Virgin Australia vs Qantas vs Jetstar: The Ultimate Carry-On Baggage Comparison You Need to Know in 2026

As the aviation sector continues to evolve, baggage policies have become a central part of the passenger experience. Airlines are increasingly refining carry-on rules to improve boarding efficiency, manage overhead locker space, and deliver a smoother journey from gate to seat. From February 2026, Virgin Australia will introduce a revised carry-on baggage policy that places it in sharper contrast with long-standing approaches adopted by Qantas and Jetstar. When viewed side by side, the three airlines now represent distinctly different philosophies around cabin baggage, convenience, and flexibility.

This comparative analysis examines how Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar approach carry-on baggage allowances, how their policies differ, and what those differences mean for travellers planning domestic and short-haul international journeys.

Carry-On Baggage as a Core Part of the Travel Experience

Carry-on baggage rules are no longer a minor detail. They influence boarding speed, cabin comfort, and traveller satisfaction. For frequent flyers, business travellers, and short-haul passengers, cabin baggage allowances often determine airline choice. As aircraft cabins become denser and overhead locker space more contested, airlines have increasingly moved to standardise and enforce carry-on rules.

Against this backdrop, Virgin Australia’s upcoming policy changes represent a structural shift, while Qantas continues to offer flexibility, and Jetstar maintains a more tightly controlled low-cost approach.

Virgin Australia Carry-On Baggage Policy from February 2026

From 2 February 2026, Virgin Australia will implement a revised carry-on baggage allowance for Economy Class travellers. Under the new policy, Economy passengers, including Velocity Red and Silver members, will be permitted to bring one standard carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kilograms. This bag must be stored in the overhead locker. In addition, one small personal item will be allowed, provided it fits under the seat in front. Typical personal items include handbags, laptop bags, or small backpacks.

This new structure replaces Virgin Australia’s previous allowance, which permitted two carry-on items with a combined weight limit of 7 kilograms. While the total number of cabin items is being reduced, the allowable weight of the main carry-on bag is being increased.

For Business Class passengers, Economy X travellers, and eligible Velocity Frequent Flyer members, no changes are being introduced. These travellers will continue to enjoy an allowance of two carry-on items with a combined weight of up to 14 kilograms, along with one small personal item.

The revised policy has been designed to reduce congestion during boarding, ease competition for overhead locker space, and create a more consistent onboard experience. By limiting Economy travellers to one overhead-locker bag, Virgin Australia is seeking to ensure that each passenger’s baggage remains close to their seat, reducing delays caused by searching for available storage.

How Virgin Australia’s New Approach Compares in Practice

Virgin Australia’s revised policy places a clear emphasis on simplicity and predictability. Economy passengers will be required to consolidate belongings into a single main bag, reducing ambiguity at the gate and onboard. Compared to the airline’s previous two-item structure, this represents a notable behavioural shift for passengers accustomed to splitting belongings across multiple small bags.

At the same time, the increased weight allowance of 8 kilograms offers more flexibility than Jetstar’s standard Economy allowance, positioning Virgin Australia between full-service and low-cost models.

Qantas Carry-On Baggage Policy and Its Flexibility

Qantas continues to operate one of the most generous carry-on baggage policies among Australian airlines, particularly on domestic routes. Under current rules, Economy passengers on most domestic flights are permitted to carry either one standard carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kilograms, or two smaller carry-on items with a combined weight of up to 14 kilograms. An alternative combination of one carry-on bag and one non-rigid garment bag is also permitted, provided the total weight does not exceed 14 kilograms.

In addition to these options, one personal item such as a handbag or laptop case is commonly allowed, provided it fits under the seat. This layered flexibility allows passengers to adapt their packing style to the nature of their trip.

Some variations apply. On Dash 8 aircraft, carry-on allowances are more restrictive, with a single bag permitted up to 7 kilograms. On many international Economy services, a standard allowance of one carry-on bag up to 7 kilograms plus one personal item is applied.

Despite these variations, Qantas remains the most accommodating of the three airlines in terms of combined carry-on weight and item flexibility, particularly for domestic travellers.

Qantas Compared with Virgin Australia

When placed alongside Virgin Australia’s February 2026 policy, Qantas offers a fundamentally different approach. Virgin Australia prioritises standardisation by limiting Economy passengers to one overhead-locker bag, while Qantas prioritises choice by allowing multiple configurations.

For travellers who value flexibility and carry multiple cabin items, Qantas remains the more accommodating option. For those who prefer a clear, enforced structure that reduces cabin competition, Virgin Australia’s revised approach may deliver a more predictable experience.

Jetstar Carry-On Baggage Policy and the Low-Cost Model

Jetstar’s carry-on baggage policy reflects its low-cost carrier model. Economy passengers are generally permitted to bring one cabin bag with a total weight of up to 7 kilograms. This allowance typically includes one main bag that fits in the overhead locker and one small personal item that fits under the seat, depending on fare type.

Unlike Virgin Australia and Qantas, Jetstar offers passengers the option to purchase additional carry-on allowance. An extra 7 kilograms can be added, increasing the total carry-on allowance to 14 kilograms, subject to availability and fare conditions.

While Jetstar’s base allowance is the most restrictive of the three airlines, the paid upgrade model allows passengers to customise their baggage entitlement if needed.

Jetstar in Comparison with Full-Service Carriers

Compared with Virgin Australia’s upcoming 8-kilogram single-bag rule, Jetstar remains more restrictive in terms of weight, though more flexible in item count depending on fare. Compared with Qantas, Jetstar’s standard allowance is significantly lower, reinforcing the trade-off between lower fares and reduced inclusions.

For travellers who pack light and prioritise cost, Jetstar’s model remains suitable. For those carrying heavier or multiple cabin items, additional fees or alternative airlines may be more practical.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Carry-On Allowances

When comparing the three airlines directly, distinct patterns emerge:

Virgin Australia from February 2026 will permit Economy passengers one overhead bag up to 8 kilograms and one personal item. Business Class, Economy X, and eligible Velocity members will retain a two-bag allowance with a combined weight of up to 14 kilograms.

Qantas allows Economy passengers on many domestic flights to carry one bag up to 10 kilograms or two bags totalling up to 14 kilograms, plus a personal item. International allowances vary but generally remain more flexible than competitors.

Jetstar permits one cabin bag up to 7 kilograms as standard, with the option to purchase additional allowance to reach 14 kilograms.

Implications for Different Types of Travellers

For frequent flyers and business travellers, baggage policy consistency is critical. Virgin Australia’s revised structure provides clarity, but may require changes in packing habits. Qantas continues to cater strongly to this segment with flexibility and higher weight limits. Jetstar remains attractive to cost-conscious travellers who are comfortable with stricter limits.

For families and leisure travellers, the number of items allowed may be as important as total weight. Virgin Australia’s shift to a single overhead bag may simplify boarding but could reduce convenience for those carrying multiple smaller items. Qantas’ allowance remains well-suited to this group, while Jetstar requires careful planning to avoid additional fees.

What the Changes Mean for the Australian Aviation Landscape

Taken together, these policies illustrate three distinct approaches to carry-on baggage management. Virgin Australia is moving toward tighter enforcement and standardisation in Economy while preserving premium flexibility for higher fare classes. Qantas continues to emphasise choice and generosity, reinforcing its full-service positioning. Jetstar maintains a controlled, add-on-driven model aligned with low-cost operations.

As enforcement becomes stricter across airports, passengers are increasingly required to align their packing strategies with airline policies. Awareness of these differences will play a growing role in airline selection.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Airline Based on Carry-On Needs

In summary, Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar now represent three clearly differentiated carry-on baggage philosophies. Virgin Australia’s February 2026 changes focus on simplifying Economy travel through one overhead bag up to 8 kilograms. Qantas continues to offer the most generous and flexible allowances, particularly for domestic travellers. Jetstar maintains the tightest standard limits, offset by optional paid upgrades.

By understanding how these policies compare, travellers can make more informed decisions based on their packing habits, travel frequency, and comfort expectations. As cabin baggage rules continue to shape the onboard experience, carry-on allowances are set to remain a decisive factor in airline choice.

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