When travelling with Australian airlines, knowing the baggage policies in advance can help ensure a smooth journey and avoid unexpected fees at the airport.
Each airline has its own set of rules regarding carry-on luggage and checked baggage, depending on the class of travel and fare type. Below is a breakdown of the baggage allowances for some of Australia’s key carriers.
Qantas Baggage Allowances
Carry-On Baggage:
Economy Class:
- Passengers can bring one standard piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of 10kg and dimensions not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
- Alternatively, passengers may bring two smaller pieces, with a combined total weight of 14kg, provided no single item exceeds 10kg.
- A personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack, is also allowed.
Premium Economy, Business, and First Class:
- Passengers are permitted to bring two carry-on pieces, with a combined weight of up to 14kg, as long as no single piece exceeds 10kg.
- Business and First Class travellers may also bring a garment bag (non-rigid), which must adhere to specific airline size limitations.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Qantas provides generous checked baggage allowances, but the specific limits depend on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, as well as your travel class.
Domestic Flights:
- Economy Class: One checked bag, up to 23kg.
- Business Class: Two checked bags, each up to 32kg.
International Flights (Excluding North and South America):
- Economy Class: 30kg total (weight-based allowance, no specific piece limit).
- Premium Economy & Business Class: 40kg total (weight-based).
- First Class: 50kg total (weight-based).
International Flights (To/From North and South America):
- Economy Class: One piece, up to 23kg.
- Premium Economy & Business Class: Two pieces, each up to 32kg.
- First Class: Three pieces, each up to 32kg.
💡 Note: No single checked baggage item can exceed 32kg due to occupational health and safety regulations. If your luggage exceeds this weight, you may need to repack or send it as freight.
Virgin Australia Baggage Allowance
Virgin Australia offers different baggage allowances depending on the class of travel and fare type. It’s important to check your ticket details before departure to avoid additional fees.
Carry-On Baggage
Economy Class:
Passengers can bring one standard carry-on bag up to 7kg, with dimensions not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
Alternatively, travelers may bring two smaller pieces, each measuring 48cm x 34cm x 23cm, with a combined total weight of 7kg.
Business Class, Velocity Gold & Platinum Members:
Passengers are allowed two carry-on pieces, with a maximum weight of 7kg per piece and the same size restrictions as Economy Class.
Personal Item:
In addition to carry-on luggage, all passengers may bring one small personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or duty-free shopping bag.
Virgin Checked Baggage Allowance
Economy Lite Fare:
No checked baggage included. Passengers must purchase baggage separately if needed.
Economy Choice & Flex Fares:
One checked bag up to 23kg is included.
Business Class:
Two checked bags, each up to 32kg.
💡 Important Notes:
Overweight baggage fees apply for items between 23kg and 32kg in Economy Class. Any bag exceeding 32kg must be sent as cargo.
Rex (Regional Express) Baggage Allowance
Rex (Regional Express) operates primarily on regional routes within Australia and has a straightforward baggage policy. All passengers receive a standard baggage allowance, but specific weight limits may vary depending on fare type and route.
Carry-On Baggage
All Fare Types:
Passengers may bring one small carry-on bag with maximum dimensions of 48cm x 34cm x 23cm.
In addition, one personal item (such as a handbag, laptop, or small backpack) is allowed.
The total combined weight of both items must not exceed 7kg.
Checked Baggage
All Fare Types:
Passengers are entitled to 15kg of checked baggage at no extra charge.
💡 Important Notes:
- Some regional routes may have stricter weight limits due to aircraft capacity.
- Excess baggage fees apply for luggage exceeding the included 15kg allowance.
