means the announcement has fallen very flat.
What to Do If You Have an Upcoming Jetstar Booking
Check your booking confirmation and the flight date. If you’re travelling after February 2nd 2027, the Priority Carry-on upgrade should be applied automatically at no cost. For flights before that date, the current policy still applies.
Going forward, factor the Priority Carry-on cost into your total fare comparison before assuming Jetstar is the cheapest option on a given route.
is this a fair policy change or another cash grab? Drop your verdict in the comments below. Follow 5 Star Trip for more travel news and tips worth knowing about.