Originally Posted by
Nugget_Oz
The reason QF can and does do this is purely a function of its market monopoly and the ability to apply a "third line forcing" practice that is ably assisted by MIG. QF has an extensive domestic network and the lion's share of business and leisure customers needing to connect. There are really only two truly international gateways in Australia which means someone flying internationally with a domestic transfer gets herded into where QF wants them. Want the convenience of interlining your baggage, sure these are the carriers we will do it for and for this price.
There are several international gateways depending on where you want to go to and airline travelling on. Sydney may be the busiest, but Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and even Adelaide can be used for international departures.
QF is not the only domestic carrier in Australia and why should QF be liable if bags go astray on a long trip if their only involvement is a short hop on a completely separate purchase