Jetstar Introduces Paid Overhead Locker Access Starting February 2027

From February 2 2027 Jetstar will allow each passenger one personal item that fits under the seat—such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag—at no extra charge. Larger cabin bags must be placed in an overhead locker and will incur a fee that varies by route. Under-seat bags may be up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm; overhead bags up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm and 10 kg. Fees start at A$25 for short domestic hops and rise to A$52 for longer international services; a Guardian Australia report recorded A$86 for a Melbourne-Tokyo flight on February 6 2027.

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The carrier says separating the free under-seat allowance from a paid “Priority Carry-on” option will free up overhead space, speed boarding and improve on-time departures.

The Independent

• Domestic short-haul (e.g., Launceston -> Sydney): A$25 one-way.

Jetstar to charge passengers up to $52 for using overhead lockers for carry-on bags

• Domestic medium-haul (e.g., Sydney -> Melbourne): around A$33.

The Guardian

• International long-haul (e.g., Cairns -> Tokyo): A$52, with some routes exceeding A$80.

Jetstar to charge passengers up to $52 for using overhead lockers for carry-on bags

Charging for overhead-locker use is common among European low-cost carriers such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian, Transavia and Wizz Air. The European Council recently mandated that airlines display fares inclusive of carry-on baggage.

Jetstar to charge passengers up to $52 for using overhead lockers for carry-on bags

Consumer-rights experts warn that unbundling basic services can obscure the true cost of travel. Australian political figures have also voiced concern.

The Guardian

Some travellers say the policy is “about time” because it forces lighter packing and reduces bag-jostling in the cabin.

The Independent

Jetstar describes the fee structure as a “fair example” that may vary by demand, yet independent checks have identified higher charges on specific routes (e.g., A$86 Melbourne -> Tokyo). The airline promises that passengers with existing bookings after February 2 2027 will be upgraded to include Priority Carry-on at no cost, but it has not disclosed how this will be applied across fare classes or for group bookings of ten or more.

The Guardian

• February 2 2027 (scheduled): Existing bookings are to be upgraded to include Priority Carry-on free of charge.

Jetstar to charge up to $52 for overhead carry-on bags

• The policy does not affect flights operated by Jetstar Japan.

The Guardian

• No changes are planned for checked-baggage fees or the 40 kg checked-baggage allowance.

The Guardian

• “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,” — Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully

UsNews and World Report

• “It will ruffle feathers because Australian travelers have got such high expectations,” — Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings

UsNews and World Report

• “This allows Jetstar to broadcast the cheapest price, but of course those add-on costs are something which are going to hit you as you click through the booking process,” — Hughes, consumer expert, Griffith University

The Guardian