Jetstar staff to stop charging baggage and seat fees in union protest

Weeks after Jetstar unveiled a controversial new fee to slug passengers for access to overhead bins, staff will refuse to charge for extras in an act of protest.

The Australian Services Union said that on Wednesday, its members “will waive, or record as zero dollars, a range of sales-related fees that would ordinarily apply, including excess baggage charges, seat changes, late fees and other sales transactions”.

The low-cost subsidiary of Qantas will forgo fee revenue during one of its busiest periods of the year, the ASU said, noting that the action coincides with the first week of the Victorian and Queensland school holidays, and days ahead of the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne.

The protected industrial action will start at 12.01 am on Wednesday September 23 and continue until midnight on Thursday.

ASU-covered staff will continue to assist passengers as normal during this action, although staff won’t charge extra fees, the union said.

“Our members are still turning up to look after passengers, but they won’t be collecting extra fees on Jetstar’s behalf until Jetstar shows that it is serious about its workforce,” said ASU National Assistant Secretary, Scott Cowen.

The action comes less than two months after Jetstar turned heads by announcing a first-in-Australia charge for priority access to overhead bins.

A Jetstar spokesperson said the airline continues “to meet with the ASU and are committed to working constructively towards an outcome”.

“We have plans in place so that there will be no impact to our operations as a result of the planned industrial action.”

The ASU is bargaining for wage increases, better morning shift penalties and overtime payments, and improved sick and personal leave, among other things.

The new priority carry-on fees would start at $25, ranging from that cost for a one-way Launceston to Sydney flight up to $52 from Cairns to Tokyo.

Inspired by European low-cost carrier Ryanair, Jetstar customers paying the new overhead compartment fee also would get priority access by being allowed to board the plane first.

Jetstar’s new policy begins for flights departing after February 2, 2027.

Jetstar said it had put a “comprehensive and fair offer” on the table that includes pay increases, better penalty payments and allowances, and rostering flexibility.

“This is a great package for our people which also allows us to keep investing in our fleet and grow our network while keeping fares low, despite escalating fuel costs impacting the industry.“

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Chris Zappone is a senior reporter covering aviation and business. He is former digital foreign editor.Connect via X, Facebook or email.