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Jetstar Airways

The Qantas Group's low-cost airline

  • AustraliaCountry
  • JQIATA Code
  • JSTICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Low-CostAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Jetstar Airways

Jetstar is the Qantas Group’s low-cost airline, flying across Australia and New Zealand and to Asia and the Pacific. Starter fares include a 7 kg carry-on only, and bundles add bags and flexibility. This guide covers the power bank ban, check-in, Bali and how it compares with Virgin Australia and Qantas.

Founded in 2003 by Qantas, it flies Airbus A320 and A321neo jets and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. It has a sister airline in Japan.

Jetstar flights to Melbourne
Photo: Pat Whelen / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Jetstar

Australian airlines banned the use of power banks on board from December 2025:

  • You cannot charge phones or other devices from a power bank during the flight, or charge the power bank itself.
  • Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, kept within reach (in the seat pocket or under the seat), not in the overhead bin.
  • Power banks must be in cabin baggage; up to 100 Wh needs no approval and 100–160 Wh needs approval.

Check-In in Australia

Online check-in opens 48 hours before domestic flights. Check-in and bag drop close 30 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights, and carry-on bags are often weighed at the gate.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

Flying to Bali

Bali is one of the most popular routes from Australia:

  • Flights leave from most Australian cities.
  • Visitors pay an e-visa on arrival fee and a tourist levy.
  • Book early for school holidays.

How to Find Cheap Jetstar Flights

Cheap Jetstar flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Starter plus a bag with Starter Plus.
  • Weigh your carry-on before you fly to avoid gate fees.
  • Watch for Friday Frenzy sales on the website.
  • Join the paid club if you fly often.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Virgin Australia, Qantas and others.

Jetstar vs Virgin Australia vs Qantas

Australia’s three main airlines.

JetstarVirgin AustraliaQantas
TypeLow-costMid-marketFull-service
Carry-on7 kg8 kg (14 kg Business)7 kg (2 items)
Checked bag on cheapest fareNoneNone on LiteIncluded
LoyaltyQantas Frequent FlyerVelocityQantas Frequent Flyer

See our Virgin Australia guide and Qantas guide to compare.

Arriving in Melbourne

Melbourne Airport is about 20 km from the city. The SkyBus runs every 10 minutes to Southern Cross Station, and taxis and rideshare are available.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Jetstar a Good Airline?

Yes, for value. It offers low fares and a huge network, but carry-on weights are checked strictly, so pack carefully.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against SendMyBag on baggage. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance. It is owned by the Qantas Group.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It connects with Qantas, and Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn points on many fares.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Melbourne (MEL) is the main base, with large bases in Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE), the Gold Coast and Auckland.

Popular Jetstar Airways Routes

The busiest routes link Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane with each other and with the Gold Coast, Cairns and Bali. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Jetstar Airways Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

The basic fare is Starter. Bundles called Starter Plus and Starter Max add checked bags, seats and flexibility.

Changes on Starter cost a fee plus any fare difference, while the Flex add-on lowers change costs.

  • Starter 7 kg carry-on only.
  • Starter Plus 20 kg checked bag and a seat.
  • Starter Max 30 kg checked bag and more flexibility.
  • Business 30 kg checked and 14 kg carry-on on the 787.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website or app.

Jetstar Airways Seat Selection & Additional Services

Seats, food and extra baggage are paid extras on Starter. A paid club membership gives member-only fares and discounts.

Strollers, car seats and cots travel free.

  • Seats Paid on Starter.
  • Club membership Member fares for a yearly fee.
  • Strollers and car seats Free.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.

Jetstar Airways Baggage Allowance

Every passenger can bring two cabin items, one up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm, with a combined limit of 7 kg. A +7 kg top-up or Flex raises this to 14 kg.

Starter has no checked bag, Starter Plus includes 20 kg and Starter Max 30 kg. Bags bought at the airport cost much more.

  • Carry-on Two items, 7 kg in total.
  • Larger item 56 × 36 × 23 cm.
  • Starter No checked bag.
  • Starter Plus 20 kg.
  • Starter Max 30 kg.

Qantas Frequent Flyer: Jetstar Airways Loyalty Programme

Qantas Frequent Flyer members earn points and status credits on many fares. A separate paid club gives member-only fares.

  • Qantas Frequent Flyer Points on many fares.
  • Paid club Member-only fares.
  • Redeem Qantas points on flights.
Join or log in on the Jetstar Airways website

Jetstar Airways: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Jetstar Airways’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is JQ. It appears in flight numbers (for example JQ 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is JST, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Jetstar Airways part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Jetstar Airways headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

04When was Jetstar Airways founded?

The airline was founded in 2003.

05What are Jetstar Airways’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Melbourne (MEL) – Main Hub; Sydney (SYD) – Hub; Brisbane (BNE) – Hub.

06What is Jetstar Airways’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Qantas Frequent Flyer. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07What is the Jetstar carry-on allowance?

Two items with a combined limit of 7 kg, or 14 kg with a top-up.

08Does the Jetstar Starter fare include a checked bag?

No. Starter Plus includes 20 kg and Starter Max 30 kg.

09Can I use a power bank on Jetstar?

No. Using or charging power banks on board is banned, and you can carry up to two.

10Can I earn Qantas points on Jetstar?

Yes, Qantas Frequent Flyer members earn points on many fares.

11Does Jetstar have a paid membership?

Yes, Club Jetstar gives member-only fares and discounts for a yearly fee.

Jetstar Airways, its logo and trademarks are the property of Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jetstar Airways unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.