Baggage allowance guide

This guide includes general information only. We hope it’s helpful. However, if you have specific questions about the baggage allowance for your specific flight, we recommend checking with your Flight Centre Travel Expert or with your airline directly.

 

Carry on baggage

 

As a passenger, you’re generally allowed to take one bag and one personal item onto your flight. This will vary by airline, flight class and length of flight. 

 

What classes as a personal item?

Handbag / briefcase / slim laptop in thin satchel-style bag / overcoat / umbrella / walking stick / small amount of duty free products / small camera

 

What size and weight does the bag have to be?

In terms of size, dimensions of carry-on baggage are measured by adding together the length, height and depth of a bag. Eg 56cm + 36cm + 23cm = 1 x 115cm bag.

  EITHER

 

 

 

1 x 115cm bag (56cm + 36cm +23cm) 

  • up to 7kg (Virgin, Jetstar, Tigerair and Qantas international) 
  • up to 10kg (Qantas domestic) 
PLUS one personal item
 
In some cases additional carry-on weight may be purchased.
 

 

OR

 

2 x 105cm bags (48cm + 34cm + 23cm) 

  • up to 7kg total (Virgin Economy, Economy X and Premium Economy, Jetstar, Tigerair); 
  • one piece up to 10kg, 14kg total (Qantas domestic); 
  • up to 7kg per piece (Qantas First, Business or Premium Economy international and Virgin Business, Velocity Gold and Platinum members) 
PLUS one personal item
 

 

OR

 

1 x 105cm bag 

  • up to 7kg total (Virgin Economy, Economy X and Premium Economy, Jetstar, Tigerair); 
  • one piece up to 10kg, 14kg total (Qantas domestic); 
  • up to 7kg per piece (Qantas First, Business or Premium Economy international and Virgin Business, Velocity Gold and Platinum members) 

PLUS one garment bag

PLUS one personal item

 

Checked baggage

 

As with carry-on baggage, each airline has its own restrictions regarding weight and size of each bag. As a general rule suitcases should not exceed the following total linear dimension (length + width + height):

  • 140cm for Qantas domestic and Virgin domestic and international short haul 
  • 158cm for Qantas international and Virgin international long haul

The weight and number of bags you’re entitled to check in depends on your ticket and class of travel. Be prepared to pay an additional fee if your suitcase weighs more than the limit. For some airlines check-in baggage is included in the price, while other airlines may charge a fee.

 

What about membership status?

Baggage allowance also varies according to membership status. Consider the baggage allowances for different-tiered passengers flying in the same Virgin domestic Economy Class:

  • Red status – 1 x 23kg bag
  • Silver and Gold status – 2 x 23kg bags
  • Platinum status – 3 x 23kg bags

 

What are the common checked baggage allowances? 

 

 EITHER

 

1 x 23kg bag

  • Virgin domestic and international short haul (Economy)
  • Qantas domestic (Economy)

Jetstar enables you to purchase as much checked baggage as you need between 15kg and 40kg

Tigerair enables you to purchase a checked baggage allowance of up to 30kg

 

OR

 

2 x 23kg bags

Total linear dimensions for each piece when travelling internationally: 158cm 

  • Virgin international long haul (Economy and Premium Economy)
  • Qantas international (Economy and Premium Economy)

 

OR

 

2 x 32kg bags

  • Virgin domestic and international short haul (Business)
  • Qantas domestic (Economy with Gold/Platinum/Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer status )
  • Qantas domestic (Business)
  • Virgin international long haul (Business)

 

3 x 32kg bags

  • Qantas international Business Class and First Class
  • Qantas international Premium Economy (Qantas Club members, Silver and Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers)

Remember, this is just a general guide. Baggage allowance is affected by your rewards program status, which airline you’re flying with and different rules may apply to tickets to and from the USA or Canada.

 

 

Oversized baggage

 

Bulky items such as golf clubs, music equipment, ski equipment or bicycles may be included as part of your checked baggage allowance if there is enough space on the aircraft, or an additional fee may apply. Generally items such as fishing rods, bicycles or surfboards must be packed in an appropriate way that abides by the airlines baggage restrictions. For specific details check with your airline.

Travel Tip: When travelling with a bicycle pack it in a travel box, remove the pedals and secure tight as to not damage. Travel boxes are available at most bike shops or through the airline direct.

Travelling with an infant

 

Infant baggage guidelines will vary between airlines and sometimes form part of your adult baggage allowance, depending on the airline. Depending on the age of the child, infant passengers may also be permitted to bring a car seat or baby capsule on board. Strollers and collapsible prams are generally allowed to be taken to the boarding gate where they will be checked there. Airlines may also have specific requirements as to the type of car seat in order to ensure the infants safety. For specific infant seat requirements, refer to your airline for correct information.

Though there are restrictions when it comes to carrying liquids onto an aircraft, parents of infants are allowed to carry a certain amount of breast milk, baby formula, juice or baby food for use during the flight. Amounts will vary depending on the destination and airline. Always check with your airline before departure.

Travel Tip: Try and travel where possible at regular infant sleep hours and pack plenty of nappies and food to cover any unforeseen delays.

Travelling with restricted or dangerous goods

 

Items that are restricted from flying are considered to be dangerous goods that could harm the safety of an aircraft and/or its passengers. These items are generally determined by the authorities and are governed accordingly. Some examples of dangerous goods include, but not limited to, flammable liquids, organic peroxides, lithium batteries and explosives. These items are restricted from both carry on and check-in luggage.

Carry-on baggage restrictions are also in place for liquids, aerosols and gels on international flights. While these items can be brought into the cabin, they cannot exceed 100 millilitres and must be packed in a resealable 1 litre or less, clear plastic bag. Exemptions apply to medicines and baby products. For more information on international carry-on baggage restrictions, see the Australian Government liquids, aerosols and gel guide.

Travel Tip: If in doubt, always check with your airline before you leave for the airport so the goods are not confiscated on day of travel.