Carry-On Rules Australia 2026: Qantas, Jetstar & More

Australia's aviation market has a wide range of carriers — from full-service Qantas to ultra-low-cost operators that charge for carry-on bags. Security at Australian airports is managed by the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, with some of the world's strictest biosecurity regulations applying to what you can bring on board and into the country.

Australian Airline Carry-On Policies

Qantas

Qantas is Australia's flag carrier and the most generous of the major airlines on carry-on allowances:

• Economy: 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg, plus 1 personal item (laptop bag, handbag, or similar). Combined weight must not exceed 7 kg
• Business class: Up to 14 kg total carry-on allowance
• Size limit: 56 × 36 × 23 cm

Qantas agents do weigh cabin bags, particularly on busy routes. The personal item allowance is relatively generous — a laptop bag, a tote, or a small backpack will be accepted without question.

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia operates a hybrid model between full-service and budget:

• Economy: 1 carry-on bag up to 7 kg, plus 1 personal item
• Size limit: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (same as Qantas)
• Business class: Higher allowance — check fare conditions

Virgin Australia is generally consistent in enforcing weight limits at check-in and gate areas on domestic routes.

Jetstar

Jetstar is Qantas Group's ultra-low-cost carrier and one of the most important budget airlines in the region:

• Starter fares: No free carry-on bag. You are permitted one small bag (under 7 kg and under 56 × 36 × 23 cm) that must fit under the seat in front of you
• Carry-On Bundle: Adds one standard overhead cabin bag (up to 7 kg) to your fare
• Plus/Max fares: Include checked baggage and carry-on

This means that many Jetstar passengers are permitted only a small personal item on base fares — a full-size carry-on suitcase requires purchase. Read your fare conditions carefully before packing.

Rex Airlines (Regional Express)

Rex operates turboprop and jet services on regional and interstate routes:

• Carry-on: 1 bag up to 7 kg
• Rex aircraft include smaller turboprops (Saab 340) on regional routes where overhead bins are very compact. A soft-sided bag is advisable on these routes

Bonza Airlines

Bonza is Australia's newest ultra-low-cost carrier:

• Base fare: No free carry-on. One small personal item only (must fit under the seat)
• Carry-on bags are sold as add-ons at time of booking or at the airport for a higher fee

Airport Security in Australia

Australian airport security is operated by contracted security companies under government oversight. The experience is broadly similar to other Western countries:

• Liquids: The 100ml rule applies at all Australian international terminals. Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, carried in a sealed transparent bag. Enforcement is strict and consistent
• Laptops and tablets: Must be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray at the X-ray checkpoint
• Shoes: Not typically required to be removed unless the scanner triggers an alarm
• Prohibited items: Standard restrictions apply — no sharp objects, no flammables

CASA Power Bank and Battery Rules

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) sets rules for lithium batteries on flights within and departing Australia:

• Power banks must travel in cabin baggage — they cannot be placed in checked luggage, even if turned off
• Batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed without airline approval (most consumer power banks)
• Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval
• Batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited on passenger flights
• Spare lithium-ion batteries (not installed in a device) must be individually protected against short circuits and carried in cabin baggage only

If you travel with a large laptop charger, professional camera batteries, or a high-capacity power station, check the watt-hour rating on the label before you fly.

Australian Biosecurity — What to Declare

Australia has some of the world's most stringent biosecurity regulations. When arriving from international destinations, you must complete an Incoming Passenger Card and declare all:

• Food of any kind
• Plant material — including seeds, nuts, dried fruit, spices, wooden items
• Animal products — meat, dairy, eggs, honey, feathers, shells

Items that are commercially manufactured, sealed in original packaging, and accompanied by a receipt are generally lower risk but must still be declared. Failing to declare can result in fines starting at AUD 444 on the spot and up to AUD 222,000 under prosecution. Officers are experienced at detecting undeclared items at X-ray and with biosecurity detector dogs.

For carry-on luggage, this applies on arrival — pack any food items in an accessible part of your bag so you can present them for inspection if asked.

Tips for Australian Airports

Buy carry-on allowance in advance on Jetstar and Bonza. Adding carry-on bags at the airport is significantly more expensive than buying them during booking or online before travel.

Check the watt-hour rating on power banks before packing. The label is usually on the back. If it shows capacity in milliamp hours (mAh) rather than watt-hours, divide by roughly 1,000 and multiply by the voltage (usually 3.7V) to estimate Wh.

Pack declared food items near the top of your carry-on bag. If biosecurity officers ask to inspect declared items, having them accessible avoids having to unpack your entire bag.