With airlines continuing to increase the cost of checked baggage to what is now an average of $50 for those in economy and without additional perks through a credit card or airline status, travelers will typically get around the extra charge by cramming whatever they need on the trip into a carry-on suitcase.This, in turn, has significantly reduced the overhead locker space on an average plane over the last decade and pushed some airlines to take extreme measures of charging for anything larger than a backpack.Since the start of 2026, Canada’s flagship airline Air Canada has sold a new “basic economy” fare class in which customers on flights within North America can board only with a small personal item like a purse. A surprise carry-on suitcase with wheels that is not added to the booking but discovered at the gate by an agent will be charged an elevated fee of C$65 (approximately $46 USD).Jetstar to charge new fee for storing items in overhead lockers on flightThe latest airline to lean into such a model is the Australian low-cost airline Jetstar. The Qantas Airways subsidiary that flies to a network of domestic destinations within Australia and to several Asian countries previously had a seven kilogram (15.5 pounds) weight limit on any luggage brought within the aircraft.While the weight limit will be scrapped from February 2027, the new model will allow passengers only a small personal item that can fit underneath the seat in front of them. Anything that needs to go into the overhead bin space will come with an added cost that starts at AU$25 for a short flight between Australian cities like Launceston and Sydney and go up to AU$86 for an international flight between Melbourne and Tokyo.Related: JetBlue cracks down on baggage in a way you won’t likeWhat the airline is dubbing the “Priority Carry-on” fee will also come with early boarding to place the bag into the overhead compartment. Jetstar justified the pricing structure as being similar to other low-cost airlines and minimizing cramming in the plane.
JetStar Airways is the budget offshoot of Qantas.Image source: Shutterstock
“You can always add more”: Jetstar’s new baggage model sparks outrage”Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low,” Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said in a statement. “You only pay for what you need — traveling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”More Travel News:Airline to launch unusual new flight to Cayman Islands from the U.S.There is a very cool Irish version of swimming pigs in the BahamasUnexpected country is most luxurious travel destination for 2026Low-cost airline launches easier way to get to Sri LankaWhile Jetstar leaned into the fact that some of its passengers had previously complained about overhead compartment crowding, the policy change sparked an immediate outcry from travelers who feel that the airline is trying to squeeze them for money in whichever way it can.”Minimum of $25 to use an overhead locker in the plane,” one Australian resident posted sardonically on social media in response to the airline’s announcement. “What next? A fee to use the toilet?”Earlier this summer, the European Parliament passed a law that bans airlines operating out of the EU from such practices by requiring airlines to include a small carry-on in the 40cm X 30cm X 15cm size any ticket they sell.Related: Another airline loses license after accident, all flights canceled