Jetstar passengers will have to pay for carry-on baggage in the overhead locker under a massive change to its luggage rules.

The budget airline announced on Wednesday it would be scrapping its 7kg carry-on weight limit after feedback from frustrated flyers.

From February, the strict weight restriction would be replaced with a “simpler, size-based carry-on baggage model” — with a fee.

All passengers would be entitled to one free underseat bag such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag with no weight limit.

But customers who want more carry-on would have to purchase a second, larger bag for the overhead locker.

This would also give them the opportunity to “be among the first to board”, said Jetstar.

Overhead carry-on prices would start at $25 one-way and would vary depending on the flight destination.

Examples provided were:

• Launceston to Sydney one-way from $25
• Adelaide to Brisbane one-way from $26
• Sydney to Melbourne one-way from $33
• Perth to Bali (Denpasar) one-way from $39
• Cairns to Tokyo (Narita) one-way from $52

“The change follows extensive research and 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,” said Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully.

“We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew.”

“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.”

Changes from 2 February 2027

Every Jetstar Airways booking will include one underseat bag, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag, at no extra cost.

Customers who need more carry-on baggage or if their bag does not meet the underseat size requirements, can purchase Priority Carry-on, which allows a second, larger bag in the overhead locker and lets customers be among the first to board.

Jetstar will no longer routinely use cabin baggage scales but asks customers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg so they can safely lift it themselves.

At no extra cost, customers travelling with an infant will be able to take an extra underseat bag for their baby items.

The size limits for each option are:

Underseat bag (included in every fare): up to 40 × 30 × 20cm

Overhead bag (available with Priority Carry-on): up to 56 × 36 × 23cm, and be among the first to board