Cabin baggage has long been the go-to option for travelers who’d rather skip checking a bag. But what happens when even that starts costing extra?
Australian budget carrier Jetstar is ending free overhead cabin storage. Starting February 2027, the airline will charge passengers to use overhead bin space, according to The New York Times.
The move follows a wave of incidents where passengers and airline staff struggled to find remaining overhead bin space, largely because most passengers were bringing bags heavier than the recommended weight limit.
This makes Jetstar the latest budget airline to introduce a paid system for cabin baggage , and notably, the first Australian or New Zealand carrier to explicitly charge for overhead locker access. Most global airlines still offer free overhead bin use for passengers who bring carry-on luggage.
What’s Free and What Costs Extra
“Customers can store a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits within the specified size under the seat in front of them at no cost,” Jetstar said.
Using the overhead bin, meanwhile, will cost between A$25 and A$52 (roughly US$18 to US$37) per one-way flight, with pricing varying depending on the route.
Bags stored in the overhead compartment can weigh up to 10 kilograms and will no longer be weighed by airline staff during boarding. The current 7-kilogram weight limit will be scrapped entirely for smaller items placed under the seat in front of passengers , meaning the only thing travelers will need to think about going forward is the size of their bag, not its weight. Overhead bags are capped at a maximum size of 56 x 36 x 23 cm.
Why Jetstar Says It’s Making the Change
Jetstar says the change is meant to reduce frustration at departure gates.
“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 an official statement.
She added that the move would ensure customers only pay for what they actually need. Travelers who’ve already booked flights departing after February 2, 2027 will get the Priority Carry-on option at no extra cost, and there are no changes to Jetstar’s checked baggage allowances.
Following a Trend Set by European Budget Carriers
Jetstar’s new policy mirrors the ancillary revenue model long used by European low-cost airlines. Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet all limit passengers on their cheapest fares to a small underseat bag, typically charging a separate fee for priority boarding or a larger cabin baggage allowance.
The announcement hasn’t gone over well with everyone, though , some passengers and Australian politicians have criticized the new fee as an unnecessary cash grab, arguing that advertised base fares increasingly fail to reflect the real cost of flying.
What This Means for Travelers to Indonesia
Currently, Jetstar’s flights to Indonesia are centered on Denpasar, Bali, with direct routes from several major Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, and Darwin. Travelers planning a Bali trip on Jetstar from February 2027 onward will want to factor the new overhead bin fee into their total travel budget , or plan to pack light enough to fit everything under the seat in front of them.
