Australian budget airline Jetstar is facing significant passenger pushback for its upcoming policy requiring travelers to pay for carry-on bags stored in overhead bins. Beginning in February 2027, passengers will face fees of approximately $18 AUD ($25) per overhead bag, per flight.
Under the new "priority carry-on" purchase, which will include priority boarding, passengers will still be permitted to bring a smaller personal item, such as a backpack or laptop bag, that fits under the seat in front of them. This policy replaces Jetstar's previous allowance of up to 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) of carry-on luggage at no extra charge.
Steven Arroyo, an aviation expert and retired United Airlines captain, suggested the policy could expedite the boarding process. However, he also noted that rising operational costs, such as doubled oil prices which constitute a significant airline expense, might lead other carriers to adopt similar measures. "Oil prices have doubled. It's a third of an airline's expense," Arroyo stated. He anticipates the new fees could disproportionately affect larger families.
Customer reactions shared on social media platforms like Instagram have been largely negative, with some users calling the policy "highway robbery" and speculating about future charges for amenities like onboard restrooms. Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully, however, framed the change as a way to "streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time" while enabling customers to "only pay for what you need."
Some travelers expressed support for the measure, arguing it could prevent issues caused by passengers exceeding carry-on size or quantity limits. Similar sentiments were echoed on Reddit, with users suggesting the policy might deter passengers who currently try to bring multiple large bags. Koen Karsbergen, an aviation strategy consultant, noted that budget airlines like Frontier and Allegiant have already implemented charges for overhead bin space for several years, indicating Jetstar is aligning with existing market trends. "Jetstar is catching up to a market that got there years ago," Karsbergen said.
Arroyo recalled the 1980s when the now-defunct airline PEOPLExpress implemented an à la carte pricing model that included charges for carry-on bags, coffee, and water, suggesting a historical precedent for such fare structures in the U.S. market.
