05.08.2026 18:01
A new baggage era that will break the mold in air travel is beginning. Australian airline giant Jetstar has announced that it will completely overhaul its carry-on baggage rules, making overhead bins paid. With this radical decision, set to begin in February 2027, the aim is both to end the chaos of cabin baggage and to prevent departure delays.
A radical baggage era that will break the norms is coming for air travel. Jetstar, one of Australia's low-cost airline giants, has announced a revolutionary change to its cabin baggage rules, making the use of overhead bins a paid service.
According to information reported by the New York Post, this new system, which will go into effect as of February 2027, aims to end the in-flight baggage crisis and make departure delays a thing of the past.
DETAILS OF THE NEW SYSTEM
Free under-seat bag: Personal items such as backpacks, handbags, or laptop bags that fit under the seat in front will not incur any charge. Moreover, the previous 7 kg limit for under-seat bags will be completely removed.
Overhead bin fee: Passengers who want to place their wheeled cabin suitcase or large bags in the overhead bin will pay at least 25 Australian Dollars (approximately 840 TL) per one-way trip, depending on the route flown.
Baggage allowance increases to 10 kg: Passengers who pay for the overhead bin right will have their cabin baggage limit increased to 10 kg.
No more weighing hassle and waiting at the gate: The routine baggage weighing process that creates long queues at boarding gates will be removed. Additionally, passengers who purchase the overhead bin right will get priority boarding.
"WE WILL PUT AN END TO THE DELAY CRISIS"
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully, emphasizing that the main purpose of the practice is to increase on-time departure rates, said, "By offering customers an under-seat bag and an optional priority carry-on baggage option, we can use the overhead bin space more efficiently, make boarding easier, and help more flights depart on time."
WILL IT COME TO TURKEY?
Aviation experts, noting that US and Europe-based low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, Frontier, etc.) have been implementing this policy for a long time, point out that this move, a first in the Australian market, may initially draw reactions from passengers.
According to industry representatives, whether this global trend, which speeds up boarding processes, will be adopted by budget-friendly airlines in the Turkish and Asian markets in the future is eagerly awaited.