Biggest 'pain point' for Jetstar customers could soon be gone
It's something that likely leaves many travellers with anxiety – the sight of a pair of scales at an airline check in counter or boarding gate.
Now, Aussie low-cost airline Jetstar is in the process of reviewing its current carry-on baggage policy in the hopes of reducing some of the stress around that particular part of the travel experience.
"We're always looking for ways to make travel better for our customers and our people," a spokesperson confirmed to 9Travel.
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Jetstar is currently in the process of reviewing its carry on baggage policy. Jetstar
"We know that weighing carry-on baggage can be a pain point for our customers," they said.
"We are currently reviewing our cabin baggage policy, consulting with customers, crew, and partners to explore new solutions."
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Indeed, social media is full of clips showing passengers getting frustrated with the airline's cabin baggage weight rules and trying to get around the limits.
Some have even gone so far as to accuse the airline of using "dodgy scales"
One Reddit post, featuring a photo of a luggage scale, read: "Never mind the wildlife, this is what really drives fear into the heart of people in Australia".
Carry on rules and the weighing of bags has been a 'pain point' for customers. Getty
While the airline confirmed no decision has been made, there are a raft of potential changes under review.
Jetstar's head of network and fleet Ted Knight told news.com.au it could be anything from customers being allowed more weight or a change to how much customers are paying for extra weight.
A common US policy, where airlines have no weight limit for carry-on bags on domestic flights and instead restrict bags by size, is also being considered, and would be a first for an Australian airline.
Of course, things like weight, balance and the safety of the aircraft will be key factors taken into consideration.
The airline is considering changes but no decision has been made. Jetstar
What is Jetstar's current carry on policy?
The current Jetstar carry on policy allows travellers to take 7kg on board included in their fare.
That weight limit applies to both your carry-on luggage and personal items (such as a laptop bag, handbag, blanket or duty-free goods) combined.
Customers can purchase an additional 7kg of weight allowance when booking, with prices varying per route. Some bundles and business class fares include this addition.
Even with a 14kg allowance though travellers need to make sure no single bag weighs more than 10kg.
The airline also has size limits, with carry-on bags needing to be no larger than L56cm x W36cm x H23cm (including wheels and handles) in order to fit in overhead lockers.
Virgin Australia updated its carry on policy on February 2. iStock
New carry on rules in Australia
It comes hot on the heels of Virgin Australia introducing new rules for carry-on baggage, which came into effect this month.
Economy fliers can now only bring one carry-on bag aboard of up to 8kg.
Previously, Virgin Australia's carry-on rules for passengers allowed for a total weight of 7kg, which could be split across two items.
Passengers are still allowed a 'small personal item' such as a handbag, laptop bag, or backpack that can fit under the seat in front.
'Small' is defined as maximum L45cm x W33cm x H20cm.
Under new rules, Business Class, Gold, Forever Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Plus Velocity members, and Economy X guests can bring up to two carry-on bags with a total of up to 14kg.
