Jetstar’s New Carry-On Baggage Policy Explained

August 5, 2026

By Luggage Direct Team | Published 5 August 2026

Has Jetstar’s New Carry-On Baggage Policy Just Made Checked Luggage More Popular?

This morning Jetstar announced a major change to its Carry-On baggage policy, and while the airline says the new system will make boarding simpler, it may also change the way Australians pack for a holiday.

TL;DR

Effective Date: From 2 February 2027, Jetstar’s cheapest fares will include only one small underseat bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20cm.
Overhead Cabin Baggage: A standard wheeled Carry-On or Cabin Luggage suitcase for the overhead locker will require Jetstar’s new paid Priority Carry-on option.
Pricing: Priority Carry-on starts from $25 each way on selected flights, but pricing and availability will vary.
Weight Rules: Jetstar says Cabin Luggage will no longer be routinely weighed. Passengers will be asked to keep it to approximately 10kg and must be able to lift it safely.
Scope: The policy applies to eligible Australian domestic and international Jetstar Airways flights operated under the JQ code.
Checked Baggage: There is no change to Jetstar’s existing Checked Luggage options.
Impact on Travellers: Solo travellers taking very short trips may save money with the free underseat allowance. Couples and families may find that sharing Checked Luggage offers better value than purchasing Priority Carry-on for several passengers.
Key Takeaway: The smartest comparison is no longer just the advertised airfare. Check the total cost after adding the Carry-On, Checked Luggage, seats, and other extras you genuinely need.

From 2 February 2027, Jetstar will remove its familiar 7kg Carry-On weight allowance. Instead, its standard fares will include only one small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Passengers wanting to bring a conventional Cabin Luggage suitcase for the overhead locker will need to purchase a new option called Priority Carry-on. This raises an obvious question: once you have to pay extra for an overhead Cabin Luggage bag, will more travellers decide that Checked Luggage is the better option?

The answer will depend on the length of the trip, how much you pack, and how much you value getting through the airport quickly.

What Is Changing with Jetstar’s Carry-On Policy?

Jetstar is moving away from a combined weight allowance and introducing a size-based system. For Jetstar Airways flights departing from 2 February 2027, every standard booking will include:

One underseat bag at no additional cost
Maximum dimensions of 40cm × 30cm × 20cm
No routine weighing of Cabin Luggage
A requested maximum weight of approximately 10kg, which the passenger must be able to lift safely

The included bag could be a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. It is substantially smaller than a typical wheeled Carry-On suitcase. Passengers who want to bring a second, larger bag for the overhead locker will need to buy Priority Carry-on. The overhead bag can measure up to 56cm × 36cm × 23cm. Priority Carry-on also includes earlier boarding.

The practical difference is important: Today, a Jetstar passenger on a standard fare can generally bring a Cabin Luggage bag and a small personal item, provided their combined weight stays within the existing allowance. Under the new model, the basic fare will cover only a small underseat bag. A normal Carry-On suitcase will become a paid extra under the 2027 rules.

When Does Jetstar’s New Baggage Policy Start?

The policy applies to eligible Jetstar Airways flights departing on or after 2 February 2027. It applies to both Australian domestic and Jetstar international services operated under the JQ airline code.

There are two important exceptions:

It will not apply to Jetstar Japan flights operated under the GK code.
It will not apply to group bookings of 10 or more passengers.

Customers who already have a booking for travel after 2 February 2027 will receive Priority Carry-on at no additional cost.

How Much Will Jetstar Priority Carry-on Cost?

Jetstar says Priority Carry-on will start from $25 each way on selected flights. It will be capacity-controlled, meaning availability may run out on busy services.

Examples published by Jetstar at the time of the announcement include:

Route	Priority Carry-on Price From
Launceston to Sydney	$25 one way
Adelaide to Brisbane	$26 one way
Sydney to Melbourne	$33 one way
Perth to Bali	$39 one way
Cairns to Tokyo	$52 one way

These are launch examples rather than permanent fixed prices. Jetstar states that prices can vary according to the flight, travel date, demand, availability, and payment method.

For a return Sydney to Melbourne trip using Jetstar’s published example, an overhead Cabin Luggage bag could add approximately $66 return. For two people, that becomes approximately $132 return. At that point, sharing one Checked Luggage allowance may start to look more attractive, particularly for couples and families.

What Happens If My Bag Does Not Fit Under the Seat?

A bag that exceeds the new 40cm × 30cm × 20cm underseat limit will not qualify as the free included bag.

You would need to:

Purchase Priority Carry-on, subject to availability
Place the bag into Checked Luggage
Potentially pay a higher airport or boarding-gate charge if the problem is discovered late

The safest approach will be to measure your bag before travelling rather than relying on its product description alone. Terms such as “Carry-On”, “cabin bag”, and “weekender” do not guarantee that a bag will meet Jetstar’s new underseat dimensions.

Will Jetstar Still Weigh Carry-On Baggage?

Jetstar says it will no longer routinely use scales to weigh Carry-On bags under the new system. Instead, the focus will be on whether each bag fits within the permitted dimensions. The airline will ask passengers to keep their Cabin Luggage to approximately 10kg and to ensure they can lift it into the overhead locker without assistance. This removes one common source of airport stress — reaching the gate and wondering whether a bag weighs 7.2kg rather than 7kg.

However, it does not mean passengers can fill a Cabin Luggage suitcase with unlimited weight. Safety requirements still apply, and airline staff can intervene where a bag is unsafe, excessively heavy, or outside the permitted dimensions.

Are There Any Changes to Jetstar Checked Luggage?

No. Jetstar says there is no change to its existing Checked Luggage system. Passengers can continue purchasing allowances of up to 40kg per person, although no individual checked bag can weigh more than 32kg.

Jetstar’s cheapest fares generally do not include Checked Luggage. It is normally cheapest to add baggage during the original online booking rather than later or at the airport. Waiting until the airport can be expensive. Jetstar currently lists an airport charge of $120 for the first 20kg on an Australian domestic flight and $170 for the first 20kg on a Jetstar international flight. These are airport prices, not the lower pre-booked online prices.

How Does the New Jetstar Policy Compare with Other Australian Airlines?

Jetstar’s new model will be different from the traditional domestic airline allowance.

Domestic Economy Baggage Comparison

Airline and Fare	Included Cabin Luggage	Included Checked Luggage
Jetstar Standard Fare (from 2 Feb 2027)	One underseat bag (40 × 30 × 20cm)	No
Jetstar with Priority Carry-on	Underseat bag plus one overhead bag (56 × 36 × 23cm)	No
Virgin Australia Economy Lite	One overhead Carry-On option up to 8kg, plus a personal item	No
Virgin Australia Economy Choice or Flex	One overhead Carry-On option up to 8kg, plus a personal item	One 23kg bag
Qantas Domestic	Overhead and underseat options subject to size & weight rules	Included
Rex	Carry-On allowance subject to aircraft & fare conditions	Included on its fares

Virgin Australia currently permits Economy passengers to bring one standard Carry-On bag measuring up to 56cm × 36cm × 23cm, weighing up to 8kg, plus a personal item. Its Economy Lite fare does not include Checked Luggage, while Choice and Flex include one 23kg checked bag.
Qantas includes Checked Luggage on its domestic services and provides Cabin Luggage allowances, although the exact arrangement can vary by aircraft. Qantas also advises passengers to follow the lowest allowance when an itinerary includes connecting carriers.
Rex states that its fares include both Carry-On and Checked Luggage, but smaller regional aircraft can have more restrictive cabin limits than jets.

The broad difference is that Jetstar will be the most restrictive of the major domestic airlines when comparing only what is included in the cheapest fare. Its free allowance will be an underseat bag, rather than a standard overhead Cabin Luggage suitcase.

What Does the Change Mean for Flights to Bali?

The new policy applies to Jetstar Airways international services, including eligible flights between Australia and Bali. Based on Jetstar’s example pricing, Priority Carry-on from Perth to Bali starts at $39 one way, or approximately $78 return if the same price is available in both directions. Actual pricing will vary.

Indonesia AirAsia, one of Jetstar’s main low-cost competitors on Australian routes to Bali, currently allows one Cabin Luggage bag and one small personal item with a combined maximum weight of 7kg.

This produces an interesting trade-off:

AirAsia offers a traditional Cabin Luggage allowance but retains a strict weight limit.
Jetstar will remove routine weighing but charge for the overhead bag.
Both airlines generally sell Checked Luggage separately on their lowest fares.

For travellers who can fit everything into a compact underseat backpack, Jetstar’s basic fare may remain appealing. For a week in Bali, however, many travellers will need either Priority Carry-on or Checked Luggage. Once that extra cost is added, comparing the final booking total becomes more important than comparing the advertised airfare.

What About New Zealand?

The Jetstar change also applies to eligible trans-Tasman JQ flights from 2 February 2027.

Air New Zealand’s Economy passengers generally receive one Carry-On bag plus one small personal item. The standard Economy Cabin Luggage allowance is normally 7kg. Seat-only fares exclude Checked Luggage, while higher short-haul fare categories include checked bags.

Jetstar’s claimed advantage will be the removal of routine Carry-On weighing. Air New Zealand’s advantage on a seat-only fare will be that a conventional overhead Cabin Luggage bag remains part of the allowance rather than a separately purchased priority product.

Again, travellers need to compare like with like: airfare, Cabin Luggage, Checked Luggage, seat selection, payment fees, meals, and flexibility. The lowest fare shown on the first search screen may not remain the lowest once the baggage you need is added.

How Does Jetstar Compare on Asian Routes?

For selected Asian destinations, Scoot is another relevant low-cost comparison. Scoot currently includes up to 10kg of Cabin Luggage in Economy across a maximum of two pieces. Its standard overhead Cabin Luggage dimensions are 54cm × 38cm × 23cm, with a smaller personal item stored under the seat. Checked Luggage is included in selected higher fare types but not in its basic fare.

Compared with Scoot:

Jetstar’s free underseat bag will be more restrictive.
Jetstar Priority Carry-on will provide a larger overhead bag and early boarding.
Scoot’s basic Economy allowance remains more generous for travellers wanting a conventional Cabin Luggage bag.
Jetstar passengers who travel with only a compact personal bag may pay less.

The important point is that Jetstar’s new approach is not simply “unlimited Carry-On”. It is a split product consisting of a free underseat bag and a paid overhead bag.

Jetstar Carry-On Versus Checked Luggage: Which Will Cost Less?

There is no single answer because Jetstar’s prices vary by route and travel date. Here is how to think about the choice across different scenarios:

Solo traveller on a two-night domestic trip: A compact underseat backpack may be enough. Likely best option: Free underseat bag. This avoids both Priority Carry-on and Checked Luggage charges while offering the fastest airport experience.
Solo traveller taking a standard Cabin Luggage suitcase: The passenger will need Priority Carry-on. Using Jetstar’s Sydney to Melbourne launch example ($33 each way / approx. $66 return), compare Priority Carry-on directly with the Checked Luggage price displayed during booking. Do not assume Cabin Luggage is automatically cheaper.
Couple taking a longer holiday: If both passengers buy Priority Carry-on, costs multiply (e.g., $33 × 2 passengers × 2 directions = approx. $132 return). The couple may find it cheaper to share one Checked Luggage allowance, depending on the route and baggage price offered. Likely best option: One shared checked suitcase plus small underseat bags.
Family holiday: Priority Carry-on costs multiply quickly across multiple travellers. A family will often receive more useful packing capacity by purchasing one or two Checked Luggage allowances rather than paying for multiple overhead bags. Likely best option: Shared Checked Luggage, while keeping medicines, electronics, valuables, and essential children’s items in underseat bags.

Which Option Is Easier to Travel With?

Cost is only part of the decision.

Carry-On / Cabin Luggage

Benefits:

No bag-drop queue
No waiting at the baggage carousel
Lower risk of delayed or lost baggage
Easier to move between flights, trains, and hotels
Ideal for short trips
Belongings stay with you at all times

Disadvantages:

Limited packing space
Liquids, aerosols, and gels are restricted on international flights
Must lift the bag into the overhead locker
Overhead space is limited
Strict bag dimensions apply
Purchasing Priority Carry-on may remove much of the original price advantage

Checked Luggage

Benefits:

Substantially more packing space
Easier to bring full-sized toiletries
Better for longer holidays and colder destinations
Ideal for families sharing one suitcase
Less to carry through airport security and terminals
No need to lift heavy suitcases overhead

Disadvantages:

Bag-drop and collection take extra time
Risk of delay, loss, or damage
Makes connections less convenient
Additional fees apply on most Jetstar Starter fares
Overpacking can make the suitcase heavy to transport

Reminder: Valuables, passports, medication, spare lithium batteries, and power banks should never be packed in Checked Luggage where airline or security rules require them to remain in the cabin.

Has Jetstar Just Made Checked Luggage More Popular?

For some travellers, yes. The new policy makes the smallest possible travel setup simpler. A passenger carrying only a handbag, laptop bag, or compact backpack will no longer need to worry about Jetstar’s existing 7kg Carry-On limit. But travellers using a normal wheeled Carry-On suitcase will move from an included allowance to a paid product. That changes the calculation.

Once Priority Carry-on is added for both legs of a trip—and perhaps for two or more passengers—Checked Luggage can become far more competitive on price. It can also be easier for families, longer holidays, shopping trips, and destinations requiring bulkier clothing.

The likely result is not that everyone will suddenly check a suitcase. Instead, Jetstar’s policy may divide travellers into two clearer groups:

People who travel extremely light with one underseat bag.
People who decide that Checked Luggage provides better value than paying separately for overhead Cabin Luggage.

The middle ground bringing a small, wheeled Carry-On suitcase as part of the cheapest fare is what Jetstar is removing.

Our Advice Before Booking a Jetstar Flight

Before selecting a fare, decide what luggage you genuinely need. Always check:

Whether your bag fits the 40cm × 30cm × 20cm free underseat allowance
Whether you need a standard overhead Cabin Luggage suitcase
The cost of Priority Carry-on for both directions
The cost of pre-booked Checked Luggage
Whether luggage can be shared between travellers
Whether you will be bringing liquids, gifts, or bulky clothing
Whether saving time at the airport matters more than packing capacity

Most importantly, compare the total trip price rather than the headline airfare. For some travellers, the new Jetstar system will make Carry-On travel easier. For others, it may be the point where Checked Luggage becomes the smarter and more economical choice.

Likely Customer Questions (FAQ)

Does Jetstar still allow free Carry-On baggage?

Yes, but from 2 February 2027 the free allowance on eligible Jetstar Airways flights will be limited to one underseat bag measuring up to 40cm × 30cm × 20cm.

Can I take a Cabin Luggage suitcase on Jetstar?

Yes. A conventional overhead Cabin Luggage bag will require Priority Carry-on unless it is included through an eligible existing booking or another fare arrangement.

Does Jetstar’s new policy have a weight limit?

Jetstar says Cabin Luggage will not be routinely weighed. Passengers will be asked to keep their bag to approximately 10kg and must be able to lift it safely.

How much is Jetstar Priority Carry-on?

It starts from $25 one way on selected flights. Pricing varies by route, date, and availability.

Does the new policy apply to international flights?

Yes. It applies to eligible domestic and international Jetstar Airways JQ flights departing from 2 February 2027. It does not apply to Jetstar Japan GK-operated flights.

Is Checked Luggage included with Jetstar?

Checked Luggage is not included in Jetstar’s base fares. It can be purchased separately, with up to 40kg available per passenger.

Is Carry-On or Checked Luggage cheaper on Jetstar?

It depends on the route, travel date, and number of passengers. A free underseat bag will be cheapest for very light travellers. Couples and families may find that sharing Checked Luggage costs less than purchasing Priority Carry-on for each person.

Best Carry-On Picks

Jetstar’s new policy creates two different types of Carry-On traveller: those travelling with only a small underseat bag, and those purchasing Priority Carry-on for a conventional overhead Cabin Luggage suitcase. The right bag will depend on which option you choose.

1. Frequent Flyer or Business Traveller: Antler Icon Stripe Carry-On

For travellers purchasing Priority Carry-on, the Antler Icon Stripe 55cm is one of the safer choices in the Luggage Direct range. It measures 55 × 36 × 23cm, matching Jetstar’s announced maximum overhead Cabin Luggage dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23cm. It weighs approximately 2.8kg, has a structured polycarbonate shell, and includes an expander for trips where the airline permits additional depth. Keep the expander firmly closed when travelling on Jetstar, as expanding it exceeds Jetstar’s stated 23cm depth limit.

Shop Antler at Luggage Direct →

2. Premium Lightweight Option: Samsonite C-Lite Carry-On

The Samsonite C-Lite 55cm is an excellent lightweight choice for airlines that permit its dimensions. Its woven polypropylene Curv® shell keeps its empty weight to approximately 2.1kg, leaving more of your allowance available for clothing and essentials. However, the current expandable model measures 55 × 40 × 20cm when closed. Although its total linear dimensions are compact, its 40cm width exceeds Jetstar’s announced 36cm maximum for Priority Carry-on. Check the exact dimensions permitted by every airline on your itinerary before travelling.

Shop Samsonite at Luggage Direct →

3. Best Free Jetstar Underseat Option: Pacsafe GO 15L Backpack

Travellers wanting to avoid Jetstar’s Priority Carry-on charge will need a bag that fits within the new free allowance of 40 × 30 × 20cm. The Pacsafe GO 15L Backpack measures approximately 36.5 × 25 × 13cm, placing it well within Jetstar’s underseat dimensions. It weighs approximately 0.53kg and includes anti-theft features, a padded sleeve for a 13-inch laptop, and organized storage for travel essentials.

4. Business Underseat Option: Samsonite GuardIT Classy Briefcase

For business travellers, the Samsonite GuardIT Classy Laptop Briefcase measures exactly 40 × 30 × 10cm, placing it cleanly within Jetstar’s free underseat dimensions. It weighs approximately 0.6kg and includes space for a 15.6-inch laptop, documents, a phone, and smaller work essentials. It is a practical choice for a same-day business trip or as an underseat companion to Checked Luggage.

5. Family Flyers: Organise the Underseat Bag Carefully

For family trips, place essential flight items in the free underseat bag: snacks, wipes, medicines, chargers, headphones, a tablet, travel documents, and a change of clothes for younger children. Keeping these under the seat avoids rummaging in the overhead locker during the flight.

Travelling Across Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas?

The Antler Icon Stripe 55cm is the safer of these two featured hardcases for travellers regularly switching between Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas because its closed dimensions are 55 × 36 × 23cm. The current expandable Samsonite C-Lite 55cm is lighter, but its 40cm width does not fit Jetstar’s announced 36cm maximum limit.

Shop the full Carry-On and Cabin Luggage range at Luggage Direct →

Jetstar’s New Carry-On Policy: Key Facts Summary

Start Date: 2 February 2027.
Scope: Eligible Jetstar Airways flights operated under the JQ code (Domestic & International). Excludes Jetstar Japan (GK) and group bookings (10+).
Free Allowance: One underseat bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20cm.
Overhead Allowance: Requires Priority Carry-on (up to 56 × 36 × 23cm).
Priority Pricing: Starts from $25 each way on selected flights (capacity-controlled; includes priority boarding).
Weight Rules: No routine weighing; requested target of approx. 10kg (passengers must lift safely).
Existing Bookings: Passengers booked prior to the announcement for travel on/after 2 Feb 2027 receive Priority Carry-on at no extra charge.
Checked Luggage: Unchanged (up to 40kg total purchaseable, max 32kg per piece).

Editorial Note: Airline baggage allowances and prices can change. Readers should confirm current rules and final baggage pricing shown during booking before purchasing a flight.