Medskis1

Hi,
I have searched this forum and the last post addressing my very specific question was in 2017 so I thought I should post this question in 2023.

V A CHECKED bag allowance for Domestic flights cites a 140 CM max size dimension. We, from the US, are making our first and likely only trip to Australia in November, a 7 week journey involving cruising and visits to NZ, Fiji as well. We will book 2 domestic flights 1) BNE to CNS 2) CNS to SYD. Both Virgin Australia and Qantas cite a 140 cm max size for domestic checked bag.

Most of our “to be checked” luggage for international trips measures 150-155 CM. Yikes…… certainly would prefer not to buy new pieces. We will be good with weight but wondering what to expect, what fee might be assessed, if we are within weight allowance but with larger overall dimension as cited,

I might post the same question in Qantas forum….called their HELP line today but no answer beyond 140 cm listed as allowed.

We are ok with all allowances for other flights - it is just these 2 domestic flights where our bag dimensions are of concern

Thanks very much. Maryellen Philadelphia Pa USA

Mwenenzi

In Australia people travel with *far* less carry on bags than common practice in USA. Very common for people to check bags.
With QF all tickets include a checked bag allowance. With VA check the ticket t&c's
Do you really need that much checked luggage for your trip?

Check-in is self service at most airports. For both airlines they generally do not measure bags. But can. And if the carryon bags "look" heavy or very oversize they will/may ask you to check in. If in doubt check-in bags.


VA
https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/e...ry-on-baggage/
https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/e...ecked-baggage/

QF
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-...n-baggage.html
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-...d-baggage.html
With QF can have 14kg max carry on, with the heaviest no more than 10kg (so 10 + 4 kg)

Other airlines in AU are JQ Jetstar, REX and Bonza (new airline). But REX does not fly your routes

Enjoy AU & NZ
Note both countries require visas and both are *very* strict on food / wood / plant material importation.

CPMaverick

You didn't say what the post from 2017 concluded? Why do you think things might have changed?

My experience is from 2014-2019, so maybe too old for you. But I traveled on Virgin domestically with a Pelican EL30 case for business at least a dozen times, and Qantas a handful of times. It is a 155 cm linear case, and it looks very big. I never had any question or issue with it.

My research at the time showed that if it is oversize, it can be subject to special handling fees, but as long as it isn't overweight there isn't a set fee for oversize luggage. So it's kind of up to the agent... but there is no blanket prohibition on oversize baggage, it just gives them the ability to charge fees if they deem necessary. From what I can see, the rules are still the same.

So IMO I wouldn't worry about your bags, as long as you are prepared to pay fees if they decide so at check-in.

https://www.virginaustralia.com/us/e...fragile-items/

Medskis1

Thank you to the two parties who responded to my inquiry. This is good info. It turns out my biggest suitcases are not as big as I thought. They are more like a 148. CM all around versus a 158 as is allowed with most international airlines. I have gone ahead and booked one Virgin Australia domestic flights so far (1 more to go). when you buy their choice fare, there is also an option to pay an additional 46AUD to give you choice extra with special seating preferred boarding and access to some preferred overhead lockers. With all that I think we will be fine and I will keep the weight limits in mind. Thanks again .