World update: Jetstar, budget carrier, will first Australia start making

Jetstar is set to become the first airline in Australia to charge passengers for carry-on luggage that does not fit under the seat, according to the New York Times. The move adds a new fee to a long-running pressure point in budget travel: how much a passenger can bring onboard without paying extra.

What Jetstar is changing

The change focuses on carry-on baggage that exceeds the space under the seat. Under the new approach, passengers who want to use the overhead bin for larger carry-on items will have to pay a fee.

That makes Jetstar the first carrier in Australia to introduce a charge tied specifically to overhead bin use, based on the information provided in the feed summary.

Why this matters for travelers

For many passengers, overhead bin space is one of the most contested parts of boarding a flight, especially on low-cost airlines where fares are kept down by charging separately for extras. A policy like this can affect how travelers pack, how they compare ticket prices and how they budget for a trip.

The development also highlights the broader direction of budget aviation, where airlines continue to unbundle services that were once included in the fare.

Background on Jetstar

Jetstar is a budget carrier, and its pricing model is built around optional add-ons. The new carry-on fee fits that model, though the feed metadata does not provide details on pricing, rollout timing or any exemptions.

The New York Times reported the move in its World coverage, identifying it as a first for Australia.

What is not yet clear

Based on the available feed details, several specifics remain unconfirmed, including the amount of the fee, the exact size limits for free carry-on, and whether the policy applies across all routes or only certain flights.

For now, the key fact is straightforward: Jetstar is preparing to charge passengers for carry-on luggage that does not fit under the seat, making overhead bin access a paid extra in Australia for the first time.

FAQ

Q: What is Jetstar charging for?

A: Jetstar will charge for carry-on luggage that does not fit under the seat and would otherwise go in the overhead bin.

Q: Is this a first in Australia?

A: Yes, according to the provided source summary, Jetstar will be the first airline in Australia to do this.

Q: Has the fee amount been disclosed?

A: The feed metadata does not include pricing details.

Q: Where was this reported?

A: The New York Times reported the development in its World coverage.