Originally Posted by R17263

I'm due to fly in a few days and I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure out the baggage rules for my flight!
I booked a ticket on American airlines for a flight from AKL - LHR. The flight has a layover in JFK. Both flights are on the same ticket.
I booked a basic economy fare with no checked baggage included.
I have realized that the first flight from AKL to JFK is a codeshare flight and is operated by Qantas, code AA 7284. The second flight from JFK to LHR is an AA flight.
I have one bag to check and I thought it would simply be a case of adding on an extra bag and paying the $75 AA fee for your first checked bag.
However, I am unable to add a bag on to my flight online on AA or Qantas. My bag allowance of Qantas shows as 0 and I am unable to purchase an extra bag.
I have called AA and they stated I would have to do it at the airport when I check in with Qantas and the fee would be the $75.
However, reading the Qantas website I see it states that excess baggage is not allowed on codeshare flights and that excess baggage fees apply.
Their rates are extortianate and it would cost us A$300 for a bag of they charge only for the flight to JFK. If they charged for the entire journey it would be A$80 per kilo which we simply couldn't afford!!
I have called Qantas and the advisor stated that they couldn't answer my question r.e baggage charges and I would have to ask at the airport...
I am very stressed as we have bought lots of Christmas presents to take back to the UK and I do not want to take my bag to the airport only to have to abandon it there.
Surely it's not the case that I wouldn't be able to add a single bag for such a long haul flight...
Has anyone had a similar experience or does anyone know how the baggage rules work in this situation?