Flight Centre is urging holiday-makers not to get caught out this Christmas with excess baggage charges and penalty rates that can potentially add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your air travel.
Across all airlines, the amount of baggage you can check in or carry on for your flight varies depending on your itinerary, cabin class and any memberships you may have.
Be aware of excess baggage charges
Head of Flight Centre Brand Australia Tom Walley says double checking your baggage allowances can save you hundreds of dollars in overweight or excess baggage charges on check-in.
“Airlines, particularly low cost carriers, can be very strict when it comes to luggage and some airlines overseas even charge for carry-on luggage so we’re urging travellers to respect the guidelines. Don’t assume that rules airlines applied five years ago are still in place today," Mr Walley said.
Allowances and policies vary widely and if you don’t comply the extra costs can be significant, particularly if you don’t pre-purchase.
“If you wait until you get to the airport, an extra 5kgs of luggage to check in on a domestic flight will end up costing you $30 with Qantas, $75 with Jetstar and up to $125 with Tiger. It’s important to double check your itinerary before departing so you know exactly what your baggage allowance is. Packing smart or pre-paying for additional baggage if you need it will save you quite significant money,” Mr Walley said.
For those who get a bigger-than-expected Christmas gift to transport home, the Flight Centre team suggests pre-paying for excess baggage on the way home.
“Airline staff are very accommodating with delicate items, they’ll help you check them in and clearly mark the item as ‘fragile’ for gentle handling in the cargo area,” Mr Walley said.
Baggage Allowances On Domestic Flights
| Airline | Carry-on allowance | Checked baggage allowance* | Pre-paid additional baggage charges | Penalty rate at the airport |
| Qantas | 7kgs per piece2 x 105cm bags or;
1 x 105cm bag plus 1 x 185cm non rigid garment bag or;
1 x 115cm bag
| Economy – 1 x 23kgs
Business – 2 x 32kgs eachQantas Club members and Frequent Flyers are entitled to additional allowances. | $30 per piece | $40 for first extra piece
$60 for the second and subsequent extra pieces$30 heavy charge for each piece weighing over 23kgs. |
| Virgin | Two pieces total with combined total weight no more than 7kgs. | Saver Lite – no baggage includedSaver – 1 x 23kgs
Flexi – 23kgsBusiness – 2 x 32kgs eachSilver, Gold and Platinum Velocity members are entitled to complementary additional allowances. | $35 for each additional piece of $70 for two additional pieces. | $40 for one additional piece, $60 for second additional piece. |
| Jetstar | One main item of carry-on baggage and one other small item with a combined weight of up to 10kgs in economy class. | Business class passengers are automatically given a 30kg checked baggage allowance. Economy Starter, Starter Plus and Starter Max passengers can select from a 15kg, 20kg, 25kg, 30kg, 35kg or 40kg baggage allowance which must be pre-paid. | To bring checked baggage all Economy Starter, Starter Plus and Starter Max passengers must purchase baggage allowance. You must pre- purchase a 15kg, 20kg, 25kg, 30kg, 35kg or 40kg baggage allowance. | If you haven’t pre-purchased baggage, the cost is $70 for first 15kg and then for every additional kilo after that.For pre-purchased baggage that exceeds weight allocation, the excess baggage fee for domestic travel is $15 per kilo over. |
| Tiger | Two pieces not exceeding combined weight of 10kgs per person not exceeding 54cmx38cm x23cm | 15kgs total. | $70 per 15kgs for flights with less than 1.45hrs flight time$85 per 15kgs for flights with more than 1.45hrs flight time | $20 per kilo for excess baggage for flights less than 1.45hr flight time$25 per kilo for excess baggage for flights more than 1.45hr flight time
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