I would suggest also comparing against airlines that use the weight system and I do not think that you will find Qantas's rates that different

To be fair, it is only 9 months ago that QF did a drastic change when it went from the weight system to a piece system; prior to May 2012 , the allowances were 23Kg economy, 30Kg business and 40Kg 1st ( see http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airl...2012/global/en ). When it was on the weight system, the excess fees were not that different to what they are now

It is indeed a negative change from the current allowances and, if wanting to take excess bags, another airline may well be a better bet, but it is only reversing a recent change rather than a dramatic shift imo

Comparing against a few other airlines which use the weight system

TG : allowance 20Kg : excess fee UK-AU USD55 per Kg ( http://www.thaiairways.com/plan-your...cy_23JUL12.htm )
SG : allowance 20Kg : excess fee UK-AK USD60 per Kg ( http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/tr...aggage-excess/ )
CX : allowance 20Kg : excess fee UK-AK USD60 per Kg ( http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...eckedbaggage#W )
EY : allowance 30Kg : excess fee UK-AK USD70 per Kg ( http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/e...ges-other.aspx )

Compared against these, AUD42 per Kg is a competitive rate and to take 45 Kg the costs compare at todays rate where AUD42 = USD43.29

QF : USD650 , EY : USD1050 , TG : USD1375 , SG/CX : USD1500

Wanting to take heavy bags for a total of 60 Kg

QF : USD1299 , EY : USD2100 , TG : USD2200 , SG/CX : USD2400


QF's rates do not seem outrageous compared to some of the similar competition but definitely not as good as travel where piece system applies. Fortunately for those that want lots of luggage in economy, there are other options that are cheaper. QF's new rates are lower , I believe, than what they were last May since they are now allowing 7Kg more than then but cannot confirm it since I cannot see the excess baggage rates for last may