Qantas Airways Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect
With operations dating back to the early 1920s, Qantas Airways is one of the oldest airlines still in business today; it is also the flag carrier of Australia and one of the largest airlines in the world, offering service to more than 80 destinations. If you’ll be flying out of Australia in the near future, there’s a good chance you’ll be flying with Qantas Airways. You can compare baggage fees by looking at Norwegian Air baggage fees or Lufthansa baggage fees to see the best rates.
This particular airline is known for their excellent customer service and budget-friendly fare options. As with any airline you’ve never flown with, however, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of their basic policies before you fly. This is especially true when it comes to their baggage policies and fees, as being educated on these ahead of time will help you pack accordingly and avoid additional costs.
Qantas Airways Checked and Carry-On Allowances
Compared to most major airlines, Qantas Airways has relatively standard policies and allowances for both carry-on and checked baggage. Because this airline offers many international flights, however, it’s worth noting that specific allowances and costs can vary based not only on your fare, but your specific route as well.
Checked Bag Allowances and Fees
Passengers will enjoy the fact that all fare types on Qantas Airways include at least one checked bag, and many fares include more than one. One less conventional checked luggage policy that Qantas Airways has, however, is that their international flights have bag allowances not based on number of checked bags allowed, but total weight. This means that passengers can check as many or as few bags as they wish, so long as the total weight doesn’t exceed the posted allowance.
For domestic flights, however, policies remain standard with different fares having different allowances on the specific number of checked bags permitted. For most domestic flights, Economy fares will be entitled to one free checked bag weighing no more than 50 pounds (23kg). Business fares are permitted two checked bags with a higher weight allowance of up to 70 pounds (32kg each).
For international flights, weight allowances for bags also vary by fare type. For most routes, Economy fares have a 66-pound (30kg) total weight limit, whereas Premium Economy and Business fares have a checked baggage weight limit of up to 88 pounds (40kg). First-class passengers can check baggage weighing up to 110 pounds (50kg).
Carry-On Allowances and Fees
Specific carry-on allowances can also vary based on fare type and route. For domestic flights within Australia, most passengers will be permitted two carry-on bags measuring no greater than 41 linear inches (105cm) or one single bag measuring no larger than 45 linear inches (115cm).
For international flights, all fares are permitted two carry-on bags weighing no more than 15 pounds (7kg) each and measuring no greater than 41 linear inches (105cm). For those who choose to carry on only one bag, the size limit increases slightly to 45 linear inches (115cm), though the weight limit remains the same.
In addition to carry-on allowances outlined here, Qantas Airways also permits all ticketed passengers to bring a small personal item aboard each flight. This should be something small such as a purse, laptop bag, or briefcase—and it should be able to fit in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.
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What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?
Those traveling with infants are permitted to bring additional items on-board as needed, including a diaper bag or collapsible stroller. These items do not count towards the passenger’s carry-on allowance.
Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage
Size and weight restrictions apply to all baggage checked with Qantas Airways, though specific weight limits can vary depending on your fare and destination. For example, most Economy domestic fares have a weight limit of 50 pounds (23kg), whereas other fares may have a larger allowance of up to 70 pounds (32kg) per bag.
If you have an overweight bag when you check-in at the airport, you can expect to pay between $30 and $75 per-piece one way. Exact fees will depend on whether your flight is domestic or international. Oversized bags may be subjected to further fees or may not be permitted on the plane at all, depending on the route; contact the airlines before your flight if you need to travel with luggage exceeding the permitted dimensions.
If you need to purchase additional checked baggage beyond what was included with your fare, you may do so for most flights. Prices for an additional bag can vary depending on your route and when you pay. For example, an additional bag for a domestic flight will run you $30 if you pay online before your flight, but can increase to $40 if you wait to pay at the airport.
Saving On Qantas Airways Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)
There are several ways to cut down on your baggage fees with Qantas Airways, or possibly even avoid them altogether.
Get Reimbursed By a Qualifying Credit Card
Some credit card companies are beginning to cater to regular travelers by offering baggage fee reimbursement as a perk. Check to see if your credit card company offers this benefit. If so, you may be able to pay for your applicable baggage fees using your credit card and submit a request for an account credit when you return from your trip. Be aware, however, that most credit card companies offering this benefit will not reimburse for some expenses, such as oversized or overweight baggage fees.
Redeem Frequent Flyer Program Points
If you plan on doing a lot of flying with Qantas Airways, consider enrolling in their Frequent Flyer program. This program allows you to earn points for each mile you fly with Qantas Airways; these points can then be redeemed for special benefits ranging from additional checked baggage to airline tickets.
Even without redeeming points, being a member of this program can entitle you to larger checked bag allowances. Your specific benefits can vary depending on your membership tier. For example, an Economy international fare for a passenger with Silver status can enjoy a larger checked baggage weight limit of up to 92 pounds (42kg), whereas a Platinum member will have an even larger checked bag weight limit of 110 pounds (50kg).
Book an Appropriate Fare With Included Baggage
All fare types on Qantas Airways include at least one piece of checked luggage, but if you know you’re going to need additional baggage, you might consider booking a fare that includes two or more checked bags with higher weight allowances. This can help you to avoid paying out-of-pocket for excess baggage fees at the airport.
You might also consider limiting what you pack to your carry-on luggage, especially if you’re going on a shorter trip. Because Qantas Airways allows a free personal item and a minimum of one standard carry-on bag for all flights, you may be able to avoid checked baggage altogether and thus avoid the wait at the baggage claim once you land.
Pre-Pay for Additional Baggage Online
If you know you’ll need additional baggage beyond what’s included with your fare, paying for it online before your flight could save you a nice chunk of change. You can add excess baggage to any fare by logging into your online account anytime in the days leading up to your flight’s scheduled departure.
Qantas Airways Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about Qantas Airways baggage fees and policies.
How many pieces of checked baggage will my ticket include?
Qantas Airways is unique with its checked baggage fees in the sense that some flights, such as international ones, do not have a standard per-piece baggage allowance. These flights actually have a maximum total weight allowance for checked bags. This allowance can generally vary from 66 pounds (30kg) to 110 pounds (50kg), depending on the fare type you’ve booked.
For domestic flights, a more “typical” checked bag allowance is in place. All fares include at least one checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds (23kg), but some fares (such as Business and First class) include two checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32kg) each. Make sure to follow the TSA rules when packing your suitcase so you don’t run into any issues at the airport.
What if I’m traveling with sports equipment or other special gear?
If you need to check any sporting equipment or other special gear, you may be able to substitute your checked baggage to avoid additional fees. However, you’ll want to check with the airline directly before your flight, as specific rules and regulations can vary based on route.
How can I best avoid oversized and/or overweight baggage fees with Qantas Airways?
Consider purchasing a luggage scale so you can weigh your bags ahead of time. From there, you can unpack some items or move them into your carry-on if needed to avoid overweight baggage fees. When measuring your bags, be sure to include any wheels or handles in your measurements to ensure accuracy and avoid surprises.
