If you’ve ever had your carry-on weighed at the Jetstar gate and felt your stomach drop, this one’s for you. Jetstar has announced two major baggage changes that reshape how you’ll pack for your next flight one already in effect, one landing in 2027.
The 7kg Carry-On Rule Is Gone
From 2 February 2027, Jetstar is scrapping its strict 7kg carry-on weight limit in favour of a simpler, size-based system the same approach used by several other low-cost carriers around the world. Instead of anxiously watching your bag get weighed at the gate, the question will simply be: does it fit?
Here’s what’s included and what changes:
- Every booking includes one free underseat bag (backpack, handbag or laptop bag), capped at 40 x 30 x 20cm no charge, no weigh-in.
- Want a second, larger bag for the overhead locker? You’ll need to pre-purchase Priority Carry-on, which also gets you early boarding.
- Overhead bags won’t be weighed, but must fit within 56 x 36 x 23cm.
- Jetstar is asking travellers to keep carry-on to a self-liftable 10kg or so, even though it won’t be checked at the gate.
- Travelling with an infant? You’ll get an extra free underseat bag for baby items.
- Already booked a flight after 2 February 2027? Jetstar says those bookings will be automatically upgraded to include Priority Carry-on at no extra cost.
Jetstar’s CEO Stephanie Tully said the change follows years of feedback that gate-side bag weighing was one of the most stressful parts of flying with the airline for passengers and crew alike.
Checked Baggage Is Now One Simple Number
This one’s already live. As of 15 January 2026, Jetstar standardised its checked baggage allowance to 20kg across every domestic and international route no more guessing whether your allowance changes depending on where you’re flying.
Previously, checked baggage limits varied route by route, which caught out plenty of travellers who packed based on what worked for a past trip and got hit with excess fees on a different one. Now it’s one rule, everywhere.
What This Means For Your Next Trip
- Light packers win: if you can fit everything in an underseat bag, flying just got cheaper and less stressful no scale anxiety, no risk of a surprise fee.
- Heavier carry-on travellers need to budget for Priority Carry-on ahead of time, rather than assuming a 7kg allowance will stretch.
- Checked baggage is finally predictable pack to 20kg no matter where you’re flying, domestic or international.
- The carry-on change doesn’t land until February 2027, so you’ve got time to adjust how you pack before it’s the norm.
The Slow-Travel Takeaway
Packing light has always been part of travelling slow and easy fewer bags, fewer logistics, more time actually enjoying where you are. Jetstar’s changes reward that approach more than ever. If you’re planning a trip in the next year, use this as your cue to rethink what actually needs to come with you.
Sources: Jetstar Newsroom (jetstar.com), ABC News, TTR Weekly accurate as of August 2026. Always check jetstar.com for the latest terms before you fly.