‘Just an easy cash grab’: why Jetstar is charging customers for carry-on luggage
News Source
•Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:00:21 GMT
📰 What Happened
Budget airline Jetstar will start charging for carry-on luggage from next year. Tickets will only include one 'under seat bag', like a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Passengers who want stowed carry-on will pay extra. That fee joins existing charges for checked bags, preferred seats, and snacks. Experts say the fees make fares harder to compare.
🔍 The Backstory
Jetstar is Qantas's low-cost airline that competes on cheap base fares. Budget carriers make money from low ticket prices plus add-on fees. This trend means the final cost of a flight can be far higher than advertised. Other airlines already charge for things that used to be free, like seat choice and reclining seats.
🎯 Why It Matters
Hidden fees catch people at booking time and push up trip costs. Knowing what a ticket really costs helps families avoid surprise bills.
Budget airline Jetstar will start charging for carry-on luggage from next year. Tickets will only include one 'under seat bag', like a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Passengers who want stowed carry-on will pay extra. That fee joins existing charges for checked bags, preferred seats, and snacks. Experts say the fees make fares harder to compare.
Jetstar is Qantas's low-cost airline that competes on cheap base fares. Budget carriers make money from low ticket prices plus add-on fees. This trend means the final cost of a flight can be far higher than advertised. Other airlines already charge for things that used to be free, like seat choice and reclining seats.
Hidden fees catch people at booking time and push up trip costs. Knowing what a ticket really costs helps families avoid surprise bills.