Every airline has its own set of guidelines when it comes to carry-on and checked baggage allowances. If you’re not prepared, excess baggage fees can burn a hole in your pocket creating an unwelcome expense before your holiday even begins.
Most airline baggage rules are determined by the fare type, class of travel, frequent flyer status and the route you are flying.
To help you avoid any nasty surprises, we take a closer look at the baggage policies of Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar,
Please note, this is a guide only, as of May 2017, so be sure to check with your airline or travel agent if you’re still unsure of your specific baggage allowances. As you’ll see, there’s a wide range of options to consider.
Virgin Australia
The carry-on baggage policy for Virgin Australia is actually the same for both domestic and international flights; one bag, not exceeding 7-kilograms plus a personal item such as a handbag, small backpack or briefcase is permitted.
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Domestic checked baggage
Domestic flights follow the per piece allowance system, with one piece of checked baggage weighing no more than 23-kilograms in total allowed per passenger travelling. This allowance changes based on class of travel and your frequent flyer status.
Domestic pre-purchased excess baggage rates
Virgin Australia allows you to pre-purchase excess baggage, which saves you money compared to paying airport excess baggage rates. This option is handy if you know you will be overweight with your bag or you want to take more than one checked bag with you.
Domestic excess baggage rates at the airport
If you are over your weight limit, a charge will need to be paid at the time of check-in. These fees can add up quickly. Pre-purchasing is your best option.
International short-haul baggage allowance
International short-haul is for flights from Australia to the Pacific Islands, Bali, Christmas and Cocos Islands and New Zealand.
Short-haul international overweight bag fees
Short-haul international additional pre-purchased bags – Trans-Tasman and Pacific Islands
Short-haul international additional baggage pre-purchased – Indonesia, Christmas and Cocos Island
Short-haul international checked baggage fee – Pacific Island and Trans-Tasman
International long-haul
Long-haul flights are departures from Australia to USA and Hong Kong on Virgin Australia operated flights. Flying on a Virgin Australia partner airline, such as Etihad or Delta Airlines, may have different allowances.
Checked baggage allowance
Excess baggage fees – Americas and Middle East
Excess baggage fees – all other destinations
Qantas
Like Virgin Australia, the carry-on baggage policy for Qantas is the same for both domestic and international flights, being, one bag, not exceeding 7-kilograms in weight, plus a personal item such as a handbag, small backpack or briefcase are permitted.
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Qantas domestic checked baggage
Domestic flights follow the per piece allowance system, with one piece of checked baggage weighing no more than 23-kilograms in total allowed per passenger travelling. This allowance changes based on class of travel and your frequent flyer status.
Qantas international checked baggage – Americas
International flights to the Americas also follow the piece system, with up to two bags at 23kg per bag permitted. Additional bags and weight are permitted for higher-tiered frequent flyers.
Qantas international checked baggage – all other destinations
No other international destinations follow the per-piece system, using a weight system instead. Multiple bags are permitted within the weight limits with no one bag able to exceed more than 32kg.
Pre-purchased additional bags – domestic & international
Qantas allows the pre-purchase of additional bags or weight which attracts higher fees if paid at the airport.
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Jetstar
And following suit, the carry-on baggage policy for Jetstar is the same for both domestic and international flights; one bag, not exceeding 7-kilograms in weight when travelling in economy, or two bags when travelling in business class, plus a personal item such as a handbag, small backpack or briefcase.
Jetstar checked baggage allowances
Jetstar fares do not have checked bags included. All baggage must be purchased at the time of booking, or, pre-purchased online before travel to avoid the high rates charged at the airport. the cost of checked bags varies depending on the fare class purchased and the destination.
Economy Starter fares:
- No checked baggage allowance included.
- You can purchase a 15kg, 20kg, 25kg, 30kg, 35kg or 40kg baggage allowance.
Economy Starter fare with Plus bundle:
- 20kg checked baggage allowance (up to 10kg for Jetstar Japan (GK) domestic flights).
- You can purchase up to an additional 20kg if you need it (up to 30kg for Jetstar Japan (GK) domestic flights).
Economy Starter fare with Max bundle:
- 30kg checked baggage allowance.
- You can purchase up to an additional 10kg if you need it.
Economy Starter fare with FlexiBiz bundle*
- No checked baggage allowance included.
- You can purchase a 15kg, 20kg, 25kg, 30kg, 35kg or 40kg baggage allowance.
Business fare and Business fare with Max bundle:
- 30kg of checked baggage allowance.
- You can buy up to an additional 10kg of checked baggage allowance.
Baggage allowance guideline
Jetstar checked bag fee at the airport
Jetstar domestic excess baggage fees
Jetstar international excess baggage fees
Jetstar excess baggage fees within Asia
