A frequent Jetstar passenger has outlined a technique to circumvent the airline's 7kg carry-on baggage limit by utilizing a McDonald's bag for heavier items.
According to Jetstar's policy, passengers are generally restricted to 7kg of carry-on baggage. Exceeding this limit can result in a charge of at least $60. Hayden Smith, co-founder of an investment app, described his approach on the "Get Rich Slow" podcast, explaining that he uses a takeaway bag to carry dense items like chargers and power banks.
"If they see it, they're like, 'they've clearly come to the airport with their 7kg and then they bought McDonald's'," Smith stated. "They're not gonna ask me to put my McDonald's bag on the scale."
Smith also suggested wearing additional clothing, such as jumpers, to lighten the load in his primary carry-on. He noted that boarding the plane last could increase the likelihood of avoiding scrutiny, estimating a "four in five chance they won't care" if passengers are among the final group to board.
Smith expressed a belief that carry-on restrictions should be based on the size of the luggage rather than its weight, particularly for those who frequently travel with more than 7kg.
This strategy comes amid passenger frustration with similar policies. Previously, a British expatriate identified as Sydney shared her experience on a Jetstar flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. She was asked to remove 3kg from her luggage to meet the 7kg limit, facing a potential $70 charge. After complying and reducing her bag's weight, she was permitted to board, carrying the excess items by hand. Sydney questioned the logic of the policy, noting she could hold the removed items, including water and snacks, while her bag met the weight requirement.
In response to such concerns, Jetstar has previously stated that its carry-on baggage policies are designed to ensure a "smooth boarding process" and allow for safe storage of bags.
