✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Jetstar (JQ) is a low-cost carrier, so its cheapest Economy Starter fare includes only carry-on baggage — every checked bag is a paid add-on. The base allowance is two cabin items with a combined weight of 7kg, and checked baggage starts from zero unless you buy a bundle or add it during booking.
Two things make Jetstar easy to get wrong. First, checked-bag prices are not flat — they vary by route, are cheapest bought online during booking, and get steadily more expensive the later you add them (airport prices are the worst). Second, Jetstar genuinely weighs carry-on at the gate and charges painful excess fees if you exceed 7kg, so the cabin limit is enforced, not theoretical.
Notable 2026 change: from 15 January 2026, the airport checked-baggage allowance is standardised to 20kg on all domestic and international JQ flights (it previously varied by route).
Quick facts
| Personal item + carry-on | 2 items, combined 7kg (Starter) |
| Carry-on max dimensions | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (main bag, incl. wheels/handles) |
| Carry-on upgrade | 14kg (Flex bundle, Business, or +7kg top-up) |
| Checked in cheapest fare | Not included — buy separately |
| Checked via Plus bundle | 20kg |
| Checked via Max bundle | 30kg |
| Max checked you can buy | 40kg total (no single item over 32kg) |
| Oversized item fee | AUD/NZD $25 per item (single side over 1m) |
| Airport allowance from 15 Jan 2026 | 20kg, all JQ flights |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | Must fit under the seat in front. One small item (handbag, laptop bag, small backpack) plus one main cabin bag are both allowed, but they share the single 7kg combined limit on Starter fares. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (incl. wheels, handles, side pockets) · 7kg combined with personal item (14kg on Flex/Business or with +7kg top-up) Included in all fares |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | None on Starter; 20kg on Plus bundle; 30kg on Max bundle; buy up to 40kg total |
| Weight limit | No single item over 32kg |
| Typical fee | Route-dependent; cheapest online (e.g. ~AUD 45 for 15kg domestic). Excess at airport ~AUD/NZD 10/kg domestic, ~AUD 20/kg intl ex-Australia |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Starter | Included (shares 7kg) | 7kg combined | Not included |
| Plus bundle | Included | 7kg combined | 20kg |
| Max bundle | Included | 7kg combined | 30kg |
| Flex bundle | Included | 14kg combined | Varies by bundle (Flex Plus adds 20kg) |
| Business (international) | Included | 14kg combined | 30kg |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get at deal prices: when you book the headline Jetstar fare, you get the cabin allowance and nothing else. Plan on 7kg of carry-on (two items combined) and no checked bag — checked luggage is always an extra purchase.
For a true cabin-only trip, the cheapest fare is fine, but the 7kg limit is strict and gate-weighed. If you need to check a bag, add it online during booking, not at the airport — airport rates are dramatically higher, and after 15 Jan 2026 the airport allowance caps at 20kg anyway. If you’ll carry more than ~10–15kg checked, compare the Plus (20kg) or Max (30kg) bundle against the standalone bag fee; the bundle is often cheaper once seat selection and food are factored in.
Oversize, sports & special items
Oversized & sports gear: any item with a single side longer than 1 metre (including wheels, handles and packaging) attracts a handling fee of AUD/NZD $25 per item, on top of your weight allowance. This covers surfboards, skis, snowboards and bicycles. Maximum two oversized items per passenger per flight.
Musical instruments: small instruments under 7kg and no larger than 85 x 36 x 23 cm can travel as carry-on. A larger instrument up to 15kg can fly in the cabin if you buy an extra seat for it. Anything longer than 1 metre checked into the hold incurs the oversized handling fee.
Carry-on enforcement: Jetstar regularly weighs cabin bags at the gate. Over the 7kg limit and you’ll pay airport excess fees and may have the bag sent to the hold — budget accordingly rather than risk it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a checked bag included in Jetstar's cheapest fare?
No. The Economy Starter fare includes only carry-on (7kg combined across two items). Checked baggage must be added separately or by buying a Plus, Max or Flex Plus bundle.
How much carry-on can I bring on Jetstar?
Two items — one main cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus one small personal item — with a combined weight of 7kg on most fares. Flex bundle, Business and the +7kg top-up raise this to 14kg combined.
How much does a checked bag cost on Jetstar?
It varies by route and is cheapest bought online during booking. As a guide, around AUD 45 buys 15kg on domestic flights. Prices rise the later you add baggage, and airport rates are the most expensive.
What is the maximum checked baggage I can buy on Jetstar?
Up to 40kg total per passenger, with no single item weighing more than 32kg. The Plus bundle includes 20kg and the Max bundle includes 30kg.
What changed for Jetstar baggage in 2026?
From 15 January 2026, the airport checked-baggage allowance is standardised to 20kg on all domestic and international Jetstar Airways (JQ) flights, replacing the previous route-by-route variation.
What are Jetstar's fees for oversized or sports items?
Any item with a single side over 1 metre (including packaging) attracts a handling fee of AUD/NZD $25 per item, on top of your weight allowance. This applies to surfboards, skis, snowboards and bicycles, with a maximum of two oversized items per passenger.
Does Jetstar weigh carry-on bags at the gate?
Yes. Jetstar frequently weighs cabin bags at the gate. If you exceed the 7kg limit you'll be charged airport excess fees and your bag may be moved to the hold.
Can I bring two bags as carry-on with Jetstar?
Yes — one main cabin bag plus one small personal item — but together they must not exceed the 7kg combined limit (14kg on Flex, Business or with a +7kg top-up).
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