Jetstar to charge overhead locker use

Jetstar said this week it will begin charging passengers to place larger carry-on bags in overhead lockers, ending the standard free 7-kilogram cabin-bag allowance on Jetstar Airways flights from February 2, 2027. The airline said every booking will still include one small under-seat bag at no extra cost. The change was reported by Kyodo News on August 6 as a new fee change relevant to Japan-bound travelers, and Jetstar’s own baggage pages say the new rules do not apply to Jetstar Japan flights. ### Which flights are changing, and which are not? Jetstar’s baggage page says the new carry-on allowances are coming to Jetstar Airways, identified as JQ, from February 2, 2027. The same page says existing allowances continue to apply for travel before that date and for Jetstar Japan, identified as GK. Jetstar’s Japanese-language update says the rule change applies to “all Jetstar Airways (JQ) flights” from February 2, 2027. (abc.net.au) It also says connecting itineraries involving both JQ and Jetstar Japan may have different cabin-bag allowances depending on the operating carrier. ### What will passengers still get for free? Every fare will include one small item that fits under the seat in front, according to Jetstar and ABC’s report on the announcement. (jetstar.com) Jetstar says that item can be a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack, and ABC reported the under-seat size limit as 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters. (jetstar.com) ABC reported that passengers traveling with an infant will also be allowed one extra under-seat bag at no extra cost. Jetstar’s updated Japanese-language page separately says customers may still be asked to place even smaller bags in overhead lockers for operational reasons. ### What will cost extra, and how much? (abc.net.au) Jetstar said passengers who want to bring a larger cabin bag for the overhead locker will need to buy an add-on that also includes priority boarding. ABC reported the fee starts at A$25 for a domestic one-way flight, while Jetstar gave Cairns-to-Tokyo as an example where the add-on could cost A$52. BBC, via Yahoo Travel, separately reported Jetstar described those figures as examples and said prices could vary with demand. (abc.net.au) BBC’s report said a Sydney-to-Osaka search showed a quoted carry-on price of A$60 each way. Jetstar’s Japanese-language page says sales of the priority carry-on option will be limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. ### How is the bag rule itself changing? The current Jetstar carry-on page says Starter fares now include up to two items with a combined weight of 7 kilograms, with a main item allowed in the overhead locker and a small item under the seat. (abc.net.au) From February 2, 2027, ABC reported, the airline will stop using that standard free 7-kilogram overhead-bag model on Jetstar Airways flights. (travel.yahoo.com) Jetstar’s updated page says the new system shifts toward size-based allowances. It says overhead bags under the paid option must fit within 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters, while each item still has a 10-kilogram maximum weight for safety reasons. ### Why does Jetstar say it is making the change? Stephanie Tully, Jetstar’s chief executive, said the new model would “make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time,” according to ABC and BBC. (jetstar.com) Jetstar also said customer and crew feedback had identified bag-weighing at the gate and difficulty finding locker space as stressful parts of the airport experience. (jetstar.com) Jetstar said customers with existing bookings for flights departing after February 2, 2027, will be upgraded to include priority carry-on at no extra cost, according to ABC. The airline’s Japanese-language update says affected customers will receive updated itineraries and email details. ### What should travelers watch next? (abc.net.au) February 2, 2027, is the date Jetstar says the new carry-on model begins on Jetstar Airways flights. Jetstar’s baggage pages say travelers can check their allowance and any added options through the carrier’s booking-management tools, while Jetstar Japan flights remain on the current rules. (jetstar.com) (abc.net.au)