Jetstar introduces fees for carry-on luggage in overhead lockers
Many Australians are outraged while others say it's 'about time' passengers are charged for larger bags.
Jetstar's new policy, introducing fees for carry-on luggage stored in overhead lockers, has sparked considerable debate among Australians online. The budget airline's decision to charge for this service, effective from February, has elicited a mix of outrage and support.
Under the revised rules, Jetstar will eliminate its current 7kg hand luggage limit. Instead, passengers will be permitted one smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of them. For larger bags requiring overhead locker space, customers will have the option to pay a fee, which also includes priority boarding.
Jetstar stated that these changes are the result of "extensive research and feedback" and align with the practices of other low-cost carriers.
The announcement generated varied reactions on social media. Some users sarcastically questioned whether the airline would soon impose charges for using the onboard toilets.
According to Jetstar, overhead luggage fees will commence at A$25 ($18; £13) for shorter routes, such as Launceston to Sydney, though prices may fluctuate. For instance, a flight from Cairns to Tokyo would incur a charge of A$52.
A Jetstar spokesperson informed the BBC that these quoted prices represent a "fair example" of the cost for hand luggage, but cautioned that prices could increase "based on demand" and therefore could not be guaranteed. The BBC's own check for flights from Sydney to Osaka revealed a carry-on price of $60 each way.
Jetstar also indicated that it would no longer routinely weigh passengers' bags before boarding. However, it requested that customers keep their bags to a maximum weight of 10kg to ensure they can lift them independently.
"The change follows extensive research and feedback from customers and crew who consistently identified having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers as the more stressful parts of the airport experience," Jetstar explained.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully commented that the adjustments are intended to "make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time." Similar policies are already in place with other low-cost airlines, including Britain's EasyJet and Ireland's RyanAir.
Despite the airline's rationale, many social media users expressed anger. One user posted, "Minimum of $25 to use an overhead locker in the plane. What next? A fee to use the toilet?" Another queried, "We pay for food and drink, the seat and checked baggage already... what's next... $10 for the use of soap and toilet paper in the bathroom?" A third user wrote, "I don't get it. Airlines encourage you to take less stuff, hand luggage only to save costs, then they turn around and slug you for it."
Conversely, some users voiced support for the changes, deeming them "about time." They argued that too many large suitcases in overhead lockers routinely left "No room for a jacket or hand bag." One person commented, "Sick of people with several bags taking all the space. This is what happens when you are selfish and inconsiderate. We all get punished."