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Any frequent budget flyer knows the panic of rocking up to the airport gate and seeing the dreaded luggage scales rolling around. Suddenly, you’re calculating how many jackets you can layer on or whether to just cop the $110 penalty for exceeding the carry-on limit. Well, you can say goodbye to the gate weigh-ins on future Jetstar flights.
From next year, Australia's leading budget airline will stop weighing carry-on luggage as it scraps its seven-kilo weight limit and introduces a new overhead baggage fee. The change follows feedback from customers and crew who consistently identified having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers as the more stressful parts of the airport experience.
As of February 2, 2027, all Jetstar bookings will include one under-seat bag – like a small backpack, handbag or laptop bag – measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. It’s a win for light travellers who can cram up to ten kilograms into a small bag. But for those who like to bring a duffel or small wheelie suitcase on board, you can expect your fare to go up, up and away.
Passengers who like a quick airport exit and wish to bring more luggage into the cabin will need to pre-purchase one of a limited number of “Priority Carry-on” passes. This includes a second, larger bag (up to ten kilograms and 56cm x 36cm x 23cm) to store in the overhead locker, plus priority boarding. Prices vary by route, but range from $25 for Launceston to Sydney, $33 for Sydney to Melbourne, and up to $52 for Cairns to Tokyo.
Jetstar isn’t changing its checked baggage policies, which still allow up to 40 kilograms of booked luggage per person. Adults travelling with infants will also still be allowed to bring a second under-seat bag for baby essentials free of charge.
Don’t stress if you’ve already booked a Jetstar flight for February 2 or beyond. You’ll receive a complimentary, one-time automatic Priority Carry-on upgrade. You can read more about Jetstar’s carry-on baggage updates here.