Qantas & Jetstar Inflatable Cube Rules 2026, Explained

Big news for anyone flying Qantas or Jetstar with little ones: inflatable cubes are now allowed onboard. After years of "sorry, not on our flights", Qantas changed its rules in August 2026 and Jetstar followed a few weeks later. And yes, Travel X is approved. The catch? The seat you book decides whether you can actually use it. Here's everything you need to know, in plain English.

What changed on Qantas and Jetstar?

For a long time, both airlines listed inflatable cubes, bed boxes and leg hammocks on their "leave it at home" list. Now inflatable cubes are the one type of comfort device both airlines allow. Hard-shell bed boxes, leg hammocks and inflatable beds are still a no.

Both airlines set rules based on how the product works, not on brand names. So it's worth knowing what crew actually look for before you buy anything.

What does an inflatable cube need to be allowed?

Both airlines publish the same core checklist. Your cube must:

• Inflate and deflate manually. No electric or battery-powered pumps onboard.
• Have a quick-release valve or another way to let the air out fast. Qantas asks for the valve to face the aisle.
• Leave the seatbelt alone. Your child's belt still has to fasten, unfasten and tighten as normal.
• Fit in the space in front of your seat without touching other passengers' legroom, recline, tray table, screen or access to their seat.
• Not risk damage to seats, screens, vents or emergency equipment.

It also counts as part of your carry-on allowance, and cabin crew have the final say on the day.

This is exactly why I care so much about the air safety release valve on our cushions. Most other plane cubes don't have one, and a quick-release valve is now on both airlines' must-have list.

Which seats can I use an inflatable cube in on Qantas?

Qantas rules cover Qantas and QantasLink flights (checked October 2026):

• Economy and Premium Economy only.
• Widebody aircraft (A380, A330, Boeing 787): window or middle seats.
• Narrowbody aircraft (A321XLR, A220, A319, A320, Boeing 737, Dash 8, E190, Fokker 100): window seats only.
• Not in emergency exit or bulkhead rows.
• Up to two cubes if your family takes a whole block of seats (for example, D, E, F and G in Economy on an A330).

Which seats can I use an inflatable cube in on Jetstar?

Jetstar's rules cover Jetstar Airways (JQ) domestic and international flights (checked October 2026):

• A320/A321: the cube goes in the window seat (A or F). A second cube can go in the middle seat (B or E), but only if your family has the whole block of three.
• Boeing 787: a window seat (A or J) or the middle seat of the centre block (E). A second cube can sit beside a window cube if your family has the whole block of three.
• Not in: aisle seats, extra legroom or exit rows, bulkhead rows, or Business Class.
• Maximum of two cubes per family or travelling group.

Jetstar asks families to pre-purchase the right seats, and to show crew the cube before setting it up.

Can I use a pump on Qantas and Jetstar?

Yes, as long as it's manual. Battery-powered and self-inflating pumps can't be used onboard either airline.

• The Travel X Handy Pump is fully manual, so it's the one to pack. Go slow and steady and it's nice and quiet.
• The Travel X Rapid Pump is battery powered. It's brilliant at home or the hotel, but it stays in your bag on Qantas and Jetstar.
• Got the Self Inflating Plane Foot Cushion? It's approved with the pump removed. Inflate it with the Handy Pump or by mouth.

Is the Travel X Plane Bunk allowed on Qantas or Jetstar?

Not officially yet. Both airlines only allow footwell cubes, and Jetstar specifically lists inflatable beds as not permitted. The Travel X Plane Bunk is perfect on lots of other airlines, but on Qantas and Jetstar the Travel X Plane Foot Cushion is the one to pack.

Want something for a lap baby, or a seat where cubes aren't allowed? The Travel X Sky Cocoon sits in the seat rather than the footwell, so it isn't treated as a footwell or bed device. It's a yes on Qantas and Jetstar.

What will cabin crew check?

Here's how it plays out on the day, from what I've seen:

• Show crew before you inflate. Pop the deflated cushion out once you're seated and let them see it. It sets the tone and saves a mid-flight chat.
• Valve facing the aisle. Easy for crew to see, easy to deflate.
• Seatbelt visible. Keep your child's belt on the outside of the blanket.
• Wait for the seatbelt sign to go off before you set up, and pack down whenever it comes back on.

Keep a screenshot of the airline's rules on your phone. If a crew member hasn't caught up with the change yet, a calm "here's your published policy" goes a long way. Have a look at our Qantas and Jetstar approval page before you fly too.

What's the easiest way to get set up?

The "Feet Up, Stress Down" Kit bundles the footwell fix in one go. Whatever you choose, do a Stress Test at home first: set it up in front of the couch, time yourself with the Handy Pump, and let your little one try it out before the big day.

For the full sleep plan, from seats to bedtime routine, read how to get a toddler to sleep on a plane.

FAQs

Is the Travel X Plane Foot Cushion approved on Qantas and Jetstar?

Yes. Travel X is approved. The Travel X Plane Foot Cushion is approved on both, with manual inflation only (checked October 2026). Always confirm with your airline before you fly, as rules can change and crew have the final say.

Can I use an inflatable cube in the bulkhead on Qantas or Jetstar?

No. Neither airline allows inflatable cubes in bulkhead, exit row or extra legroom seats. Book a regular window seat instead.

How many inflatable cubes can my family use?

A maximum of two, and only when your family fills the whole block of seats.

Can I use the cube for take-off and landing?

No. Only once you're airborne and the seatbelt sign is off. Pack it away whenever the sign comes back on or crew ask.

Does this apply to Jetstar Asia or Jetstar Japan?

Jetstar's published rules are for Jetstar Airways (JQ) flights. If your ticket is with another Jetstar-branded airline, check with them before you fly.

Lou 💙
Travel X Founder. Mum of two, with 10+ years in family-travel accessories.