Rex Airlines Baggage Policy: Carry-On, Checked Bags & Fees 

Rex Airlines allows 7 kg of carry-on baggage (max 36 x 23 x 56 cm) on all regional SAAB 340 flights. Checked baggage is 15 kg on Community, Promo, and Saver fares, and 23 kg on Flex fares. Excess baggage costs $5.50/kg at the airport, but pre-purchasing additional baggage in 5 kg bundles for $20 saves you significantly.

Planning a Rex flight and unsure what you can bring? The difference between a smooth boarding experience and an unexpected fee at the gate often comes down to one thing: knowing the rules before you arrive.

Rex Airlines (Regional Express) is Australia’s largest regional carrier, connecting over 60 destinations across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Most Rex services operate on SAAB 340 turboprop aircraft smaller regional planes with stricter cabin space, which is why their baggage rules deserve close attention.

What Is Rex Airlines’ Domestic Baggage Allowance by Fare Type?

Rex Airlines’ checked baggage allowance on domestic regional routes depends entirely on the fare type you book. Passengers on Community, Promo, and Saver fares receive a 15 kg checked baggage allowance, while those on Flex fares receive 23 kg. All allowances apply to SAAB 340 turboprop routes.

Key dimension rule: Each checked bag must not exceed 140 cm in total linear dimensions (length + width + height). The maximum weight per individual piece is 32 kg. Bags heavier than 32 kg cannot travel as checked baggage and must be consigned as air freight.

Oversize fee: If your bag’s total dimensions exceed 140 cm, Rex charges $16.50 (incl. GST) per piece on top of any applicable excess baggage charges.

Connecting flights: Passengers connecting between two Rex services on the same booking reference are entitled to the higher of the two checked baggage allowances. This is an often-missed rule that can save you money on itineraries with a stopover.

What Is Rex’s Carry-On Baggage Allowance?

Every Rex passenger with a paid seat is entitled to one piece of carry-on baggage weighing up to 7 kg on all regional SAAB 340 routes. No carry-on upgrade is available for purchase on regional economy routes 7 kg applies regardless of fare type.

In addition to the 7 kg carry-on, Rex permits the following personal items at no extra weight cost:

• Handbag, small purse, or small backpack
• Laptop or tablet
• Overcoat or wrap
• Umbrella or walking stick
• Small camera or pair of binoculars
• Reasonable reading material
• Infant food for in-flight consumption

Items such as mobility aids (crutches, prosthetics) may also be carried above the free allowance, provided the passenger depends on them.

What Is the Carry-On Bag Size for Rex Airlines?

Rex Airlines’ carry-on baggage size limit is 36 x 23 x 56 cm (height x width x depth). This applies to all passengers on all regional SAAB 340 routes.

Bags that exceed these dimensions at the boarding gate will be offloaded and treated as checked baggage traveling on the next available flight, not your flight. Excess baggage charges will also apply if the offloaded carry-on pushes your total checked weight above your allowance.

Important: Rex advises passengers who are unsure whether their bag meets size requirements to approach Rex staff before check-in closes to have it tested. Once check-in has closed, offloading at the gate is the only option, and the airline takes no responsibility for delays to that bag.

What Are Rex’s Carry-On Liquid Rules?

Rex Airlines primarily operates domestic Australian flights, where the liquid, aerosol, and gel (LAG) restrictions are less strict than on international departures. On domestic Rex routes, there is no standard 100 ml per container carry-on liquid limit.

However, all passengers must comply with the security screening requirements of the airports they pass through, and some Australian airports do apply LAG restrictions at security checkpoints. Check your departure airport’s specific rules before packing liquids in your carry-on.

How Much Liquid Can I Carry on an International Flight in Checked Baggage?

For international flights (and for any Rex connecting flight that involves an international leg), the standard Australian aviation authority guidelines apply:

• Carry-on: Each liquid, aerosol, or gel container must be 100 ml or less, placed in a single, transparent, resealable 1-litre bag
• One 1-litre bag per passenger is permitted through security
• In checked baggage: You can carry larger quantities of liquids, subject to dangerous goods restrictions. Non-hazardous liquids (toiletries, drinks, etc.) have no volume limit in checked baggage, though items like alcohol above 70% ABV are prohibited

How Strict Is Rex with Carry-On?

Rex Airlines is strict with carry-on enforcement, particularly given the limited overhead locker space on SAAB 340 turboprop aircraft. Passengers caught with oversized or overweight carry-on at the boarding gate will have their bags offloaded these bags will only travel on the next available flight and passengers are personally responsible for collecting them on arrival.

Excess baggage fees apply if the offloaded bag causes your total checked weight to exceed your allowance. In practical terms: if your Saver fare entitles you to 15 kg checked and your offloaded carry-on weighs 9 kg, and you already checked 10 kg, you’d be paying excess fees on 4 kg that’s $22 at airport rates.

The practical takeaway: weigh and measure your carry-on before you leave for the airport. It is far cheaper and less stressful to check a bag at the counter than to have it offloaded at the gate.

How Do I Buy Extra Baggage on Rex?

You can purchase additional baggage on Rex in two ways: pre-purchase at the time of booking, or pay excess baggage fees at the airport. Pre-purchasing is always the cheaper option.

Rex Additional Baggage (pre-purchase): Available in 5 kg bundles at $20 per bundle. This can be added during booking or via the Rex Customer Contact Centre (13 17 13). Additional baggage is non-refundable and travels subject to capacity.

Rex Excess Baggage (at airport): Charged at $5.50 per kg (incl. GST) for every kilogram over your checked baggage allowance.

Cost Comparison: Pre-Purchase vs. Airport Excess

The savings grow with every kilogram. If you know you’ll be over your allowance, pre-purchasing is the financially smarter move every time.

To add extra baggage post-booking, visit the Manage Booking section at mbe.rex.com.au or call the Customer Contact Centre. Note: calls to the CCC incur a $22 (incl. GST) service fee per booking.

What Is the Maximum Baggage Weight on Rex Airlines?

Rex Airlines imposes a maximum weight of 32 kg per individual bag for checked baggage. Any single bag exceeding 32 kg cannot be accepted as checked baggage at the airport and must be consigned separately as air freight.

Your total checked allowance whether 15 kg (standard fares) or 23 kg (Flex) represents the combined weight of all checked items. There is no limit to the number of individual bags, provided the combined weight stays within your allowance and each piece stays under 32 kg.

What Special Items Can I Carry on Rex Flights?

Rex has specific policies for sports gear, musical instruments, and mobility aids that most competitor guides overlook.

Sports Equipment:

• Golf clubs: Counted within normal checked baggage weight. Excess baggage rates apply if total weight exceeds your allowance.
• Surfboards: Maximum length of 2 m. Longer boards must travel as separate freight. Normal excess baggage charges apply if weight is exceeded.
• Bicycles: One per passenger. Handlebars must be turned in, pedals removed, and chain protected. Fit within normal checked weight allowance or excess charges apply.
• Snow skis: Exempt from the 140 cm linear restriction, but excess charges still apply if total weight exceeds your allowance.
• Sporting balls: Permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage but must be deflated if inflatable.

Musical Instruments:

• Cellos and guitars may travel in-cabin, provided they do not exceed 20 kg (or 25 kg on a Flex fare).
• A separate seat must be purchased for the instrument, booked via the CCC at least 48 hours before departure.
• A $22 (incl. GST) CCC service fee applies in addition to the seat fare.

Mobility Aids:
Manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, crutches, and prosthetic devices are not included in the checked baggage weight allowance. These items travel at no extra baggage cost for passengers who depend on them.

Pets:

• Domestic animals (excluding assistance animals) are accepted as excess baggage only.
• Animals must be in a secure, clean container meeting IATA specifications.
• Charged at the standard excess baggage rate per kilogram.
• Note: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Townsville, and Newcastle airports do not accept animals inside terminals. Animals at these airports must be lodged with Qantas Freight or Dogtainers and travel as cargo.

Do Rex Flyer Members Get Extra Baggage?

Yes but only at the top tier. Here’s what each Rex Flyer membership level gets in terms of baggage benefits:

• Opal (new members): Standard allowance based on fare type
• Sapphire (1,500 Status Points or 12 flights): Standard allowance; no additional baggage
• Emerald (3,000 Status Points or 24 flights): Standard allowance; priority baggage handling
• Diamond (6,000 Status Points or 48 flights): 23 kg checked baggage on all fare classes, including Community and Promo where the standard is 15 kg an automatic 8 kg upgrade

Diamond status also includes complimentary lounge access, complimentary Rextra Legroom seats, and one free alcoholic drink on board.

Do Rex Flights Include Food?

Yes. Rex Airlines provides a complimentary snack and beverage service on domestic regional flights. The inflight offering is simple light snacks such as sesame snaps, water, tea, and coffee are typical on shorter routes. Rex has noted on its official social channels that it offers a complimentary snack and beverage service as standard.

Business class passengers on Rex receive a more substantial meal service. The exact meal options vary by route and time of day, but business class catering includes hot meal options.

Rex does not offer a pre-order meals system on regional routes. If you have specific dietary requirements, contact Rex’s Customer Contact Centre (13 17 13) before your flight.

What Are Rex’s Safe Hand Baggage and Priority Baggage Services?

Two services that most competitor articles miss entirely and that can make a real difference to your travel experience.

Safe Hand Baggage ($50 + GST): This service lets you keep your checked baggage accessible between check-in and boarding. Your bag is handed to Rex crew at the gate and returned at disembarkation. It does not travel in-cabin. Useful for passengers carrying medication, valuables, or items they may need at the airport. Maximum weight equals your standard checked baggage allowance. Items you cannot include: weapons, sharp objects, flammable goods.

Priority Baggage: Available for purchase at the prevailing rate. Guarantees your checked baggage is loaded on the same flight you travel on important on busy routes where capacity offloading can occur.

Pack Smart: Tips for Avoiding Extra Fees on Rex

• Weigh your bag at home. A kitchen scale or luggage scale takes 30 seconds and can save you $55 or more.
• Pre-purchase extra baggage online. At $20 per 5 kg, it’s always cheaper than paying $5.50/kg at the airport.
• Book Flex if you regularly carry more than 15 kg. The Flex allowance is 23 kg, and the fare flexibility offsets the additional cost for frequent travelers.
• Join Rex Flyer. It’s free, and Diamond status automatically unlocks 23 kg across all fare classes.
• Don’t assume your carry-on fits. SAAB 340 overhead lockers are smaller than jet aircraft. If in doubt, check it at the counter before boarding not at the gate.
• Use one booking reference for connecting flights. This unlocks the higher baggage allowance across your full journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rex Airlines’ carry-on weight limit?
Rex Airlines allows 7 kg of carry-on baggage on all regional SAAB 340 routes, regardless of fare type. This applies to one bag, plus permitted personal items such as a handbag or laptop, which are not counted toward the 7 kg.

What are the exact dimensions for Rex carry-on baggage?
Rex’s carry-on size limit is 36 x 23 x 56 cm. Bags exceeding these dimensions at the boarding gate will be offloaded and travel on the next available flight not the passenger’s flight.

How much does excess baggage cost on Rex at the airport?
Excess baggage is charged at $5.50 per kilogram (incl. GST) at the airport. Pre-purchasing Additional Baggage in 5 kg bundles for $20 before your flight is always the cheaper option.

Can I pre-purchase extra baggage on Rex after booking?
Yes. Additional baggage can be purchased via the Manage Booking portal at mbe.rex.com.au. If you call the Customer Contact Centre (13 17 13), a $22 service fee applies per booking.

Does Rex Airlines have a 100 ml liquid rule for carry-on?
Rex’s domestic routes do not have a universal 100 ml liquid restriction in carry-on, but airport security rules vary. For international connections, the standard 100 ml per container rule applies, with all liquids fitting in a single 1-litre resealable bag.

What happens if my carry-on exceeds Rex’s weight limit at the gate?
Your bag will be offloaded and will only travel on the next available flight. You are responsible for collecting it. If the offloaded weight pushes your total checked baggage over your allowance, excess fees ($5.50/kg) also apply.

Do Rex Flyer Sapphire or Emerald members get extra baggage?
No. Only Diamond members receive an automatic baggage upgrade 23 kg on all fare classes. Sapphire and Emerald members receive standard allowances (15 kg on non-Flex fares), though Emerald members do receive priority baggage handling.

Can I take a surfboard on Rex Airlines?
Yes. Surfboards up to 2 m in length are accepted as checked baggage. Boards longer than 2 m must be shipped as separate freight. Standard excess baggage charges apply if your total checked weight exceeds your fare allowance.

How much does it cost to bring a guitar in the Rex cabin?
A guitar or cello may travel in-cabin if a separate seat is purchased. A $22 CCC service fee applies (plus the seat fare). The instrument weight limit is 20 kg (or 25 kg on Flex fares). This must be booked at least 48 hours before departure via the CCC.

Is there a fee for oversize checked baggage on Rex?
Yes. If your checked bag’s total linear dimensions (L + W + H) exceed 140 cm, Rex charges $16.50 (incl. GST) per piece. This is in addition to any excess weight charges that may apply.