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 international Economy permits a 56×36×23 cm overhead bag and small personal item, with a 7 kg maximum. Domestic Economy/Business normally has 14 kg total, at most 10 kg per item, with a smaller second bag; Dash 8-Q400 remains 7 kg. International premium cabins have 14 kg total, maximum 10 kg per item. India departures exclude the extra personal item. A small personal item has no published numeric dimensions; a larger underseat bag has a separate34×48×23 cm limit when included.

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia Economy permits one 56×36×23 cm standard bag up to 8 kg plus a 45×33×20 cm personal item; no individual item may exceed 8 kg. Business/Economy X and eligible Velocity members have alternative two-small-bag or suit-pack options, not two full-size bags. Check the operating carrier; Qatar-operated Doha services use separate rules.

For eligible travellers, the two-small-bag option is 48×34×23 cm each, sharing 14 kg with no item over 8 kg. The suit-pack option combines one standard bag with a 114×60×11 cm suit pack under the same 14 kg/8 kg limits. No measured inspection rate is established.

Jetstar

For travel before 2 February 2027, Jetstar Starter includes one main bag up to 56×36×23 cm plus one small item, sharing 7 kg. From that date, JQ Starter normally includes only a 40×30×20 cm underseat bag; booking-date exceptions apply. Jetstar Japan (GK) retains the 7 kg two-item system. Check the allowance on the actual booking.

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 entered liquidation in July 2024. It is not a current flight option; historical baggage products are not booking advice.

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

Check the actual Jetstar booking. Confirm your travel date and included bags before purchasing an add-on; Bonza is not a current booking option.

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.