Jetstar scraps 7kg carry-on baggage limit in major overhaul for Australia flights from February 2027

Jetstar is ditching one of its most notorious baggage rules, but there’s a catch.

The airline will scrap its long-standing 7kg carry-on weight limit from February 2027, replacing it with a new “Ryan Air-style” baggage model that charges passengers who want to use the overhead lockers.

Under the overhaul, every traveller will still receive one small underseat bag included in their fare, but anyone wanting to bring a larger carry-on suitcase or backpack into the cabin will need to purchase a new Priority Carry-on upgrade, starting from $25 one way on selected routes.

The move brings Jetstar closer to the business model used by low-cost European carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet, where overhead locker space is treated as a paid extra rather than a standard part of the ticket.

Jetstar says the changes are designed to simplify packing, speed up boarding and reduce delays caused by passengers weighing bags at the gate or competing for overhead locker space.

Chief executive Stephanie Tully said customers had repeatedly identified carry-on weigh-ins as one of the most frustrating parts of the airport experience.

“We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew,” Ms Tully said.

“To make packing easier we’ve decided to remove the 7kg weight limit, so from February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on.”

From February 2, 2027, every booking will include one underseat bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 centimetres.

Passengers wanting to use the overhead lockers will instead need to purchase Priority Carry-on, which includes a second bag measuring up to 56 x 36 x 23 centimetres and priority boarding.

Jetstar says it will also stop routinely weighing cabin baggage at the gate, although passengers must still be able to safely lift their own bags into the overhead lockers. No individual bag can weigh more than 10kg.

Customers who exceed the permitted size or number of bags may still be required to check them in, with additional fees applying.

Jetstar said the changes followed extensive research showing travellers were more frustrated by bag weigh-ins and crowded overhead lockers than the existing weight limit.

Passengers with existing bookings departing on or after February 2, 2027, will automatically receive the new Priority Carry-on allowance at no extra cost. Those who have already paid for the airline’s additional +7kg carry-on option will also receive a refund.

While Jetstar says the overhaul will make flying simpler and help flights depart on time, many travellers may notice one significant difference, overhead locker space will no longer come standard with every fare.