Jetstar to charge at least S$23 to use overhead luggage space from Feb. 2027

Jetstar, Australia's budget airline, will start charging passengers to use overhead luggage bins from February 2027.

According to a statement by the airline on Aug. 5, under the new policy, all bookings will include one small personal item that fits under the seat, such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag, The Straits Times reported.

Charges for overhead cabin baggage

From February 2027, passengers who wish to bring an additional cabin bag that requires overhead locker space will need to purchase Jetstar's Priority Carry-on option.

The add-on includes a second, larger cabin bag that can be stored in the overhead compartment, as well as priority boarding.

Fees for Priority Carry-on will start from A$25 (S$23) for a one-way flight.

Prices vary by route, with charges of A$33 (S$29) for flights between Sydney and Melbourne, A$39 (S$35) for Perth to Bali, and A$52 (S$47) for Cairns to Tokyo's Narita Airport.

7kg limit across two items currently

Jetstar currently allows passengers to bring up to 7kg of carry-on baggage across two items.

Passengers whose cabin baggage exceeds the weight limit may be required to pay additional fees to check their bags into the hold.

According to ST, Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said the new policy is intended to make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and improve on-time departures.

"We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew," she said.

Tully added that under the new model, passengers "only pay for what [they] need":

"Travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need."