How does Jetstar’s new 10kg luggage deal compare?
The new "pay for extra" offer copies a similar deal from Tigerair.
No-frills carriers like Jetstar and Tigerair stun us with low prices, but there's always a catch: the cheapest fares don't include any checked baggage, and restrict you to just 7kg of carry-on luggage. As I've pointed out on numerous occasions, these airlines actively monitor cabin baggage, so you can't just assume you'll be able to sneak extra on board. And if you get busted, you'll pay through the nose to have your bag checked in the hold or allowed on board.
Today Jetstar has launched a new option for people who find it tough to cram everything they need for a trip into 7kg. You can pay an extra $13 to add 3kg to your carry-on limit if you're on a Starter fare. That mimics the existing arrangement for FlexiBiz fares, which also feature a 10kg limit.
Tigerair offers a similar deal, known as Cabin+. That provides an even more generous 12kg limit, but costs more, with pricing starting from $16 and rising if you take longer flights.
Even when you've paid extra, your baggage still has to meet size requirements, and you still can't take more than two items on board. Remember also it's 10kg in total, not 10kg for each bag.
If you struggle to fit everything into 7kg, then this might be worth considering. However, it's important to note that this is only slightly cheaper than just paying for checked baggage, which starts at $18 for 15kg on the shortest Jetstar flights if you pay when you book. Remember, that's 15kg on top of your standard 7kg for carry-on.
So you'll need to balance how quickly you want to leave the airport with the extra cost. If you're catching a shuttle bus from a regional airport, that will normally wait until passengers with luggage have boarded, so you might not actually save any time.
As an addicted cheap flights passenger, I'm a dab hand at fitting everything into 7kg. Indeed, I'm typing this on a plane returning from Brisbane, and my luggage weighs just 5.4kg, laptop included. Earlier this year, I spent 5 days in Hawaii with just a 7kg bag. Check out some of my hints on how to do that in the video below:
Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more. It appears regularly on finder.com.au.Latest Points Finder headlines, tips and guides
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