Australian budget airline Jetstar will start charging passengers to store carry-on bags in overhead lockers from February next year.
Under the new policy, travellers will be entitled to bring a small personal item that fits under the seat in front of them at no extra cost. Those looking to carry a larger cabin bag in the overhead locker will need to purchase the option.
The airline said it would discontinue its routine practice of weighing cabin baggage at the boarding gate. Instead, customers will be asked to ensure their carry-on bags weigh no more than 10kg, so they can lift them into overhead compartments without assistance.
Jetstar said the changes followed customer and staff feedback aimed at improving the boarding experience. “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,” the airline said in a statement.
Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said that the revised policy would “make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time”.
“From February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on,” Ms Tully said.
“By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time. Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need – travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”
Prices for overhead locker access will vary depending on route and demand.
The airline said charges would begin at A$25 for shorter domestic flights like Launceston to Sydney. Longer international routes could cost more. A flight between Cairns and Tokyo, for example, would attract a charge of A$52, although, according to the BBC, Jetstar said prices could increase depending on demand.
The model aligns with baggage policies used by several low-cost airlines, the carrier says, including Britain’s EasyJet and Ireland’s Ryanair which get passengers to pay separately for larger cabin bags.
The announcement prompted strong reactions online. Critics accused the airline of introducing yet another fee for services that should be included in the ticket price.
“Minimum of $25 to use an overhead locker in the plane. What next? A fee to use the toilet?” a social media user asked.
“Sick of people with several bags taking all the space. This is what happens when you are selfish and inconsiderate. We all get punished,” another commented.
Opposition senator Bridget McKenzie said that the new baggage changes amounted to a “cash grab”.
