Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Jetstar or Qantas?

Jetstar: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb).

Do Jetstar and Qantas include a carry-on on basic economy?

Jetstar: Starter includes 7 kg of carry-on across two pieces but no checked bag. Qantas: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Where do Jetstar and Qantas fly from?

Jetstar's main hubs are Melbourne (MEL), Sydney (SYD), BNE. Qantas's are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Jetstar and Qantas partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Jetstar: none; Qantas: oneworld), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

JQ vs QF · 2026 comparison

Jetstar vs Qantas

Jetstar and Qantas are closely matched on the things we compare. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Jetstar

No clear category wins

Qantas

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

Jetstar and Qantas are closely matched on the things we compare. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: Jetstar: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Jetstar: Included on every fare · Qantas: Included on every fare

Side by side

	Jetstar	Qantas
Bags
Carry-on size	56 × 36 × 23 cm	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	7 kg (15.4 lb)	7 kg (15.4 lb)
Personal item	Must fit under the seat	Must fit under the seat
Network
Alliance	None	oneworld
Loyalty program	None	Qantas Frequent Flyer
Main hubs	MEL, SYD, BNE	SYD, MEL

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Both airlines allow a carry-on up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Carry-on weight limits: 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Jetstar, 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Qantas.

Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Jetstar, and anything that fits under the seat on Qantas.

Basic economy

Jetstar (Starter): Starter includes 7 kg of carry-on across two pieces but no checked bag.

Qantas (Economy): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Loyalty and where they fly

Jetstar is not in an alliance and Qantas is in oneworld.

Loyalty programs: none (Jetstar) and Qantas Frequent Flyer (Qantas).

Jetstar's main hubs are Melbourne (MEL), Sydney (SYD), BNE. Qantas's are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Jetstar if you want…

nonstops from MEL, SYD, BNE

Choose Qantas if you want…

to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from SYD, MEL

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.