Qantas baggage allowances are strictly enforced, especially for carry-on weight (usually 7kg total for economy), with laser scales at bag drop checking size and weight, and penalties (excess fees) for exceeding limits, which are higher at the airport than pre-purchasing online. Checked bags have weight limits (often 32kg per piece) and size limits (around 158cm), with overweight or oversized bags incurring substantial fees, though frequent flyers and premium cabins get higher allowances.
If your luggage is 2 kg overweight, you'll likely face an excess baggage fee, but the exact cost and leniency depend on your airline, flight route, and booking class, with pre-paying online being cheaper than paying at the airport. You might get away with it if an agent is lenient, but to avoid high airport charges, repack items into your carry-on or personal bag, or shift items to a travel partner's bag.
Excess and heavy baggage charges at the airport
When you get to the airport to check in, if your baggage exceeds the weight or total number of pieces that's included in your checked allowance, you'll need to pay an excess baggage or heavy charge.
Domestic carry-on allowance. When flying with us in Australia (excluding Dash 8 flights), your carry-on across all cabins and Qantas Frequent Flyer tiers includes one overhead bag, one underseat bag and a personal item. The maximum permitted weight is 14kg total, with no item greater than 10kg.
If you arrive at the boarding gate with more than your carry-on baggage allowance, you must either pay the excess carry-on baggage fee and your bag will be checked in, or purchase +7kg Extra Carry-On Baggage at the boarding gate price, to take up to 14kg onboard (conditions apply).
Carry-on/hand carry baggage allowance including any exception, should be a maximum of two (2) pieces only and with total combined weight of seven (7)kg or less.
On international flights, economy passengers are entitled to one standard carry-on case, weighing up to seven kilograms and one small personal item, while First, Business and Premium Economy passengers follow the domestic rules outlined above (one standard piece weighing up to 10 kilos; two small pieces totalling 14 ...
Terms and conditions. Guests are allowed to carry the below items free of cost: Two (02) units of cabin baggage with a maximum collective weight of seven (07) kg (which would include laptop and personal items).
Hand luggage doesn't get weighed as a general rule. However, if it looks heavy or oversized they may check. Not seen it happen very often though.
Check your weight and size
Your baggage needs to fit within maximum size, and ensure no single piece exceeds 32kg (70lb). For tickets issued with an allowance in weight, there is no restriction on the number of pieces within the weight allowance of the cabin you're travelling in.
Most airlines measure check-in luggage in linear dimensions, which means the sum of the length, width and height. The most common linear limit for check-in luggage is 62 inches, though it's prudent to confirm.
"2 bags at 23kg" means you are allowed two separate checked suitcases, with a maximum weight of 23 kilograms (about 50 lbs) for each bag, not 23kg total for both. You can pack each bag up to that 23kg limit, and they will be checked in, separate from your carry-on luggage, but you cannot combine them into one much heavier bag without incurring overweight fees.
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.
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.
All airlines have both size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. It's unlikely your carry-on bag will be weighed at the airport, but it does happen. More often you'll be asked to measure it. If your bag is too big, you'll likely have to check it.
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.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag. The backpack must fit under the seat in front of you. Some airlines, particularly budget airlines, may require you to pay an additional fee for a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead compartment.
In most cases, you can fit 6–8 outfits into a cabin bag 7kg, depending on the fabrics. Lightweight summer pieces take up less room, while winter clothes need careful planning.
You're permitted to bring a total of14 kilograms with you on board every Qantas domestic flight (excluding Dash 8 services) with one carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kilograms.
Counted in 7kg or its excluded. Confusing info online around 2nd item, small item etc etc. Thanks. Laptop, ipad they are all included in your carry on .
10 Ways to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees
The 3-3-3 clothing rule is a simple styling method for creating many outfits from few items: choose 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes, which allows for 27 potential combinations (3x3x3) and reduces decision fatigue, often used for travel or building a minimalist capsule wardrobe. It's a versatile concept, sometimes expanded to include 3 layers (like jackets or cardigans) for even more looks, making dressing easier by focusing on mix-and-match versatility with core pieces.
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.