So far this summer, multiple airlines have raised fees for checked luggage. Now, one international carrier is adding a charge for carry-on bags as well.
Australian budget airline Jetstar has announced it will begin to charge fliers at least $25 AUD (about $18 USD) to bring aboard a bag to stow in the overhead bin.
The new carry-on bag fees could soar as high as $37 USD, depending on the route, according to Jetstar.
When the new policy takes effect in February 2027, passengers will still be allowed to bring aboard a personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of them, such as a purse or backpack, for free.
Levying an extra fee for larger carry-on bags is common policy among budget carriers around the world, including low-cost airlines in the United States like Frontier and Allegiant.
However, it’s a major shift for Jetstar, which is part of the Qantas Airline Group.
Under Jetstar’s current carry-on rules, passengers are allowed free carry-on bags, but they are subject to a 7 kg (about 15 lbs) weight limit. The airline has gate agents weigh every flier's larger carry-on bag before boarding to ensure it meets the weight requirements.
"We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew,” said Jetstar’s CEO Stephanie Tully.
The new rules nix the weight limit in favor of baggage size limits. Passengers who need overhead bin space now must purchase the Priority Carry-on package, which includes priority boarding as well.
“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,” Tully said.
The new policy is slated to begin on all flights departing February 2, 2027.
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