SYDNEY, Aug 5 - Jetstar, Qantas' budget arm, will introduce a new cabin baggage regime that requires passengers to pay to use overhead locker space from February. The airline said travellers may still bring one smaller bag that fits beneath the seat - examples include a backpack, handbag or laptop bag - without additional charge, but larger carry-on items will attract fees.
Under examples supplied by the carrier, a larger overhead locker bag could cost between A$25 and A$52 per flight depending on the route. The shift aligns Jetstar's approach with several low-cost carriers globally that include a modest under-seat bag in the base fare while charging for access to overhead locker space.
Passengers who expect to travel with more than the under-seat allowance will be able to buy a pre-purchased product called "Priority Carry-on." That option bundles permission to stow a larger overhead locker bag with early boarding and removes the earlier 7-kg (15-pound) weight limit.
The airline noted that ancillary charges - covering baggage, excess luggage, seat selection and priority boarding - make up an increasing portion of revenues for low-cost carriers. Consumer groups have criticised such practices, arguing that advertised base fares do not always reflect the full cost of travel.
Jetstar said the policy overhaul followed extensive research with customers and crew. That research, the airline said, identified gate bag weigh-ins and competition for limited overhead locker space as among the most stressful elements of the airport experience.
Jetstar's chief executive, Stephanie Tully, said the carrier expects the new model to speed up the boarding process and improve on-time departure performance by making more efficient use of overhead locker capacity. She framed the change as consistent with the airline's low-fares philosophy.
"You only pay for what you need - travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need," the statement said.
The airline also reiterated the currency conversion used in its pricing examples: $1 = 1.4182 Australian dollars.
This adjustment to Jetstar's baggage rules reflects a broader industry trend of unbundling services from base fares, while offering optional paid services for passengers who want additional convenience. The company highlighted operational benefits as a key rationale for the change.