Jetstar's New Bag Policy: Is It Fair?

Topic: Tourism

Thu 6 Aug 2026 at 6:01am

Jetstar changes luggage rules from February 2, 2027.

Jetstar says it's charging for overhead lockers like other airlines.

From February 2, 2027, only small bags fit under the seat for free.

Passengers pay $25-$52 to store bags in overhead lockers.

A family of four may pay $416 extra for overhead lockers.

Jetstar will charge for carry-on bags in overhead lockers.

Jetstar says this will speed up boarding and help flights leave on time.

But a consumer group says airlines charge extra for things that were once free.

People are getting tired of being charged extra by airlines.

Is Jetstar just following other airlines?

Jetstar says its new policy is like other big low-cost airlines.

This is true, but only to a point.

Big budget airlines in Europe charge for overhead lockers.

An underseat bag is free, but it must be small.

Some US airlines also charge for overhead lockers.

But Australia's airline market is different from Europe's.

Europe has many budget airlines, but Australia has few.

A picture shows Jetstar's new baggage rules.

Australia has only one main low-cost airline.

Comparing to Europe is not entirely fair.

Jetstar is not competing with other low-cost airlines in Australia.

This decision is about what Jetstar thinks people will accept.

Why do airlines charge separately for things?

Airlines call this 'unbundling', charging for things that were once free.

Airlines say this gives people more choices and lower fares.

Jetstar says the new policy will help flights leave on time.

But an expert says this model is designed to make people spend more.

If you've already bought your flight, you're more likely to pay for extras.

People are more likely to pay for extras at the airport.

Does flying budget still save money?

It depends on how you travel.

Someone with a small bag might pay less with Jetstar's new policy.

But someone with a small wheelie case might pay more.

Jetstar is reducing some flights due to high fuel costs.

Sometimes, full-service airlines can be cheaper than budget airlines.

If you need baggage, seats, and connections, a full-service airline might be cheaper.

Passengers should compare the total cost of flying, not just the fare.

It might be cheaper to get a fare that includes the baggage you need.

Will other airlines follow Jetstar?

Some big airlines still include overhead baggage in their fares.

It's not clear if other Australian airlines will charge for overhead lockers.

Qantas and Virgin Australia don't charge for overhead lockers yet.

Will this new policy really save boarding time?

Jetstar says it will no longer weigh bags at the gate.

Jetstar says this will help flights leave on time.

A travel agent says removing bag weighing might make boarding less stressful.

But the agent is not sure it will make boarding much faster.

Some people think Jetstar is just trying to make more money.

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