Jetstar, the Australian budget airline, will begin charging passengers for using overhead lockers from February 2027. The fee starts at 25 Australian dollars (£13) one way, depending on the route.
Reason for the change
The carrier said the move follows feedback from passengers and staff, who identified “having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers as the more stressful parts of the airport experience”. This makes Jetstar the latest low-cost carrier to introduce such a payment system, following common practice among budget airlines in Europe and the US.
New baggage rules
Passengers can still stow a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits within specified measurements under the seat in front of them for free. Bags placed in overhead lockers can weigh up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and will no longer be weighed at boarding. The existing seven-kilogram (15-pound) weight limit for underseat items will be scrapped.
Jetstar said the change will reduce frustrations at boarding gates. “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,” said chief executive Stephanie Tully. She added that it ensures customers only pay for what they need.
Industry reaction
Sharon Petersen, chief executive of AirlineRatings.com, said the move “will ruffle feathers because Australian travellers have got such high expectations. For such a long time they lived in a bubble of full-service options only.” She noted that Jetstar’s base fares remain higher than those of European budget carriers like Ryanair or Wizz Air, largely due to lower competition and higher operating costs in Australia.
