Originally Posted by Aerosett

The thing is, if you're comparing QF vs NZ, shouldn't you compare a Works fare against a QF Fare. Quick check of current sale fares, QF is $229 ex SYD, NZ is $219 for Works or as low as $169 for Seat - $10 premium for QF.

If you're buying Works, you're getting full service, like QF - meals, movies, luggage, etc. You get FF points on QF, but less legroom on a QF 737 than a NZ 767.

I do think it's a bit mean spirited to charge for a 29kg bag for a Star Gold in your situation.

However, in regards to Business Class allowances, I think 3x23kg (i.e. up to 69kg) is a pretty generous allowance anyway. In many situations, a Star Gold would often only get 50kg in Business anyway (30+20). In some piece concept situations, there would be more. Personally, I think 69kg is ample. I must admit, I am not that upset that Star Golds do not get any free baggage with a Seat fare - my view is, if the new concept were not introduced, you would be paying higher fares than Seat+Bag, let alone Seat. Now you have the option to save money if you don't want to take the bag. To be honest, when you see base fares across the Tasman for $30, I can understand why they have put a pricing structure to force people up.

Regarding weight vs piece concept, looks like NZ has gone across the network with a piece concept. If you use the rule that pieces should only apply to North/South American travel, then KL, BA, SK, QF Domestic, etc are also breaching that concept by having a piece concept outside the Americas.

Interesting comparing recent QF and NZ baggage discussions. Some QF folk are complaining there aren't enough pieces, here people are complaining they are being forced to take more pieces!