So how strict is Jetstar with carry-on? And does Jetstar actually weigh carry-on baggage?
Generally Jetstar is slightly strict with its carry-on baggage size and weight. The airline strictly enforces a total standard limit of 7kg. This combined weight includes both your main overhead item and any small personal item (like a backpack, laptop bag, or handbag).
So, to make sure you do not get surprised by some whopping last-minute charges at the airport, we recommend picking a suitcase that fits the airline’s carry-on size regulations.
Let’s find out more.
TL;DR
- Jetstar is slightly strict with its carry-on baggage rules and may weigh your bags at check-in or the boarding gate.
- Most Economy fares include 1 carry-on bag in addition of 1 personal item with a combined weight of 7 kg (15 lbs).
- Your main carry-on bag must not exceed 56 x 36 x 23 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in, including wheels and handles.
- You can purchase an additional 7 kg (15 lbs) carry-on allowance, increasing your limit to 14 kg (31 lbs) (maximum 10 kg / 22 lbs per item).
- Backpacks, handbags, and laptop bags all count toward your total carry-on weight.
- If your bag is overweight or oversized, you may have to pay extra fees or check it into the cargo hold.
- Make sure that you buy extra baggage online before your flight as it is usually much cheaper than paying at the airport.
What Is Jetstar Carry-on Allowance?
Jetstar carry-on size is calculated by measuring your bag’s length, width, and depth, and then adding the three together.
Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead locker and not exceed 56 cm (H) x 36 cm (W) x 23 cm (D).
Please note that the dimensions include any wheels and/or handles.
1 main item + 1 small item = combined weight of 7 kg
What Is Jetstar Personal Item Policy?
Jetstar also allows a smaller personal item on board to accompany your main bag.
The airline states that your item must be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
They use examples such as a small laptop on their website. However, you can take a lot more than that if your items are small enough.
I recommend taking advantage of the space available in your personal item, as your carry-on bag will be dedicated to larger items.
Besides, there is a lot more space than you might think underneath the seat in front of you, so this is a great opportunity to pack some additional essentials in your personal item.
For more details on your overall free baggage allowance, please check out this page on their website.
Jetstar carry-on liquids
Jetstar has its own rules on carrying liquids on board as carry-on luggage:
- Products must be in containers of 100 ml / 3.4 oz or less (broadly equivalent to 100 grams or less) and carried together in a transparent, resealable plastic bag.
- The bag’s sealed area must add up to no more than 80 cm / 31.5 inches / (e.g. 20 × 20 cm or 15 × 25 cm) .
- Only one bag is allowed per passenger, with exceptions for carers who may carry the bags of the people in their care, including children.
Other Items
In addition to your carry-on bag and personal item, you are allowed other items that do not count toward your overall allowance.
Examples include:
- One child safety item (a stroller, pusher, or pram…)
- Medications
- Duty-free items
- Food or snacks wrapped or in a container
- Other items such as a coat, umbrella, etc.
Infants carry on
You are allowed to bring one approved car seat onboard Jetstar, in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item, free of charge.
If the stroller is within the allowed carry-on size (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) and you want to transport it onboard without using it, you can pack it and it will count as your carry-on bag.
How Strict Is Jetstar With Carry-On Weight?
Does Jetstar actually weigh carry on baggage?
It’s rare when airlines will investigate you carry on luggage weight.
but as Jetstar stated in the website, your carry on bag and personal item must be 7kg combined for the basic fare ; so there si a huge chance that they will weigh your carry on.
Please make sure to adhere to the following Jetstar carry-on size and weight:
Does 7kg carry-on include handbag?
| Jetstar fare | Carry-on weight and size |
| Starter, Starter Plus and Starter Max | 1 carry on bag, that must fit in the overhead bin. Plus 1 personal item that must be placed perfectly under the seat in front of you. The total weight of the 2 item (carry on and personal item) must not exceed 7kg (or 14kg if you buy an extra 7kg ) each item must not weigh more than 10kg |
| Flex bundle | 1 carry on bag per passenger (that must fit the overhead bin). plus 1 personal item(that must fit under the seat in front of you), the total weight of the 2 items is 14kg (no single item can weigh more than 10kg) |
| Business Class | 2 carry on bags per passenger (that must fit the overhead bin). 1 one personal item (that must fit under the seat in front of you) the total weight of the 3 items must not exceed 14kg (no single item can weigh more than 10kg) |
My Carry-On Bag Is Slightly Oversized, What Will Happen?
As described above, if your carry-on is slightly too big on Jetstar it is rare for airlines to weigh and inspect your luggage, but they may ask you to place your carry-on in the sizing device.
To be fair, if your carry-on is only slightly oversized, you will probably be fine. Jetstar staff are unlikely to take it too seriously unless your carry-on looks far too large to fit in the overhead locker.
Take a look at this post about what if my carry-on is one inch too big?
Just be prepared to repack or wear some of your heavier clothing if you need to reduce the weight.
Does Checking In Online Make A Difference With Jetstar?
Absolutely. Some passengers choose to check in online for two reasons. The first is to bypass the lines and hassle at the airport.
The second is that you can often choose better seats.
If you check in at the airport counter, you are usually left with whatever seats your fellow passengers didn’t want.
By not checking in online, you give yourself a better chance of being asked questions at the Jetstar desk.
Plus, this approach gives you more time to get through security and relax before your flight.
Is Jetstar Strict On Carry On Baggage Size?
From our own experience, Jetstar is fairly strict when it comes to the size of your carry-on bag.
Your bag must fit in the overhead locker and not exceed 56 cm (H) x 36 cm (W) x 23 cm (D).
There’s a fairly good chance they will check bags to ensure they fit in the sizing devices.
Besides, the dimensions are there for a good reason, and the airline can get into trouble if too much luggage is brought into the cabin.
What Is Jetstar Carry-on Baggage Fees?
The carry-on bag and one personal item are free of charge if they are within the allowed size and weight limits.
If you want to take more than 7 kg, you can increase your carry-on baggage allowance to 14 kg over two items (maximum 10 kg for a single item).
Just purchase +7 kg Extra Carry-on Baggage when you book or in Manage Booking (limited availability per flight and available on selected routes), or purchase a Flex Bundle when booking.
Alternatively, you can purchase checked baggage from 15 kg to 40 kg.
The Best Carry-ons For Jetstar Flights
There are many amazing carry-on bags that fit perfectly within Jetstar’s carry-on luggage allowance, and this adorable, stylish backpack fits the Jetstar dimensions.
The backpack size is 45 cm x 33 cm x 21 cm, while Jetstar’s maximum dimensions are 56 cm (H) x 36 cm (W) x 23 cm (D).
The backpack can be used as either a personal item or a carry-on bag.
You can use the backpack to carry all your items in a super organized way. A quick-access pocket on the front of the backpack is convenient for small items such as keys.
Two side pockets provide easy access to essentials and can hold your water bottle and umbrella.
Final Thoughts: How Strict Is Jetstar With Carry-on?
Sometimes you can get away with oversized or overweight luggage, especially if you have a soft-sided bag.
With that said, there are ways to reduce the risk of being caught out, as discussed throughout this post.
For peace of mind, however, we recommend investing in a fully compliant bag and staying within the weight restrictions.
If, after reading this, you think it might be wise to pay for checked baggage, then please check out this page on Jetstar’s website.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Jetstar Carry-on Baggage
What happens if my carry-on is over 7 kg on Jetstar?
If your carry-on is over 7 kg / 15 lbs limit, Jetstar may ask you to pay for extra baggage or check your bag into the cargo hold. It’s usually much cheaper to buy extra baggage online before your flight.
Does Jetstar weigh backpacks?
Jetstar may weigh your backpack along with your carry-on suitcase because both items count toward your total carry-on weight allowance.
Does Jetstar put tags or stickers on carry-on bags?
Sometimes. At some airports, Jetstar places a tag or sticker on your bag after it’s been weighed. This lets gate staff know your baggage has already been checked.
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on suitcase on Jetstar?
Most Jetstar fares include one carry-on bag and one small personal item, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag, as long as they stay within your combined weight limit.
Does my handbag count toward Jetstar’s 7 kg carry-on limit?
Your handbag, backpack, or laptop bag counts toward your total 7 kg carry-on allowance.
Can I take duty-free shopping on Jetstar?
You can bring duty-free purchases onboard, but depending on your route and airport, they may count toward your carry-on allowance.
Is Jetstar stricter on international flights?
It can be. Jetstar is more likely to check carry-on bags on busy international flights, but the same baggage rules apply on both domestic and international routes.
Can I buy extra carry-on baggage at the airport?
If it’s available. However, it’s usually much cheaper to add extra carry-on baggage online before you travel.
Can I carry my laptop separately?
Yes, but if your laptop is in a laptop bag or backpack, it counts as your personal item and is included in your total carry-on allowance.
Do jackets and coats count toward my carry-on allowance?
If you’re wearing your jacket or coat, it generally doesn’t count toward your carry-on weight. If it’s packed inside your bag, it does.
Can I bring food in my carry-on on Jetstar?
Snacks and most solid foods are fine in your carry-on. If you’re carrying liquids, gels, or spreads, they must follow the 100 ml liquid rules on international flights.
Can two people share the 7 kg carry-on allowance?
Each passenger has their own carry-on allowance, so you can’t combine or share your weight limit with someone else.
You might also like:
- What Is Jetstar Baggage Allowance?
- How Strict Is Virgin Australia Carry-on Luggage?
- How strict is Qantas with Carry-on?
