Jetstar to charge for overhead carry-on bags — See what other airlines are doing

Australian budget carrier Jetstar will start charging passengers to place larger carry-on bags in overhead bins under a major update to its cabin baggage policy.

Dig deeper:

Beginning in February 2027, travelers will pay between A$25 and A$52 (about $18 to $37 USD) per one-way flight, depending on the route, if they want to store larger bags in the overhead compartments.

Under the revised rules, overhead-bin bags can weigh up to 22 pounds and will no longer be weighed by staff before boarding, replacing the current 15-pound restriction. The prepaid "Priority Carry-on" option also includes priority boarding.

Passengers may still bring a smaller personal item — such as a purse, laptop bag or backpack that meets size requirements — and store it under the seat in front of them at no additional cost.

Ancillary charges, including fees for checked baggage, excess luggage, seat assignments and priority boarding, have become an increasingly important source of revenue for low-cost airlines. Consumer advocates have criticized the practice, arguing that advertised fares often fail to reflect the actual cost of flying.

What they're saying:

Jetstar said the policy change follows feedback from passengers and employees who identified gate baggage checks and competition for overhead bin space as among the most stressful parts of air travel.

The airline said the updated system is designed to reduce delays and improve the boarding process.

"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," Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said in a statement, adding that the change would ensure customers only paid for what they needed.

"You only pay for what you need — traveling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need," she said.

The other side:

Australian opposition Sen. Bridget McKenzie criticized the move on social media, calling it a "cash grab."

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said airlines should clearly disclose any extra fees during the booking process so passengers are not caught off guard at the airport.

"Jetstar claim this change is to keep fares affordable. It will be up to them to demonstrate that to passengers," King said in a statement.

Big picture view:

Jetstar is the latest budget airline to introduce a fee for overhead-bin carry-on luggage, joining many low-cost carriers in the United States and Europe that already charge passengers for the service.

While airlines in Australia and New Zealand already charge for checked bags, seat selection and certain food, beverage and entertainment options, Jetstar is the first carrier in the region to require payment specifically for using the overhead compartments.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is increasing its checked baggage fees for travel on North American Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights.  Fees are increasing $5 for the first checked bag and $10 for the second checked bag. The new fees apply to flights booked on or after Friday, April 10.

Atmos Rewards status members and eligible cardholders of an Atmos Rewards Visa or Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard will still get free checked bags. There are no changes to the airline's Huaka’i or Club 49 programs that fly intra-state in Hawai‘i and Alaska.  

American Airlines

Effective April 9, American Airlines is increasing its checked bag fees by $10. 

Prepaid checked bags will be $45 for the first one and $55 for the second. If you pay at the airport, it’ll be $50 for the first and $60 for the second. A third checked bag will cost $200, a $50 increase. 

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways is increasing baggage fees by $4 to $9 for economy travelers.

For flights within the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America, the first checked bag will now cost $39 during off-peak travel (up from $35) and $49 during peak periods (up from $40). Travelers who pay less than 24 hours before departure will still incur an additional $10 fee.

RELATED: JetBlue hikes baggage fees as Iran conflict drives up jet fuel costs

Passengers with qualifying JetBlue co-branded credit cards or elite frequent flyer status will continue to be exempt from baggage fees.

United Airlines 

United Airlines raised checked bag fees by $10 to $50 for travelers purchasing tickets starting April 3. 

RELATED: United Airlines checked bag fees climbs $10-50 as fuel prices nearly double since Iran war

Prepaid bag fees are now $45 for the first bag, $55 for the second and $200 for the third. 

Bags paid within 24 hours of travel are now $50 for the first, $60 for the second and $200 for the third. 

Eligible passengers — such as United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members and travelers in premium cabins — can still check a bag for free. 

"The reality is, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in the last three weeks," United CEO Scott Kirby wrote in a memo to employees in March. "If prices stayed at this level, it would mean an extra $11B in annual expense just for jet fuel. For perspective, in United’s best year ever, we made less than $5B." 

Despite soaring fuel costs and higher plane fares, Kirby said in March that "demand remains the strongest we've ever seen."

Delta Airlines 

For tickets purchased after April 8, Delta is increasing checked bag fees by $10 to $50. 

That means it will be $45 for the first bag, $55 for the second bag and $200 for the third. The fees apply to both domestic and select short-haul international routes. There are no changes to longer international flights. 

RELATED: Delta Air Lines increasing checked bag fees due to fuel costs

Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members; customers traveling in First Class, Delta Premium Select and Delta One; active-duty military customers, and those with eligible co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards will still get one free checked bag, according to Delta. 

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is raising its fees to $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second, up $10 from when Southwest first started charging for checked bags less than a year ago. 

Active military, A-List Preferred customers and passengers who pay for Choice Extra fare can check up to two bags for free.

A-List customers and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders get one free checked bag. 

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