The end of free: the airline that will require payment for a basic service
Following complaints from passengers and employees, the company decided to cancel the old weight limit but impose a new charge, completely changing the flight experience.
Australian low-cost airline Jetstar has announced a significant shift in its baggage policy, requiring passengers who wish to use overhead storage bins to pay an extra fee. The new policy, set to take effect in February, fundamentally changes how carry-on baggage is handled on board.
Under the new guidelines, each passenger is permitted to bring only one small bag free of charge—one that fits under the seat in front of them, such as a small backpack or laptop bag. Passengers wishing to bring an additional or larger bag for the overhead bins will be subject to a separate fee.
At the same time, Jetstar is abolishing the previous seven-kilogram weight limit for carry-on items. Instead, the focus will shift entirely to the size of the bag and its designated storage location.
According to the company, the fee for using overhead bins will start at 25 Australian dollars (approximately 18 US dollars) for short-haul flights and may rise to 52 Australian dollars for longer routes.
The airline explained that the decision follows comprehensive research and feedback from both passengers and staff. Key pain points included the frustration of weighing bags at the boarding gate and the difficulty of finding available space in overhead bins. The company emphasized that this model mirrors policies already implemented by other low-cost carriers, including easyJet and Ryanair.
CEO Stephanie Tully noted that the change is expected to improve the efficiency of bin usage and help reduce delays, ensuring more flights depart on time. She stated that the policy offers passengers more choice while maintaining low base fares:
"You pay only for what you need, and flying with less means you pay less."
