Australia’s Jetstar to charge for carry-on bags in overhead lockers
The move aligns Jetstar's carry-on baggage policy with that of several low-cost airlines, which charge for overhead locker space while including a smaller under-seat bag in the base fare.
Australia's budget airline Jetstar, a subsidiary of Qantas, will begin charging passengers for carry-on bags stored in overhead lockers starting February. This policy overhaul aims to streamline boarding processes by restricting access to overhead lockers to only one smaller bag, such as a backpack or handbag, free of charge. Larger bags could incur fees ranging from A$25 to A$52 (US$18 to US$37) per flight, depending on the route.
The airline intends to offer a "Priority Carry-on" option, allowing passengers to pre-purchase larger overhead locker bags and early boarding access, while removing the previous 7-kg (15-pound) weight limit. Jetstar claims these changes will enhance on-time departure performance and align with their philosophy of providing low fares.
However, the move has drawn criticism from travelers and politicians, with some viewing it as a "cash grab." The airline's CEO, Stephanie Tully, maintains that customers only pay for what they need and can add more luggage if necessary. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King urged airlines to clearly disclose such additional charges during ticket purchases to prevent unexpected costs at the airport.
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