Jetstar to charge passengers for overhead bin space starting February 2027

Jetstar, the budget airline under Qantas, will begin levying a $25 AUD charge per overhead bin bag on flights starting in February 2027, while allowing passengers to keep smaller items like backpacks free of charge. The new "priority carry-on" option also includes priority boarding, which the carrier says will streamline the boarding process and help flights depart on schedule. Critics on Instagram and Reddit have expressed anger, labeling the fee as "highway robbery" and warning of possible boycotts.

Aviation commentator Steven Arroyo said the policy could speed boarding and may be adopted by other airlines, noting that fuel costs now represent a large share of airline expenses. Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully framed the change as giving customers the choice to pay only for services they need, and industry observers pointed out that U.S. low-cost carriers have charged for overhead space for years.