Australian airline Jetstar will charge passengers to use the overhead lockers for their bags

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Category: Business

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. stow / stoʊ / (v.) – to put or pack something safely into a space until it is needed again
    Example:

    The old lady was stowing her heavy suitcase away, so a kind gentleman helped her.


  2. scrap / skræp / (v.) – to cancel or stop using a plan or system because it is no longer useful
    Example:

    The old paper exam system will be scrapped when the school switches to online testing next year.


  3. ruffle feathers / ˈrʌf əl ˈfɛð ərz / (idiom) – to make people angry or unhappy by doing or saying something
    Example:

    The sudden decision to change the meeting schedule will ruffle feathers among team members.


  4. boarding gate / ˈbɔr dɪŋ geɪt / (n.) – the area in an airport where passengers wait and show their tickets to get on an airplane
    Example:

    A long line of passengers formed at the boarding gate while waiting for the flight.


  5. streamline / ˈstrimˌlaɪn / (v.) – to make a system, process, or task simpler, faster, and more efficient
    Example:

    The company designed a new plan to streamline daily operations and save time.


Article

Read the text below.

For passengers on the budget Australian airline Jetstar, the days of cramming your bag into an overhead locker already full of your seatmates’ full-sized suitcases are coming to an end, but there’s a catch. The carrier will charge passengers for stowing carry-on bags in the overhead compartments, beginning in February 2027.


The move came after passengers and airline staff named “having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers as the more stressful parts of the airport experience,” the carrier said in a statement. It makes Jetstar the latest low-cost carrier to introduce a payment system for carry-on bags, with budget airlines in the United States and Europe commonly charging passengers to use the compartments.


Passengers could stow a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack that fit within specified measurements under the seat in front of them for no charge, Jetstar said. The cost of using the overhead compartments in the cabin would start from 25 Australian dollars ($18) one way, with the price depending on the route.


Bags stowed in the lockers can weigh up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and will no longer be weighed by airline staff as passengers line up to board, Jetstar said. The existing weight limit of 7 kilograms (15 pounds) will be scrapped for the small items placed under travelers’ seats.


Like many carriers worldwide, Australian and New Zealand airlines have already introduced charges for checked luggage, seat selection, and some dining and in-flight entertainment options. An industry analyst said, however, that Jetstar was the first to charge for use of the overhead lockers.


“It will ruffle feathers because Australian travelers have got such high expectations,” said Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com. “For such a long time they lived in a bubble of full-service options only.”


Jetstar said the change would reduce frustrations at boarding gates.


“By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding, and help more flights depart on time,” Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said in a statement.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The budget airline Jetstar announced that it will charge passengers for stowing carry-on bags. As a passenger, how do you feel about this decision? If you were to book a flight, would you consider flying with Jetstar? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you prefer buying a cheap basic ticket and paying extra for baggage, or paying a higher price that includes everything? Why? What problems can happen when airlines charge extra for overhead storage? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Passengers and airline staff said having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers are the most stressful parts of the airport experience. In your opinion, what are the most stressful parts of traveling by plane (ex. the long lines)? Discuss.
  • If an airline created a new rule that made waiting in airport lines faster, but added a small fee to your flight ticket, would you pay it to have an easier trip? Why or why not? How can airlines keep flight tickets cheap while still giving passengers a comfortable trip? Discuss.