Qantas Baggage Allowance 2026: Fees, Limits & Rules 

Qantas baggage allowance varies by route, cabin class, and fare type. Economy passengers on most international routes get 30kg of checked baggage; domestic Economy travelers get one 23kg piece. Carry-on limits are 7kg for international Economy and up to 14kg combined for premium cabins. Excess baggage fees rose again in June 2026.

Packing for a Qantas flight and not sure what you’re allowed to bring? You’re not alone. Qantas baggage rules differ depending on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, which cabin you’re in, and even which route you’ve booked. Get it wrong, and you could be paying A$161 or more at the airport counter.

What Is the Qantas Baggage Policy in 2026?

Qantas baggage policy in 2026 operates on a weight-based system for most international routes and a piece-based system for domestic and Americas routes. Allowances are tied to your cabin class, Frequent Flyer status, and itinerary. Fees for excess baggage increased from 9 June 2026 across domestic and most international flights.

Qantas uses two different systems depending on where you’re flying:

• Weight-based allowance  applies to most international routes (excluding the Americas). You have a total weight budget, and you can split it across multiple bags.
• Piece-based allowance  applies to Australian domestic flights and routes to/from North and South America. Each bag is counted individually with a per-piece weight cap.

This distinction matters. A traveler flying Sydney to London gets a 30kg total pool (Economy), while someone flying Sydney to Los Angeles gets one 32kg piece subtly different rules that affect how you pack.

Important update: From 9 June 2026, Qantas increased the cost of additional baggage on Australian domestic and international flights. This excludes flights to and from Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

What Is the Qantas Checked Baggage Allowance in 2026?

Qantas checked baggage allowance for 2026 ranges from one 23kg piece (domestic Economy) to 50kg total (international First Class). No single bag may exceed 32kg, and the maximum total checked baggage per passenger is capped at 65kg across all classes.

International Flights (Excluding Americas)

International Flights to/from North & South America

Australian Domestic Flights

Key exceptions:

• Lord Howe Island domestic routes: 2 pieces with a combined maximum of 23 kg (first piece up to 14 kg, second up to 9 kg)
• Dash 8 aircraft: 1 piece up to 23 kg; Frequent Flyer bonus allowances do not apply
• Embraer E190 services: Limited capacity may affect oversized bags

What Are the Qantas Carry-On Baggage Rules?

Qantas carry-on allowance for international Economy is 1 bag weighing up to 7 kg with total dimensions no greater than 115 cm. Premium cabins allow up to 2 bags with a combined weight of up to 14 kg. All passengers (except on India routes) may also bring one small personal item.

International Carry-On by Cabin Class

Australian Domestic Carry-On

• Standard flights: Either 2 bags (max 105 cm each, 14 kg combined with one bag no heavier than 10 kg) OR 1 bag (115 cm) + 1 garment bag (185 cm)
• Dash 8 aircraft: 1 small bag only max 7 kg and 105 cm total dimensions. Small wheelie bags are collected at the gate and returned on arrival.

Personal Item Allowance

In addition to your cabin bag, all passengers may bring one small personal item such as a handbag, laptop in a slim case, small camera, or reading material.

Exception: Passengers on flights to and from India are not permitted a personal item.

Carry-on dimension breakdown: Dimensions are calculated by adding width + height + depth. A standard carry-on measuring 56 × 36 × 23 cm totals 115 cm; a small piece is 48 × 34 × 23 cm.

What Can’t You Pack in Carry-On Baggage?

Standard aviation security rules apply. Liquids, aerosols, and gels must each be in containers of 100 ml or less, packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Prohibited items also include sharp objects and weapons.

Notably, the Australian Government has removed the following items from the prohibited carry-on list:

• Umbrellas with metal points
• Knitting and crochet needles
• Pointed metal nail files and nail clippers
• Corkscrews
• Squash, tennis, and badminton racquets

What Are the Qantas Baggage Fees in 2026?

Qantas excess baggage fees in 2026 range from A$21 per kg (Australia–New Zealand routes) to A$84 per kg (Australia–Europe). Domestic excess piece fees are A$161 per bag at the airport. Pre-purchasing online is significantly cheaper US$58 per piece domestically and US$170 per piece for Americas routes.

Excess Baggage Fees at the Airport

Pre-Purchase Rates (Online – Lower Cost)

Cost example: Say you’re flying Sydney to London in Economy with 35 kg of luggage 5 kg over your 30 kg limit. At A$84 per kg, that’s A$420 in excess fees at the airport. Had you pre-purchased that extra 5 kg online, you’d pay considerably less. The lesson: always pre-purchase before you travel.

Rules for pre-purchasing:

• Available up to 3 hours before departure (provided you haven’t checked in at the airport)
• Maximum of 5 additional pieces per flight
• Not available for codeshare flights or same-day connections to other carriers
• No single piece may exceed 32 kg regardless of class

Note: No heavy bag charge applies for additional pieces on international routes to/from North and South America.

How Do Qantas Frequent Flyer Members Get More Baggage?

Qantas Frequent Flyer members receive bonus checked baggage on eligible QF flights, scaling from Bronze to Platinum One status. A domestic Gold member, for example, gets 2 bags at 32 kg each instead of the standard 1 bag at 23 kg an extra 41 kg of allowance. Benefits do not stack.

Domestic Frequent Flyer Baggage Benefits

International (Rest of World) Economy Benefits

Important rules:

• Benefits apply only to Qantas-operated jet flights with a QF flight number
• Benefits do not apply on Dash 8 aircraft, Jetstar flights, or codeshare flights
• Benefits are not cumulative only the highest applicable tier applies

What Are the Rules for Special Items and Sports Equipment?

Qantas accepts a wide range of special items including bicycles, surfboards, golf clubs, ski gear, and musical instruments. Most count as part of your checked baggage allowance and are subject to strict packaging requirements. No single special item may exceed 32 kg.

Quick-Reference Special Items Guide

Edge cases worth knowing:

• Windsurfers cannot be checked baggage on Australian domestic flights they must travel as freight due to sail mast length
• Surfboards over 277 cm must also travel as freight with additional charges
• Firearms must be unloaded, in a lockable hard case, and declared at check-in with a valid firearms licence. Passengers transiting Singapore must apply for approval at least 7 working days before travel.
• Musical instruments too large for the cabin (like a guitar) can be checked in, or you can purchase an extra seat as a “bulky item” (max weight 7 kg; max dimensions of 158 cm in Economy)

What Happens If You’re on Multiple Flights or Connecting Through Partners?

On Qantas multi-leg itineraries, the most favorable baggage rule generally applies. If your domestic and international legs are on the same ticket, international allowances apply throughout. Jetstar flights booked via Qantas follow Jetstar’s own baggage rules, with carry-on capped at 7 kg.

Itinerary scenarios:

• Same ticket (domestic + international): International baggage allowance applies to both legs
• Separate tickets with same-day connection: If both tickets are presented at check-in, the international allowance applies
• Australia  USA/Canada routes: The baggage rules of the airline with the first flight number on your ticket determine what applies across the full itinerary usually Qantas rules
• Codeshare flights: The operating carrier’s baggage rules apply. Check the operating airline’s policy separately.

How Can You Track Your Qantas Baggage?

Qantas offers in-app baggage tracking through the “Track my bags” feature in the Qantas App, available on eligible QF-operated flights. The airline also supports location sharing from Apple AirTag, Apple Find My, Google Find Hub, and the Qantas x July CaseSafe™ luggage if your bag is delayed.

How to track your bags:

1. Tag and check your bag at Bag Drop or the check-in desk
2. Open the Qantas App and select “Track my bags” under Trips
3. View live status and baggage receipt numbers

If your bag is delayed, you can securely share your Bluetooth tracker’s location (AirTag, Google Find Hub, or July CaseSafe™) with Qantas after lodging a delayed baggage report online or through the app. Note: Samsung SmartTags are currently not compatible.

Tracking is not available on codeshare flights or group bookings of more than 10 passengers.

Tips to Avoid Paying Excess Baggage Fees

Paying at the airport is almost always the most expensive option. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Pre-purchase extra baggage online  rates are significantly lower than airport rates, and you can do it right after booking up until 3 hours before departure
• Know your Frequent Flyer tier  even Silver status unlocks a heavier domestic allowance (32 kg instead of 23 kg)
• Use a garment bag  it can be your second carry-on piece in premium cabins without counting against your standard bag
• Weigh your bags at home  bathroom scales plus a luggage scale are cheap insurance against airport surprises
• Consider the Qantas x July CaseSafe™ luggage  it has built-in CaseSafe™ tracking compatible with both Apple Find My and Google Find Hub networks, so you’re covered if bags go missing
• Book international and domestic on the same ticket  your international allowance (often heavier) applies to the entire itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Qantas carry-on weight limit for international Economy?
International Economy passengers may bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm, plus one small personal item such as a handbag or laptop. On flights to and from India, no personal item is permitted.

Can I bring two checked bags on a Qantas domestic flight in Economy?
No. Domestic Economy passengers are entitled to one checked bag up to 23 kg with total dimensions no greater than 140 cm. A second bag incurs an additional fee of A$161 at the airport. Pre-purchasing a second piece online is cheaper.

How much did Qantas increase excess baggage fees in 2026?
Qantas increased additional baggage fees from 9 June 2026 on Australian domestic and most international flights. A separate increase for domestic additional baggage also took effect from 14 January 2026. Executive Traveller reported a 30% rise in domestic excess baggage charges.

What is the maximum weight for a single Qantas checked bag?
No single checked bag may exceed 32 kg, regardless of your cabin class, Frequent Flyer status, or total baggage allowance. This is a hard limit that applies to all Qantas routes and aircraft types.

Does Qantas charge for carry-on baggage?
No. Carry-on baggage within the permitted limits is complimentary on all Qantas-operated flights. However, if your bag exceeds the size or weight limit, it will need to be checked in and excess baggage fees may apply.

Do Qantas Frequent Flyer benefits apply on Jetstar flights?
No. Qantas Frequent Flyer baggage benefits do not apply to Jetstar flights, Dash 8 services, or codeshare flights. They apply only to Qantas and QantasLink-operated jet flights with a QF flight number on your ticket.

Can I track my Qantas baggage with an Apple AirTag?
Yes. Qantas supports Apple AirTag location sharing through the Qantas App’s “Track my bags” feature. If your bag is delayed, you can share your AirTag’s location when lodging a delayed baggage report. Google Find Hub devices and the Qantas x July CaseSafe™ tracker are also compatible.

How much does it cost to pre-purchase extra baggage on Qantas to the US?
Pre-purchased additional baggage from Australia to/from North or South America costs US$170 per piece. Paying at the airport costs A$315 per piece (to the Americas) or US$210 per piece (from the Americas), making online pre-purchase significantly cheaper.

Can I take a surfboard on a Qantas flight?
Yes, subject to conditions. Surfboards must be in a surfboard bag with fins removed, weigh no more than 32 kg, and measure no longer than 277 cm (or 240 cm on Dash 8 aircraft). Boards exceeding 277 cm must be sent as freight. A fragile tag is required, and you must sign the limited release on the baggage tag.

What baggage allowance applies if I book domestic and international Qantas flights on separate tickets?
If your domestic and international Qantas flights operate on the same calendar day and you present both tickets at check-in, the international baggage allowance applies to both legs. If the connection is on a different calendar day, the standard domestic allowance applies to that separate ticket.