00:01They will tell us that it's all about streamlining the process of boarding, making it more efficient
00:07and that ultimately this will lead to a better customer experience.
00:11But I can't help feel that that's going to be a pretty tough sell to the public.
00:15So what are the changes?
00:16From February 2nd, you will still be able to travel on Jetstar flights without paying for check-in.
00:22But you'll have to pack your things in a very small bag that fits under the chair.
00:26Something like a small backpack, a laptop bag, a handbag.
00:30But they're going to be less concerned about how much that weighs
00:33and it's all going to be about the dimensions of that bag.
00:37Now, if it's not going to be enough, you need a bigger bag to put in the overhead lockers,
00:41you're going to have to pay for what's called priority carry-on.
00:45That'll give you 10 kilos across two bags
00:48and it'll also let you board a little bit earlier than those without bags.
00:53I had a little bit of a look this morning, Gemma,
00:55and for me to fly from Brisbane down to Melbourne,
00:59it was going to cost about $35 one way from February 2nd onwards for a bigger bag.
01:05But that cost will depend.
01:07It could be as low as $25, as you mentioned,
01:09or it could be as high as $52 for a longer flight, say an international flight.
01:15Now, we tried to get someone on from Jetstar to explain the changes.
01:20They declined an interview, but they have sent us through a statement, which I'll read a little bit of.
01:25The CEO, Stephanie Tully, said that we know that weighing bags at the gate can be frustrating.
01:31So to make packing easier, we've removed the seven kilo limit.
01:36The main thing, as I mentioned, for customers is the size of their carry-on.
01:40This will also streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time.
01:46So that's their official rationale, Gemma.
01:48As I said, I'm not sure it's going to be super popular with customers.
01:52Yeah, you've been speaking to some people there.
01:55What have they been saying about it?
01:57We did.
01:58We had a chat with a few people this morning who are about to get on Jetstar flights.
02:02Here's a little of what they had to say.
02:04Some mixed reviews.
02:06I don't like the model that they're using.
02:09So charging for every single bit of the trip is just a bad model as far as I'm concerned.
02:15It's all about keeping the fares low for people that travel all the time.
02:17So if that keeps the fare low and people don't have luggage and they get it cheaper, then that's cool.
02:21Different strikes for different folks, I suppose.
02:23But yeah, it impacts some people badly and it impacts others well.
02:26Might be choosing another airline in future, that's for sure.
02:30So this is something that already happens overseas with other low-budget carriers.
02:35It will be interesting to see whether people like that gentleman do indeed start to look for other flight options.
02:41We know we're pretty limited with those other flight options here in Australia, Gemma.
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