Instruments smaller than 85cm (height) x 36cm (width) x 23cm (depth), which weigh less than 10kg, may be included as a customer’s carry-on item. This means trumpets, violins and clarinets can be stored in the overhead lockers instead of facing the possibility of being crushed in the cargo-hold.
The size limit remains 56cm (h) x 36cm (w) x 23cm (d) for all other cabin bags. Musical instruments larger than the prescribed dimensions have to go into the cargo-hold or the passenger must buy a second seat.
The change in policy comes after a review of Jetstar’s customer experience conducted by Head of Customer Strategy Cath Stone.
Stone said, “We know that small changes to our policies can have a really positive impact for our customers. “It’s our mission to consistently offer hassle-free and enjoyable experiences from the time a customer books through to the moment they collect their bags. Having listened to our customers, we understand how important it is for musicians to be able to carry their instruments in the cabin and we’ve altered our policy.”
Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan hailed this as great news for Australian musicians. ‘’For many musicians, their instrument is an integral and unique part of their sound, and hiring an instrument just won’t cut it,” he said. “Now they will rest assured they can take their instruments onboard knowing they’re in safe hands.’’
