Jetstar, the low‑cost airline owned by Qantas, revealed that beginning in February 2027 passengers will be required to pay a fee of $25 Australian dollars (about $18 USD) for each piece of luggage placed in the overhead bin. The airline describes the charge as part of a “priority carry‑on” option that also includes priority boarding.
What the new policy covers
Travelers will still be allowed to bring a smaller bag—such as a backpack, handbag or laptop case—that fits under the seat in front of them without paying an extra fee. The change replaces Jetstar’s former rule that permitted a single carry‑on item weighing up to 7 kilograms (approximately 15.4 pounds) per passenger.
Industry reaction
Steven Arroyo, an aviation expert based in Florida and a retired United Airlines captain, told Fox News Digital that the fee could “certainly expedite the boarding process” and suggested other carriers might adopt similar pricing structures. He noted that rising fuel costs, which now represent about a third of an airline’s expenses, are prompting airlines to seek new revenue streams.
Arroyo also warned that the added cost could affect larger families traveling together, saying, “If you’re traveling with a big family, it’s going to have impact.” He asked whether consumers will accept the new fees as airlines continue to adjust pricing.
Traveler response
Social‑media users have expressed strong opposition to the fee. One Instagram commenter called it “highway robbery,” while another joked that the airline might soon charge for using the toilet. Some travelers, however, argued that the policy could encourage passengers to limit the number of bags they bring on board, potentially easing congestion in the cabin.
Reddit users offered mixed opinions. One user said the fee is preferable to passengers attempting to sneak multiple 10‑kilogram bags onto flights, and another suggested that frequent “carry‑on addicts” might reconsider their habits.
Company perspective
Stephanie Tully, Jetstar’s chief executive officer, framed the fee as a way to “streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time” while allowing customers to “only pay for what you need,” according to a company press release.
Context within the airline industry
Aviation consultant Koen Karsbergen told Fox News Digital that Jetstar is “catching up to a market that got there years ago,” noting that U.S. carriers such as Frontier and Allegiant have already excluded overhead bin space from their base fares for several years. He added that the backlash is unsurprising because many travelers are accustomed to receiving that service at no extra charge.
Karsbergen referenced the defunct U.S. carrier PEOPLExpress, which in the 1980s introduced an à la carte pricing model that charged separately for carry‑on bags, beverages, and other amenities. “It has happened in the United States, and it could happen again,” he said.
What’s next
Jetstar has not indicated whether the fee will be adjusted after its initial rollout, and the airline did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital beyond the statements in its press release.
Travelers planning trips with Jetstar are advised to review the new policy details before booking and to consider the potential cost of overhead‑bin fees when budgeting for their journeys.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
