Packing for a trip is exciting, but navigating airline baggage policies can feel like solving a puzzle.
Qantas has one of the more complex structures, with rules that change dramatically depending on whether you are flying within Australia, to the Americas, or to the rest of the world.
Qantas Baggage Policy: At A Glance
If you are in a rush, here is the essential breakdown of what you can bring.
| Route | Cabin Class | Carry-On Allowance | Checked Baggage Allowance |
| Australian Domestic | Economy | 1 x 10kg OR 2 x 14kg (total)* | 1 piece (23kg) |
| Business | 1 x 10kg OR 2 x 14kg (total)* | 2 pieces (32kg each) | |
| International (Americas) | Economy | 1 x 7kg | 1 piece (32kg) |
| Business | 1 x 10kg OR 2 x 14kg (total)* | 2 pieces (32kg each) | |
| International (Rest of World) | Economy | 1 x 7kg | 30kg total (multiple bags allowed) |
| Business | 1 x 10kg OR 2 x 14kg (total)* | 40kg total (multiple bags allowed) |
Note on domestic carry-on: If carrying two bags, no single piece can weigh more than 10kg.
Carry-On Baggage Rules
Qantas is generally generous with carry-on, but they are strict about weight distribution.
Domestic Flights (Within Australia)
For Economy and Business class, you have two options:
- Option 1: One bag weighing up to 10kg.
- Option 2: Two bags with a combined total of 14kg. However, the heavier bag cannot exceed 10kg.
The “Dash 8” Exception
If you are flying regionally (e.g., Lord Howe Island or rural towns) on a QantasLink Dash 8 aircraft, the overhead bins are tiny.
- Allowance: 1 piece at 7kg maximum.
- Tip: If your bag doesn’t fit, it will be “Premium Hand Valet” checked at the gate for free and returned to you on the tarmac upon landing.
International Flights
- Economy: One bag up to 7kg.
- Premium Economy, Business, First: One bag (10kg) or two bags (14kg total, max 10kg per piece).
Personal Items: In addition to your main bag, you may bring one small personal item (handbag, laptop in slim sleeve, or coat) that fits under the seat in front of you.
Checked Baggage: The Two Systems
Qantas uses two completely different systems for checked luggage depending on where you are going. This is where most travelers get confused.
The Piece System (The Americas)
If you are flying to or from North or South America, you are limited by the number of bags.
- Economy: 1 piece up to 32kg. (This is higher than the industry standard of 23kg!)
- Premium Economy & Business: 2 pieces up to 32kg each.
- First Class: 3 pieces up to 32kg each.
The Weight System (Rest of the World)
For flights to Asia, Europe, Africa, and New Zealand, you are limited by total weight. You can bring as many bags as you like, provided the total weight matches your allowance.
- Economy: 30kg total.
- Premium Economy: 40kg total.
- Business: 40kg total.
- First Class: 50kg total.
Domestic Checked Bags
The rules here are standard.
- Economy: 1 piece up to 23kg.
- Business: 2 pieces up to 32kg each.
Excess Baggage Fees (2026 Update)
If your bag is too heavy or you have too many bags, fees apply.
Important 2026 Update: From 14 January 2026, the cost of purchasing additional baggage on Australian domestic flights will increase.
Heavy Bag Charges
On domestic flights, if your single bag weighs more than 23kg (but under 32kg), you will be hit with a Heavy Charge.
- Fee: approx A$60 paid at the airport.
- Limit: No single bag can ever weigh more than 32kg due to health and safety rules for handlers.
Buying Extra Allowance
Always buy an extra allowance online before you get to the airport.
- Domestic: Pre-paid fees are roughly US$45 per piece, whereas airport fees are significantly higher (A$150 per piece).
- International: Fees vary by zone. To the Americas, expect to pay around US$150 per piece if booked in advance, or US$200 at the airport.
Special Items & Exceptions
Infants and Children
Traveling with a baby? Qantas allows you to check three infant items free of charge for each traveling infant. This includes:
- Collapsible stroller/push-chair
- Portable cot/bassinet
- Car seat/baby capsule
Sporting Equipment
Most sporting goods count toward your standard checked allowance.
- Surfboards: Must be in a bag. Fins removed. Max length 277cm (or 240cm on Dash 8 flights).
- Bicycles: Must be in a dedicated bike box. Handlebars fixed parallel, pedals removed.
- Golf Clubs: Carried as checked baggage.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments (like a violin) can count as your carry-on if they weigh under 7kg and fit in the locker. Larger instruments (like a cello) require you to purchase an extra seat.
5 Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees
Check Your Aircraft Type
If your ticket says “Dash 8,” leave the hard-shell carry-on at home. Use a soft duffel bag that can be squashed into small bins.
Join Frequent Flyer
Silver status and above get extra baggage allowance. Even Bronze members earn points on bookings.
Weigh Before You Leave
Domestic weight limits are strict (23kg). If you have 25kg, you will be charged the Heavy Fee.
Pre-Purchase Online
Never pay for extra bags at the check-in counter. The markup is massive.
Pool Your Allowance
On international flights using the “Weight System,” families can pool their allowance. If one person has 20kg and another has 40kg (total 60kg allowance), you are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my handbag count as carry-on?
No, a handbag counts as a “personal item.” You can bring this in addition to your carry-on allowance, provided it fits under the seat in front of you.
Can I combine my domestic carry-on allowance into one 14kg bag?
No. While the total allowance is 14kg, no single piece can exceed 10kg. You must split the weight across two bags.
What happens if I have a connecting flight with another airline?
If you are flying Qantas and connecting to a partner (like Emirates), the “Most Significant Carrier” rule usually applies meaning the allowance of the longest flight governs the whole trip.
However, check your ticket confirmation to be sure.
Is the baggage allowance different for Qantas vs. Jetstar?
Yes, significantly. Jetstar starter fares usually include zero checked baggage. If you book a Qantas flight that is “operated by Jetstar,” check your ticket carefully.
Can I pay to bring a bag heavier than 32kg?
No. Under no circumstances will Qantas accept a single bag weighing over 32kg. You must repack the excess weight into a separate bag or send it as freight.
Final Thoughts
Before you zip up that suitcase, log in to “Manage Booking” on the Qantas website to confirm your specific allowance.
Paying for extra luggage online today is always cheaper than facing the airport service desk tomorrow.
Safe travels!
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
