I flew Qantas/GulfAir both in First and Thai Econ (*A Gold) last week with four checked in items: 28kg suitcase, 17kg suitcase, 7kg chair boxed and a 1.5kg painting.

The Qantas leg (SYD-BKK) was a BA ticket. I spoke to BA before buying the chair (as it couldn't be dismantled) and they said it wouldn't be a problem. As I was flying on a Qantas plane, BA said it's Qantas who actually decide. Qantas told me unofficailly I could've had more lugagge and they would still accept it! Their plan was to relax on First Class pass lug allowance.

[Qantas]Business Class is still alot more abide by the lugagge limit I was told.