Understanding Australian airline baggage policies can save you significant money and stress. With each carrier offering different allowances, fees, and restrictions, it's essential to know the rules before you pack. This comprehensive guide covers every major Australian airline, updated for 2026.
⚠️ Important Notice
Airline policies change frequently. While we update this guide regularly, always verify current policies directly with your airline before travelling. This guide was last updated in January 2026.
Qantas
As Australia's flag carrier and largest airline, Qantas offers the most generous baggage allowances, particularly for premium cabin passengers and frequent flyers.
Carry-On Allowance
Qantas domestic and international economy passengers can bring:
- One main cabin bag: Maximum 56 x 36 x 23cm, up to 7kg
- One small personal item: Such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack
- Combined weight must not exceed 7kg in Economy
Business and First Class passengers enjoy increased allowances of 14kg carry-on weight, with two cabin bags permitted.
Checked Baggage
Domestic Economy: Most fares include 23kg checked baggage. "Red e-Deal" discount fares include checked baggage, unlike many budget carriers.
International Economy: Typically 23kg included, though this varies by route and fare type. Trans-Pacific flights (to the Americas) often include 2x23kg bags due to codeshare arrangements with American Airlines.
Business Class: 2x32kg bags on most routes, with increased allowances on international long-haul services.
💡 Qantas Frequent Flyer Benefits
Qantas Frequent Flyer members receive additional allowances based on status level. Gold and Platinum members get an extra bag on international flights, while Silver members receive priority bag handling.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia positions itself between Qantas and budget carriers, offering competitive allowances with a focus on value.
Carry-On Allowance
- One main cabin bag: Maximum 56 x 36 x 23cm
- One small personal item
- Combined weight: 7kg in Economy, 14kg in Business
Checked Baggage
Economy Lite: No checked baggage included. Add bags from $35 per sector when booking, or pay more at the airport.
Economy Choice: 23kg checked baggage included.
Economy Flex: 23kg included with additional flexibility options.
Business Class: 2x32kg bags included.
Excess Baggage Fees
Virgin Australia charges per additional bag and for overweight items:
- Extra bag (up to 23kg): From $45 online, more at airport
- Overweight bag (23-32kg): $60
- Heavy bag (32-40kg): $120
Jetstar
As a budget carrier, Jetstar's base fares include minimal baggage. Understanding their pricing structure is crucial to avoiding unexpected costs.
Carry-On Allowance
Jetstar has stricter carry-on limits than full-service carriers:
- One main cabin bag: Maximum 56 x 36 x 23cm
- One small item: Maximum 14 x 36 x 23cm
- Combined weight: 7kg total
Enforcement: Jetstar actively enforces carry-on limits. Bags are regularly weighed and measured at boarding gates. If your bag exceeds limits, you'll need to pay to check it—often at expensive airport rates.
Checked Baggage
Starter Fare: No checked baggage included. This is the base fare you'll see advertised.
Starter Plus: 20kg checked baggage included.
Starter Max: 30kg checked baggage plus additional benefits.
Add-On Pricing
Jetstar offers baggage add-ons at various price points depending on when you purchase:
- At booking: From $22 for 15kg (domestic)
- After booking (online): From $25 for 15kg
- At airport: From $60 for 15kg
✅ Money-Saving Tip
If you need checked baggage on Jetstar, always add it during initial booking or immediately after. Airport baggage fees can be triple the online price. For frequent Jetstar travellers, their Club Jetstar membership includes discounted bags.
Regional Express (Rex)
Rex operates regional routes throughout Australia with a straightforward baggage policy that harks back to simpler times in aviation.
Carry-On Allowance
- One cabin bag plus one personal item
- Cabin bag: Maximum 48 x 34 x 23cm (note: smaller than other carriers)
- Combined weight: 7kg
Important: Rex's cabin bag dimensions are smaller than industry standard. Many standard carry-on bags that fit other airlines will exceed Rex limits. Check your bag dimensions carefully if flying Rex.
Checked Baggage
Rex includes checked baggage on all fares, a refreshing approach in the era of unbundling:
- Economy: 23kg checked baggage included
- Business: 32kg checked baggage included
International Carrier Considerations
When flying internationally from Australia, baggage policies vary significantly by carrier and destination. Here are key considerations:
Asia-Pacific Carriers
Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates typically offer generous allowances on flights to/from Australia, often matching or exceeding Qantas. Budget carriers like Scoot and AirAsia have policies similar to Jetstar.
US Airlines
American carriers often charge for first checked bag even on international flights. United, American, and Delta policies can differ from their Australian codeshare partners, so verify which carrier's policies apply to your booking.
Codeshare Flights
On codeshare flights (e.g., booking through Qantas but flying on Emirates), the operating carrier's baggage policy typically applies. Always check which airline actually operates your flight and verify their specific policies.
Choosing Luggage Based on Airline Policies
If you regularly fly specific airlines, choose luggage that maximises your allowances:
For Multi-Airline Travellers
Select carry-on luggage that meets the strictest requirements. A bag sized for Jetstar's 56 x 36 x 23cm limit will fit all Australian carriers. Rex's smaller limits may require a separate, smaller bag for regional travel.
For Qantas/Virgin Flyers
You have more flexibility with standard 56cm carry-on bags. Both airlines offer similar dimensions and reasonably enforce limits.
For Budget Carrier Users
Invest in lightweight luggage to maximise your 7kg carry-on weight limit. Every gram of bag weight is a gram less you can pack. Look for sub-2kg carry-on bags to retain 5kg+ of packing capacity.
📏 Universal Carry-On Size
For maximum compatibility across all Australian carriers (including Rex), choose a bag no larger than 48 x 34 x 23cm. This "small carry-on" size meets every airline's requirements, though you'll sacrifice some capacity on more generous carriers.
Avoiding Baggage Fees
Smart planning can significantly reduce or eliminate baggage costs:
Book the Right Fare
Sometimes paying $20-30 more for a fare bundle including bags costs less than adding bags separately. Compare total costs, not just base fares.
Use Credit Card Benefits
Some Australian credit cards offer baggage credits or airline status that includes extra bags. Qantas and Virgin co-branded cards often include status benefits with additional baggage allowances.
Combine Allowances
When travelling with companions, pool your checked bag allowances. One large bag might serve two people more efficiently than two small bags, potentially saving on excess charges.
Wear Heavy Items
Jackets, boots, and heavy clothing worn on your person don't count toward bag weights. For winter trips, this can save several kilograms of allowance.
What Happens When You Exceed Limits
Exceeding baggage limits triggers various responses depending on the airline and situation:
Overweight Carry-On
Most commonly, you'll be asked to check the bag at the gate. This typically means paying full airport baggage rates, which can be $60-100+ on budget carriers. Some airlines may allow you to redistribute weight into a personal item if the total remains within limits.
Overweight Checked Bag
Airlines charge excess weight fees, typically $15-60 per overweight increment. Some airlines refuse bags over 32kg entirely for occupational health reasons—you'll need to redistribute contents into additional bags.
Oversized Bags
Bags exceeding size limits may be handled as oversized/sporting equipment, incurring additional fees and potentially different handling processes.
Understanding airline baggage policies is essential for stress-free travel. Bookmark this guide and reference it when planning your next trip, but always verify current policies directly with your airline before departure.
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