Every frequent flyer knows the drill: board the flight, shuffle down the aisle and find every overhead locker stuffed with other passengers’ carry-ons before you reach row 12. But that may soon come to an end when Jetstar starts introducing their overhead locker fees on February 2nd 2027.
If you fly Jetstar regularly or are planning a trip, keep reading to find out what the airline has in store for passengers with their new carry-on luggage overhaul and how you can curb these new fees with Love Coupons’ best deals on flights.
In this blog, we’ll give you the lowdown on:
- What Jetstar’s new overhead locker fees are
- What their new carry-on baggage rules entail
- What this new policy means for your wallet
- How to find the best deals on flights
What Are Jetstar’s New Overhead Locker Fees?
Jetstar has confirmed that from February 2nd 2027, storing a bag in the overhead lockers will no longer be free. The airline calls the paid option, which is part of a wider update to their baggage policies, “Priority Carry-on”. According to Stuff, baggage prices “will fluctuate based on route, flight timing and demand”, meaning that busier flights or peak dates could push the fee higher. For example, a one-way flight from Dunedin to Auckland could set you back $23 on carry-on baggage alone. And if you’re planning on making a return trip, you can expect to pay the fee twice.
Jetstar Carry-On Baggage Rules For 2027
According to The Guardian, the updated Jetstar carry-on baggage rules will allow one personal item for base ticket fares, provided that it can fit fully under the seat in front of you. Anything larger will be charged the Priority Carry-on fee.
The airline will also be scrapping their 7kg carry-on weight limit and will instead introduce size restrictions for underseat and overhead bags. These include:
- A maximum limit of 56 × 36 × 23cm for overhead bags
- A maximum limit of 40 × 30 × 20cm for underseat bags
Already booked a flight with Jetstar for after February 2nd 2027? The airline will automatically upgrade your seat to include the Priority Carry-on add-on at no extra cost.
What This Means For Your Wallet
The fare you see on the search results page won’t necessarily be the full cost of your trip. From February next year, the actual price of flying Jetstar depends on the amount of luggage you’re bringing and whether your carry-on can actually fit under the seat. If you’re opting for a quick trip, then the new overhead locker fee doesn’t matter that much. However, if you’re planning an overnight or longer flight, you’ll need to budget an extra $20 to $50 before considering accommodation.
How To Get The Best Deals On Flights (Even With The New Fees)
The Jetstar overhead locker fees are exactly the kind of policy shift that makes smart booking habits more worth it than ever. Fortunately, our travel savings expert, Jessica Pinker, has listed six handy ways to keep the total cost of your trip down:
- Travel with a single personal item where you can - If you’re only planning a short domestic flight, skip the overhead locker fees by opting for a carry-on that fits under the seat.
- Compare the full price, not just the fare - Once Jetstar’s locker fees are in effect, tally up the full price before booking. You might find that a $79 ticket isn’t much cheaper than a $99 business class seat if the first requires you to add baggage, seat selection and other extras.
- Book locker access in advance - If you know ahead of time that you’ll need an add-on, booking it with your ticket is often cheaper than at the gate.
- Keep an eye out for last-minute flights if you’re flexible - Last-minute flights aren’t always cheaper, but travellers with more flexible schedules can sometimes find discounts on unsold seats.
- Take advantage of loyalty perks - Club Jetstar members and frequent flyer partners can use their loyalty points to offset the cost of add-ons like the overhead locker fees.
- Use a discount code - Before you complete your booking, be sure to check what airline deals we have available. Trimming the base fare often makes an add-on much easier to swallow.
Our Final Thoughts
Jetstar’s new overhead locker fees may make flying on a budget a little harder, but not impossible. By comparing total costs, packing light and grabbing one of our discount codes before you book, you can still land the best deals on flights.
