A Jetstar passenger slammed the airline after she was forced to shell out an extra $75 to board her flight because her luggage exceeded the weight limit.
Monique McCreanor had booked a flight from Melbourne to Sydney on Saturday after winning a fitness competition called Deka Strong.
McCreanor explained in a TikTok video that he had stayed behind to accept the awards and, as a result, changed his flights at the last minute.
“I stayed to attend the podium ceremony, which means I booked new flights to do so,” he said.
“I had to book with Jetstar because Virgin had no onward flights.”
McCreanor urged travelers to be mindful of declaring their excess hand luggage (pictured) to avoid paying the hefty fine.
Ms McCreanor, who made a last-minute trip to the airport, was told her hand luggage was 900 grams over the 7kg limit.
“They charged me $75,” he said.
He urged travelers to book additional checked luggage before boarding their flight to avoid the same issue before claiming the extra $75 was excessive.
“$75 is a little expensive for only 900 grams of overweight,” he said.
McCreanor said if he had known how much it would cost to pay for excess baggage, he would have booked the extra amount for a cheaper rate.
Social media users were divided over her experience, with some saying in a now-deleted video that she should have known better.
‘I’m not sorry, it clearly gives [a] weight allocation. If you pass, you pay,’ wrote one.
“Seriously no matter who you’re with you’ll have to pay either way it’s (sic) the rules,” added another.
Others shared their own experience paying for excess baggage.
“They did this to me on my honeymoon… I was screwed,” one said.
Monique Mccreanor (pictured) was forced to shell out the extra amount to board her flight because her hand luggage was over the weight limit.
A Jetstar spokesperson told WhatsNew2Day Mail Australia that the airline has strict restrictions on travelers carrying excess baggage.
“Our carry-on baggage restrictions are designed to ensure a smooth boarding process, enough space to safely and comfortably stow all carry-on items, and the correct weight and balance for takeoff,” he said.
“We offer customers incredibly low rates including a seven kilogram carry-on baggage allowance on two items and the option to inquire about pre-purchasing up to 14 kilograms.”
The spokesperson said the $75 takes into account passengers who have not pre-booked any excess carry-on luggage.
Travelers who arrive at the boarding gate with more than 7 kg of carry-on luggage will have to pay a fee of around $80 for domestic flights.
Customers can also choose to purchase the additional +7kg carry-on bag which costs $75.
Travelers have been warned that it is cheaper to purchase excess baggage when booking flights.