Luggage weight limits - how do you manage?

[zzyss]

Continuing on from a discussion that I started in another thread, how do you generally cope with the restrictions on luggage weight/number limits?

It seems to be generally understood that in economy, you are allowed 20kg's checked in, and another 5-10kg of hand carry? Somebody who actually knows might want to provide more accurate details - I haven't the foggiest idea.

Considering that the luggage itself might weigh anything from 2-5kgs, that leaves about 15kg. If you're travelling for business, or sightseeing, that might not be a problem, but what about shopping trips, etc.?

My in-laws, who recently visited, are an older couple living in Europe, who tend to bring a wide range of paraphernalia with them, including the necessities for both hot and cold weather (a problem with crossing hemispheres), the usual bits and pieces that one aggregates with age (health and mobility type things) and, most importantly, gifts for me and my wife :-) The thing that they struggle with the most is the number of pieces that are allowed. There's no way an older person is going to be able to lift a 20kg bag, and so they tend to split their luggage into many smaller, more manageable pieces.

Obviously, this presents a problem when airlines limit the number of items, but also adds overhead in terms of the weight of the luggage, and reduces the amount of stuff that they can carry.

Anyway, I'll stop rambling. What are your thoughts and experiences when it comes to travel luggage?

[serfty]

This thread may assist (and also give you a laugh):

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/comm...nge-10900.html

[MelUser]

Join Qantas Club - that gives you an extra 10 kg.

Book Round the world flights (or flights via the US in both ways) which gives you (in economy) a 2 x 23kg checked luggage allowance.

[Natt]

I try and do the hand luggage thing wherever I can - its just so much easier

I think the key is to learn how to layer, and only pick a small range of colours. And cull the shoes with a vengeance.

I remember a 3 week trip to New Zealand where in addition to all the normal stuff we had to bring all the bushwalking gear as well (tent, mattresses, boots, sleeping bags, sticks, bushwalking garments etc) we weighed in at 20kilos and 16 kilos

I hope to do Malaysia for 3 weeks with a 15 kilo & a 7 kilo for 2 people

and i am a chunky lady so my clothes weigh quite a bit - so if I can manage it - anyone can

[Ari Gold]

Join Qantas Club - that gives you an extra 10 kg..

On trips to London?

[zzyss]

Join Qantas Club - that gives you an extra 10 kg.

I don't fly enough to justify the hefty fee. Might as well just pay for the extra weight.

[MelUser]

You'll find that QF charging you for 10kg of international excess baggage is probably more than 1 years of Q Club entry!

Otherwise, a Swissair or Lufthansa economy fare to europe travelling both ways via the US is cheap - about $1600 + taxes and gives each pax 2 X 23kg of checked baggage.

[serfty]

Excess luggage Oz to/from Europe is charged at AU$48 per KG.

From March the Y 20kg limit rises to 23Kg, but the additional collection also rises - to AU$50 per Kg.

[toowongman]

My practice is to pack less and wash more.

Ms. Toowongman weighs in at 39kg. Everytime she does SIN>BNE excess baggage is never a problem. If she's over her allowance, her argument is that she's at least 30 kg lighter than the average passenger, so the airline should let her overweight bag on for free. And to this day, they have (QF and SQ).

So if you're lighter than average, there's an angle for you.

[Natt]

I am pretty sure this is OK to post

How To Pack Like A Stripper (Leisure & Hobbies: Random Hilarity)

its actually really informative - as well as.. um interesting for the men folk

its not a bad link I promise, well possibly bad as in good