Jetstar Carry-On Luggage Fee: Is It Just an Easy Cash Grab? 2026

Jetstar's new carry-on luggage fee is a clear example of how airlines are monetizing basic services, turning what was once included into an easy cash grab for the carrier. As the low-cost arm of Qantas, Jetstar announced that from next year, tickets will only include one “under seat bag” such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Passengers wanting to stow carry-on luggage in the overhead bin will face additional charges, adding to already existing fees for check-in baggage, seat selection, cancellation rights, and meals.

This pricing shift is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry, where airlines are increasingly unbundling services to keep base fares low while maximizing ancillary revenue. Consumer experts argue that this practice obscures the true cost of flying and makes it difficult for travelers to compare fares across airlines.

Understanding Jetstar's New Carry-On Luggage Policy

Starting in the coming year, Jetstar's cheapest fares will only include a small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Any carry-on bag that requires overhead bin space will incur an extra fee, which has not yet been fully disclosed but is expected to be similar to checked baggage charges.

This move aligns Jetstar with other budget carriers that have long charged for carry-on luggage, but it marks a significant change for the Australian market where such fees were previously uncommon. The airline markets this as a “user-pay” system that keeps entry-level prices low, but consumer advocates see it as a way to lure customers with low advertised prices and then hit them with unexpected costs during booking.

How Does This Affect Your Travel Budget?

For a typical round-trip domestic flight, adding carry-on luggage could cost an extra $30 to $60 per person, depending on the route and booking time. When combined with other add-ons like seat selection ($20+), cancellation protection ($50), and loyalty program fees, the total can quickly exceed the cost of a full-service airline ticket.

Below is a comparison of typical add-on fees across major airlines:

Consumer Reaction: 'Just an Easy Cash Grab'

Andy Kelly, campaigns director at consumer advocacy group Choice, did not mince words: “Already, to choose seats could be over $20, around $50 if you want the ability to cancel your flight to get a credit, and then an additional $50 to join their loyalty program to get a discount. They just make it really hard for consumers to know the true price.”

Graeme Hughes, a consumer expert at Griffith University, adds that this further obscures the checkout price. “This allows Jetstar to broadcast the cheapest price, but of course those add-on costs are something which are going to hit you as you click through the booking process,” he says.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Always read the fine print before booking a budget flight to understand all potential add-on fees.
• Compare the total cost including carry-on, seat selection, and other extras against full-service carriers.
• Consider traveling with only a personal item to avoid the new carry-on fee.
• Join loyalty programs or use credit card benefits that may waive some fees.

Is This a Growing Industry Trend?

Jetstar is not alone. Canadian airline WestJet reconfigured its aircraft last year, requiring passengers to pay extra for seats that recline. Many airlines now offer the option to pay to sit next to an empty seat, a clever way to monetize unsold inventory. These practices are often marketed as giving customers more choice, but they effectively raise the cost of air travel for most passengers.

The trend is likely to continue as airlines seek to recover from pandemic losses and rising fuel costs. However, regulatory bodies in some countries are pushing for greater price transparency, requiring airlines to display all mandatory fees upfront.

How to Avoid Jetstar's New Fee

If you want to avoid the carry-on luggage charge, the simplest solution is to pack everything into a single personal item that fits under the seat. Jetstar specifies dimensions for such bags, typically around 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, but always check their website for the latest rules.

Alternatively, consider flying with a different airline that includes carry-on luggage in the fare, or book a higher fare class that bundles carry-on and checked baggage. For frequent flyers, using a co-branded credit card or loyalty status may also provide fee waivers.

FAQ

In conclusion, Jetstar's new carry-on luggage fee is a clear example of the airline industry's shift toward unbundled pricing. While it may keep base fares low, the total cost of flying can quickly escalate. As a consumer, it's essential to compare total trip costs and consider whether the convenience of a low advertised fare is worth the hidden extras.