The Qantas-owned budget carrier, Jetstar is removing its 7kg carry-on weight limit and will start charging passengers for using overhead carry-on baggage from 02 February 2027.
From next year, all bookings will include one underseat bag such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag, but passengers who need more carry-on baggage can pre-purchase Priority Carry-on, which includes a second, larger bag for the overhead locker. Such passengers will have opportunity to be among the first to board.
After 02 Feb next year the carry-on would cost, for example, from Dunedin to Auckland $23, Christchurch to Wellington $28, and Auckland to Brisbane $34.
The availability of Priority Carry-on would be limited, and would start at $23 one-way on selected domestic flights and vary.
In Australia, the Priority Carry-on starts at $25 one-way on selected flights and can vary, for example Sydney to Melbourne from $33 (booking period limitations apply).
“We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew,” Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully said.
“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.”
“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.”
Jetstar will no longer routinely use cabin baggage scales but asks customers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg – with a maximum size of 56 × 36 × 23cm, so they can safely lift it themselves.
Underseat bag (included in every fare) can be up to 40 × 30 × 20cm and passengers travelling with an infant will be able to take an extra underseat bag for their baby items at no extra cost.
There are no changes to Jetstar’s checked baggage allowance, which remains purchasable for up to 40kg per passenger.
Customers with existing bookings after 02 February 2027 will be upgraded to include Priority Carry-on at no cost. Carry-on changes will not apply to Jetstar Japan (GK) operated flights.
