New QF INT bag policy effective for tickets issued from 02 May

[samh004]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

I know this is only for QF, and I’m sure JQ makes a very healthy profit on luggage, but I wonder if they could ever see adding the piece system to Jetstar. They might force a big change in the industry if they went to piece as it could be very attractive to pax.

 

[Fifa]

Geez that's a lot! You skiing or something? Or just going to a really cold climate?

We go skiing in Japan every couple of years (2-4 weeks) and only check in one 20kg bag each!
This includes our skis and all clothing.
Admittedly we take our ski boots as carry-on and manage with the one pair of shoes we are wearing.
I don't think I would want to take any more as we would have to lug it around and some train stations don't have escalators!

 

[Paddy55]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

Paddy we bought new bags with those multi directional wheels so I can handle 4 bags pretty easily by myself. I just raise the handles and put them back to back and they roll with a feather like touch. We got these Samsonite bags at the local Costco in Los Angeles.
if Costco don't have them you could get equivalents at an outlet mall.

Appreciate the thoughts, however I'll hide this response from Mrs Paddy too :mrgreen:

 

[dajop]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

They might force a big change in the industry if they went to piece as it could be very attractive to pax.

How so??? The piece systems appears to, in the main benefit for status passengers. If no status, the weight system could be better. Take SYD-HNL No status - 30 kg of luggage - on Qantas you pay $50 heavy charge, on Jetstar you pay $50 total (or a surcharge of $11 if you'd originally paid for 20kg). For 40kg luggage - Jetstar will charge $70 (or $31 more than if you'd originally paid for 20kg). Qantas $90. So not always clear cut which is better.

 

[dfcatch]

I think the piece system is easier for people to understand IME.

I think this is a great genuine improvement.

Why am I a fan of the piece system - simple - it's history.

Back when I had no status - I could travel to the US under the piece system with 2 bags (at the time up to 32kg each).

Or I could travel to Europe or Asia on the weight system with an allowance of 20kg. (And the GDP of a small country for every additional kg).

That's why I feel the piece system is simpler, fairer, and easier for people to comply with in most passengers' situations.

For FF's that are too set in their ways (types of bags) don't worry - you're still allowed 3 bags (even if you only want 3kg in each).

What is stupid however - is the ridiculous SG allowances on QF both Int and Domestic.

Just let them have 3 x 32kg!!

As a WP - I'm happy for that - I don't care that it's the same as what I get. But the current SG arrangement is complicated and just plain stupid.

 

[amaroo]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

It's really easy to get carried away with big numbers - over X-mas 5 of us went to Europe & had total check luggage allowance of 15 bags @ 480kgs.

Dead set, try moving that in & out of terminals, on & off conveyors, in & out of vans, cabs & trains, up & down lifts and in & out of rooms:shock:

From memory we used something like 140kgs and that was tough enough.

Then add, carry on luggage.

 

[Deleted member]

How so??? The piece systems appears to, in the main benefit for status passengers. If no status, the weight system could be better. Take SYD-HNL No status - 30 kg of luggage - on Qantas you pay $50 heavy charge, on Jetstar you pay $50 total (or a surcharge of $11 if you'd originally paid for 20kg). For 40kg luggage - Jetstar will charge $70 (or $31 more than if you'd originally paid for 20kg). Qantas $90. So not always clear cut which is better.

So what's the go with JQ if you have biz with the + bundle. HNL - SYD ?

 

[fresherbill]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

Time to retire my trusty old Samsonite - after hundreds of thousands of happy miles. It always comes in at about 25-27kg, and on my lowly QP/PS I'd probably get hit with the $50 "heavy bag" charge if I continued to check a single bag. Can anyone suggest a good dual-bag system that's easy to move around for a single traveller?

 

[Paddy55]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

It's really easy to get carried away with big numbers - over X-mas 5 of us went to Europe & had total check luggage allowance of 15 bags @ 480kgs.

Dead set, try moving that in & out of terminals, on & off conveyors, in & out of vans, cabs & trains, up & down lifts and in & out of rooms:shock:

From memory we used something like 140kgs and that was tough enough.

Then add, carry on luggage.

:shock::shock::shock: Heck of a holiday!

 

[Origin]

So what's the go with JQ if you have biz with the + bundle. HNL - SYD ?

Biz max is one 30 kg check in bag and two 10 kg cabin bags included in fare

 

[anat0l]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

The piece system is essentially a more restrictive version of the weight system. You don't separate one from the other; just one is more restrictive due to having to comply with the weights of each piece of luggage.

This is why with all the hyper-hype last year of NGCI changing the bag allowances, it was silly to say "piece and weight" system, when the former always entails the latter anyway (i.e. you can't carry 2 pieces of luggage that weigh anything you like, but the converse can work, i.e. you can carry as many pieces as you like as long as you are under a certain total weight).

Needless to say there are some winners in this change (and given the large population of QF WPs here, a bit obvious), but we have noticed that the piece system is not well received: witness both the very extensive thread last year when NGCI changed domestic allowances, and the recent VA thread where they have also gone to a piece system. However, this thread for most part is surprisingly positive in general. I'm sure there must be a few non-status people here that may be seething, though.

A summary of the new allowances below for those who work in tables. In this table, the first number means how many pieces you're allowed, and the letter is the type of bag - "A" for 23 kg bag, and "B" for 32 kg bag.

[B][U]Non-American Itineraries[/U][/B]

[U][B]    Y  W  J  F[/B][/U]
[B]NB[/B] 1A 2A 3B 3B
[B]QP[/B] 2A 3A 3B 3B
[B]PS[/B] 2A 3A 3B 3B
[B]SG[/B] 2B 3A 3B 3B
[B]WP[/B] 3B 3B 3B 3B

[B][U]American Itineraries[/U][/B]

[U][B]    Y  W  J  F[/B][/U]
[B]NB[/B] 2A 2A 3B 3B
[B]QP[/B] 3A 3A 3B 3B
[B]PS[/B] 3A 3A 3B 3B
[B]SG[/B] 3A 3A 3B 3B
[B]WP[/B] 3B 3B 3B 3B

[B][U]Quick Total Weight Reckoner[/U] (units: kg)[/B]

[U][B]    1  2  3[/B][/U]
[B]A[/B]  23 46 69
[B]B[/B]  32 64 96

 

[medhead]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

Surely, the lack of reaction is due to being beaten into submission with NGCI. QF have also covered off some of the absurdities of the domestic piece system. One item means no bikes or no pushers for kids, for example.

 

[Ken1]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

I'm really pleased with the changes as we do tend to do a lot of shopping when we travel. Last year we flew J with BA for an 8 week trip to Europe and had the3 x 32kg bags allowance each and for our return trip we used most of that. I'm pleased that QF have come into line with BA with switching to the piece system. Under the piece system an extra bag will cost $90 whereas if travelling to/from Europe on the weight system it would have been $50 per kg extra so you can now have an extra bag for less than the cost of 2kg excess on the weight system and an extra 23kg bag would have cost $1150 compared with $90 now.

We have a J award trip booked for later this year flying SYD-LHR with CX and QF back to SYD. Since it was ticketed before May 2 we'll have to still only have one 32kg bag each for the return trip but the excess baggage charges on the QF website show that an extra bag purchased after May 2 will be $90 so at least we won't have to worry so much if we do have more than the old 32kg allowance each.

 

[TheInsider]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

We have a J award trip booked for later this year flying SYD-LHR with CX and QF back to SYD. Since it was ticketed before May 2 we'll have to still only have one 32kg bag each for the return trip but the excess baggage charges on the QF website show that an extra bag purchased after May 2 will be $90 so at least we won't have to worry so much if we do have more than the old 32kg allowance each.

Since your ticket was booked before today, the excess rate would be the per kg one.

 

[Ken1]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

Since your ticket was booked before today, the excess rate would be the per kg one.

Under "Prepaid Additional Baggage Allowance" on the QF website:
Qantas Baggage | Pre Paid Additional Baggage
For additional baggage purchased on or after 2 May 2012
Pre-Purchased Additional Baggage Allowance (AUD)
International (excluding Tasman, Noumea & Papua New Guinea)$90 per piece

For additional baggage purchased before 2 May 2012 the weight system is shown.


Under "Airport Excess Baggage and Heavy Charges" the QF website says:
International

• For travel before 2 May 2012 charges apply per kilogram (2.2lb) (except for the Americas^ where charges apply for additional pieces). No single item of Checked Baggage may exceed 32kg (70lb).
• For travel on or after 2 May 2012 charges apply for additional pieces. No single item of Checked Baggage may exceed 32kg (70lb).

For travel on or after 2 May 2012
International - excluding Tasman, Noumea & Papua New Guinea)$120 per extra piece
$50 heavy charge for each piece weighing over 23kg*


There is no mention in the Excess Baggage section of the website of when the ticket was purchased - only that when you purchase the excess baggage, you "Login to Manage Your Booking from 7 days until 3 hours before the scheduled departure of the next Qantas operated flight on your itinerary and before check-in" to purchase the Prepaid Excess Baggage rate or you can pay the higher rate at the airport, so I read that as meaning that we will only get the 1 x 32kg each for our flight since it has already been booked, but that we will be able to purchase excess baggage at the new piece system rates.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

I like the Lufthansa concept.
This is should be applied to QF as they only fly to (EU) LHR/FRA, the rest of EU is on BA - usually from LHR and not always code-shared with QF either.

I almost got stung last year as a WP, coming back from BUD on the first leg, BUD-LHR (BA). I admit, l was complacent because l booked the ticket off the QF website and had WP status at the time. Was under 32kg (~25kg), but l had it split across 2 bags. Outbound no problem, coming back...


Lufthansa ® - Free baggage allowance for tickets issued with effect from 1 June 2011

MSC (Most Significant Carrier) rule effective since 1 April 2011

Effective since 1 April 2011: if the geographically longest or most significant stretch of your journey is not operated by Lufthansa, but by another airline, this airline’s rules may also apply to Lufthansa flights or Lufthansa flight numbers.

If Lufthansa operates the geographically longest or most significant stretch of the journey, then the rules and charges effective from 1 June 2011 will apply.


Please note the free baggage allowance shown on your ticket.

 

[dfcatch]

Since your ticket was booked before today, the excess rate would be the per kg one.

Qantas has stated that for this change, ticket purchase date is irrelevant - only travel date matters.

 

[medhead]

we will only get the 1 x 32kg each for our flight since it has already been booked,

I would slightly modify that to be 32kg with no limit on the number of items.


Sent from the Throne

 

[serfty]

Qantas has stated that for this change, ticket purchase date is irrelevant - only travel date matters.

My WP email stated this:

For any bookings you already have, for travel on or after 2 May 2012, the new baggage policy listed above will apply.

This surprised me as it is somewhat different from previous policy adjustments - perhaps Qantas see this as an overall enhancement for WP.

However, if you look at the web site, it's different: (Qantas Baggage - New Checked Baggage allowances)

Checked Baggage Allowance

Effective for tickets issued from 2 May 2012, Qantas has made several changes to its international checked baggage allowances.

The checked baggage allowances for Qantas international flights have changed from a weight allowance to a piece allowance with maximum weights.

The amount of baggage you can check in for your flight varies depending on your itinerary, cabin class, Qantas Frequent Flyer status or Qantas Club membership.

Checked baggage allowances on Qantas and QantasLink ("QF") flights are set out below. To be carried without additional charge, your checked baggage must not exceed these allowances.

If you wish to carry additional baggage you may purchase Additional Baggage Allowance online. Conditions apply. If you have not pre-purchased sufficient Additional Baggage Allowance, excess baggage charges will apply at the airport for any pieces in excess of your checked baggage allowance. In addition, a heavy charge will apply at the airport if your allowance is 23kg per piece and any piece exceeds that weight. No single item of checked baggage may exceed 32kg.
Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club member allowances apply to travel on Qantas operated jet flights with a QF flight number on your ticket. Note: These benefits are not coughulative. For example, whether you are a Silver Frequent Flyer, a Qantas Club Member or both, the same allowance applies.
Acceptance of Checked Baggage is subject to:

• our Conditions of Carriage;
• compliance with applicable size and weight limits;
• applicable laws and security measures including those imposed by airports; and
• payment of any applicable charges for additional or excess baggage.

Even if your baggage meets the above requirements, we may refuse to carry it if it is not properly and securely packed.
For travel on other airlines, check the baggage allowances with the applicable carrier before you travel. You can find out the operating airline at Manage Your Booking.
Where are you flying?

• Domestic within Australia on Qantas
• Domestic within Australia on QantasLink
• International to/from The Americas^
• International to/from all other destinations

• Children and Infants
• Medical and Mobility Equipment
• Unaccompanied Baggage
• Labelling, Locking and Wrapping

Domestic within Australia on Qantas

	Allowance
Economy	1 piece (maximum 23kg)
Business	1 piece (maximum 32kg)
Qantas Club members	1 piece (maximum 32kg) regardless of travel class
Silver Frequent Flyers	1 piece (maximum 32kg) Economy 2 pieces (maximum 32kg each) Business
Gold Frequent Flyers	2 pieces (maximum 23kg each) Economy 2 pieces (maximum 32kg each) Business
Platinum Frequent Flyers	2 pieces (maximum 32kg each) regardless of travel class

Total dimensions of each piece must not exceed 140cm (54in). Dimensions for checked baggage are calculated by adding together the width, height and depth of the piece of baggage.
Note: No single item of checked baggage may exceed 32kg (70lb).
Domestic Travel is defined as travel not combined with any international flights on the same ticket.
Back to top
Domestic within Australia on QantasLink

	Allowance
Economy	1 piece (maximum 23kg)*
Qantas Club members and Silver Frequent Flyers	1 piece (maximum 32kg)*
Gold Frequent Flyers	2 pieces (maximum 23kg each)*
Platinum Frequent Flyers	2 pieces (maximum 32kg each)*
To/from Lord Howe Island	1 piece at 14kg (30lb). Above 14kg and up to 23kg may not travel on same flight due to aircraft weight restrictions.
To/from Olympic Dam	1 piece at 16kg (35lb). Above 16kg and up to 23kg may not travel on same flight due to aircraft weight restrictions.
To/from Mount Hotham	Limit of 1 ski or snowboard bag per passenger and one other piece of baggage, with a total kit not exceeding 23kg.

Total dimensions of each piece must not exceed 140cm (54in). Dimensions for checked baggage are calculated by adding together the width, height and depth of the piece of baggage.
Note: No single item of checked baggage may exceed 32kg (70lb).
* excludes flights to/from Lord Howe Island, Olympic Dam and Mount Hotham.
Domestic Travel is defined as travel not combined with any international flights on the same ticket.
Back to top
International to/from The Americas^

	Allowance
Economy/Premium Economy	2 pieces (maximum 23kg (50lb) per piece)
Business/First	For tickets issued before 2 May 2012: 2 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece) For tickets issued on or after 2 May 2012: 3 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece)
Qantas Club members, Silver and Gold Frequent Flyers	Economy/Premium Economy - 3 pieces (maximum 23kg per piece) Business/First - 3 pieces (maximum 32kg per piece)
Platinum Frequent Flyers	Economy/Premium Economy For tickets issued before 2 May 2012: 3 pieces (maximum 23kg (50lb) per piece) For tickets issued on or after 2 May 2012: 3 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece) Business/First 3 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece)

Total dimensions of the 3 pieces must not exceed 405cm (159in) and total dimensions of the 2 pieces must not exceed 270cm (106in) with no 1 piece exceeding 158cm (62in). Dimensions for checked baggage are calculated by adding together the width, height and depth of the piece of baggage.
Note: No single item of checked baggage may exceed 32kg (70lb).
^ The Americas means North and South America.
International Travel is defined as travel between two or more countries including any flights within those countries when they are combined with international travel on the same ticket.
Back to top
International to/from all other destinations

For tickets issued before 2 May 2012

	Allowance
Economy/Premium Economy	23kg (50lb) (Exception: 30kg (66lb) on QF337/338/358/359 to/from Ho Chi Minh only)
Business	32kg (70lb) (Exception: 40kg (88lb) on QF337/338/358/359 to/from Ho Chi Minh only)
First	40kg (88lb)
Qantas Club members	32kg (70lb) in Economy/Premium Economy 42kg (92lb) in Business 50kg (110lb) in First
Silver Frequent Flyers	32kg (70lb) in Economy/Premium Economy 64kg (140lb) in Business 64kg (140lb) in First
Gold Frequent Flyers	46kg (101lb) in Economy/Premium Economy 64kg (140lb) in Business 64kg (140lb) in First
Platinum Frequent Flyers	64kg (140lb) regardless of travel class

For tickets issued on or after 2 May 2012

	Allowance
Economy	1 piece (maximum 23kg (50lb)) (Exception: 30kg (66lb) on QF337/338/358/359 to/from Ho Chi Minh only)
Premium Economy	2 pieces (maximum 23kg (50lb) per piece)
Business	3 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece) (Exception: 40kg (88lb) on QF337/338/358/359 to/from Ho Chi Minh only)
First	3 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece)
Qantas Club members and Silver Frequent Flyers	2 pieces (maximum 23kg (50lb) per piece) in Economy 3 pieces (maximum 23kg (50lb) per piece) in Premium Economy 3 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece) in Business/First
Gold Frequent Flyers	2 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece) in Economy 3 pieces (maximum 23kg (50lb) per piece) in Premium Economy 3 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece) in Business/First
Platinum Frequent Flyers	3 pieces (maximum 32kg (70lb) per piece) regardless of travel class

Total dimensions for each piece must not exceed 158cm (62in). Dimensions for checked baggage are calculated by adding together the width, height and depth of the piece of baggage.
Note: No single item of checked baggage may exceed 32kg (70lb).

 

[yo yo ma]

Re: New Qantas International baggage limits

One item means no bikes or no pushers for kids, for example.

Can still take the complimentary stroller (1 piece up to 10kg) when travelling with infants.

Qantas Baggage | Checked Baggage Allowance