Extra luggage fees vary wildly by airline, route, and whether you pay at the airport or pre-book, ranging from about $10-$80+ per kg or a flat fee per extra bag (e.g., $130-$300+), with heavy bag charges ($50-$100+) often applied for bags over 23kg (50lbs) but under 32kg (70lbs). Expect higher costs for international flights, especially long-haul, and lower rates if you add baggage online before flying.
If your bag is over 23kg (50lbs) but under 32kg (70lbs), you'll likely pay an overweight fee, as airlines charge extra for heavy items to protect baggage handlers, but it's usually allowed as long as it's under the 32kg limit; however, bags over 32kg (70lbs) often aren't permitted as checked luggage and must go via cargo, so check your airline's specific rules, as costs and policies vary.
If your baggage exceeds the weight limit from the baggage allowance mentioned on your ticket, you will be charged a fee for the excess baggage. Wondering about the fee for excess baggage? Take control and calculate the charges ahead of time with our easy-to-use baggage calculator.
Hand Baggage: One hand bag up to 7 kgs and 115 cms (L+W+H), shall be allowed per customer. For contactless travel we recommend to place it under the seat in front, on board.
Overweight fees depend on airline and how far over the limit you are. As a general pattern, many carriers have one fee tier for 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) and a higher tier for 71–100 lb (32–45 kg). Some also add oversized fees if your bag exceeds linear inch limits.
The maximum weight permissible for a single piece of baggage is 32 kg/70 lb.
If your luggage is heavier than your allowance when you check in, you'll need to pay an excess luggage charge. However, even if you pay the extra charge, each piece of luggage can't weigh more than 25kg.
Why Overweight Luggage Happens
Yes, for budget airlines like Jetstar, a handbag (or personal item like a laptop bag) is generally included in the 7kg carry-on allowance, meaning the total weight of both your main carry-on and your small item must not exceed 7kg. Some full-service airlines, like Air New Zealand, offer a 7kg allowance for Economy but often permit an additional small personal item (like a handbag) on top of that, depending on your fare and status, but always check your specific airline's rules.
Paying for checked bags
Customers may purchase up to two pre-paid checked bags per person (see fare options to confirm). If you would like to check a third bag, it must be checked at the airport. Pay for first bag: Online or at airport kiosk during check in.
Standard Check-In Baggage Allowance by Airline Type
Economy: 20–23kg (1 piece domestic, 1–2 pieces international) Premium Economy: 23–30kg (1–2 pieces) Business: 30–32kg (2 pieces)
What should I do if my bag weighs over 23kg? If your checked baggage weighs more than your allowance, you may have to pay a heavy bag charge. Check your baggage allowance in the calculator. We charge 65 GBP / 75 EUR / 100 USD / 100 CAD per overweight bag and one-way journey.
Charges on Australian domestic flights
A$130 for each extra piece of baggage beyond your allowance. A$50 heavy charge for each piece weighing over 23kg (50lbs).
If you know you're going to go over the baggage weight or size limit or are worried about it happening, it's almost always cheaper to book extra luggage allowances in advance. You'll find that most airlines will offer discounts of up to 50% if you pay online instead of holding up airport queues.
Airlines often charge a lower fee if you pay for your checked bags when you book your ticket online. But if you wait until you're at the airport, especially at the check-in counter, those fees can go up.
Few things add weight and bulk to a suitcase more easily than shoes. If you're traveling somewhere cold, wear your heavier boots during the journey there rather than placing them in your bag. For warmer leisure travel, find a pair of comfortable-but-stylish walking shoes and some versatile flats.
Check your weight and size
Your allowance is based on size and weight, or by number of pieces and weight, depending on where you're flying to and the cabin you're flying in. Your baggage needs to fit within maximum size, and ensure no single piece exceeds 32kg (70lb).
Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.
Any piece of checked baggage that weighs over 23kg but under 32kg or exceeds the total linear dimensions (length+width+height) of 158cm (62″) will be subject to an overweight/oversize charge.
We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
Yes, checking in online is definitely worth it. It saves time at the airport, lets you select a seat (if not already assigned), and often allows you to pay for upgrades. It also ensures you won't risk losing your seat if the flight is oversold and can expedite your journey through security.
A sneaky way of making your checked-in baggage lighter is to put some of your items in a backpack and take that as your carry-on hand luggage. You might be tempted to pack some of the heavier items such as toiletries but don't forget the rules and regulations for liquid restrictions when going through security.