Up, up and ‘a weigh’
Many of us will weigh and re-weigh our carry-on luggage until it’s within a whisker – or just over – the airline’s baggage limits.
We then wait to see if the airline will even check carry-on baggage, and if so, what are the consequences for getting it wrong.
To help you know the limits, we’ve compiled carry-on baggage information for domestic flights on Australia’s major airlines.
Qantas
The maximum carry-on baggage weight on Qantas flights is 14kg, including:
- One bag for the overhead locker weighing no more than 10kg, with a maximum size of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, or;
- One under-seat bag, such as a small duffle bag, backpack or large purse no heavier than 10kg, and no larger than 48cm x 34cm x 23cm, or one non-rigid garment bag with a maximum size of 114cm x 60cm x 11cm, which can be stored in the overhead locker or under the seat in front;
- One small personal item, such as a small handbag or laptop bag.
Passengers on the smaller Dash 8 aircraft can carry-on one duffle-style bag or small wheelie bag, with a maximum weight of 7kg and a size limit of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, plus one personal item.
Excess carry-on baggage will need to be checked in, with fees applying.
Jetstar
The carry-on baggage limit on Jetstar flights is 7kg, which can be spread across two items. The size of the main bag can’t exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, and it must fit in the overhead locker.
The smaller item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, must fit under the seat in front.
Depending on the route, and subject to availability, an extra 7kg carry-on allowance can be pre-purchased with your ticket or bought at the airport – though it’s cheaper to add extra carry-on when buying a ticket.
The domestic Flex Bundle fare includes 14kg of carry-on baggage.
If you choose the 14kg option, the weight must be spread across two items with a maximum of 10kg in any one item.
If you don’t buy extra carry-on with your ticket, it’ll cost $60 to buy it at check-in, or $85 at the boarding gate. Both options are subject to availability.
If extra carry-on allowance is sold out, you’ll be up for a $125 excess-baggage fee, and your bag will be checked in. This also applies if:
- Your total carry-on baggage weighs more than 14kg
- Any item is over 10kg, regardless of your carry-on baggage allowance
- Your carry-on baggage exceeds the size limits, or you have more than two items.
Virgin Australia
Economy passengers can carry-on up to 8kg in one bag not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm for the overhead locker, plus one personal item, such as a purse, handbag, laptop bag, camera bag, or a small backpack.
The size of the personal item can’t exceed 45cm x 33cm x 20cm and must fit under the seat in front.
Business class, Velocity Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Economy X passengers can choose from the following options.
- One standard bag up to 8kg, not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm in size.
- Two small bags with a maximum combined weight of 14kg, with no single bag exceeding 8kg, and a maximum size of 48cm x 34cm x 23cm.
- One standard bag (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) and one suit pack with a maximum combined weight of 14kg, with no single bag exceeding 8kg.
- Plus, one personal item following the same weight and size restrictions as economy passengers.
Carry-on baggage exceeding weight or size limits will need to be checked in, and fees may apply.
Rex
Rex passengers can carry-on one small bag with a maximum size of 48cm x 34cm x 23 cm, and one personal item, with a total combined weight of 7kg.
If passengers arrive at the boarding gate with carry-on baggage exceeding the limits, the excess baggage will be offloaded and carried on the next available flight. Excess baggage fees apply.
The transport and storage of batteries and power banks is a relatively new issue now affecting air travel. Each Airline has its own rules, which you’ll find in the links below.
Qantas
Jetstar
Virgin
Rex