11 August 2026: The move will see Jetstar shift from a strict weight limit to a simpler, size-based carry-on baggage model, similar to other leading low-fares carriers around the world.
From next year, all bookings will include one underseat bag such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag.
Customers who need more carry-on baggage can pre-purchase Priority Carry-on, which includes a second, larger bag for the overhead locker and the opportunity to be among the first to board.
The change follows extensive research and feedback from customers and crew who consistently identified having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers as the more stressful parts of the airport experience.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said: “We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew.”
“To make packing easier, we’ve decided to remove the 7kg weight limit, so from February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on.”
“By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time.”
“Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need – travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”
What’s changing for flights departing from 2 February 2027
Every Jetstar Airways booking will include one underseat bag, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag, at no extra cost.
Customers who need more carry-on baggage or whose bags do not meet the underseat size requirements can purchase Priority Carry-on, which allows a second, larger bag in the overhead locker and lets them board first.
Jetstar will no longer routinely use cabin baggage scales but asks customers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg so they can lift them themselves safely. At no extra cost, customers travelling with an infant can take an additional underseat bag for their baby’s items.
The size limits for each option are:
Underseat bag (included in every fare): up to 40 × 30 × 20cm
Overhead bag (available with Priority Carry-on): up to 56 × 36 × 23cm, and be among the first to board
Priority Carry-on is limited and starts at AUD25 one-way on selected flights and can vary; for example, there are no changes to Jetstar’s checked baggage allowance, which remains purchasable for up to 40kg per passenger.
This change applies to all Jetstar Airways (JQ) flights departing from 2 February 2027, excluding group bookings (10+ passengers). Customers with existing bookings after that date will be upgraded to include Priority Carry-on at no cost. Carry-on changes will not apply to Jetstar Japan (GK) operated flights.
(Source: Jetstar)
