Drop off bags in AU (international), then leave + drop off more?

[shuuy]

Going for a long trip overseas and bringing far too much luggage for the family. My how times have changed from business travel with just carryon for two weeks overseas.

Luggage may not all fit in a car ... any issues if I drive early - drop off luggage (say 3 pieces) then go home, pick up the family, and come back to drop off more (eg car seats, surf board, etc)

P1 status may help at the F desk?

 

[Anna]

It is possible to check in additional bags (I have done this) but you still only get the one weight limit.

 

[Mattg]

It is possible to check in additional bags (I have done this) but you still only get the one weight limit.

I wasn't aware that you could check in bags for a flight, then return to the airport and check in more bags for the same passenger. Although, I've never thought to try it.

 

[Happy Dude]

You may need to check-in the pax in batches.

 

[AIRwin]

Departing SYD or MEL?

 

[offshore171]

Going for a long trip overseas and bringing far too much luggage for the family. My how times have changed from business travel with just carryon for two weeks overseas.

Luggage may not all fit in a car ... any issues if I drive early - drop off luggage (say 3 pieces) then go home, pick up the family, and come back to drop off more (eg car seats, surf board, etc)

How about a maxi taxi?

 

[Kiwi_Flyer]

Or just drop off someone with the first car load of bags to watch over them until you return.

 

[ZigZagWanderer]

Yes. I have done this, because my wife was in a wheelchair and managing both luggage and her from the hotel opposite was to much hassle (Melbourne?).

Iirc, I believe I left the passports with them, but it might not be necessary. We checked in business class because of her disability, which helped.

But it's certainly possible.

 

[exLXCXFF]

I have done that before in SYD for an intl QF flight in Y. No problems at all. Was before Covid hit, so can’t tell whether QF did some “enhancements” since then

 

[Quickstatus]

I've done it couple of times before

The most important with the first trip drop off is to drop off 1 family member + luggage.
The the rest with 2nd and hopefully no subsequent trip.

The airline prefers that you all check in together if all are travelling on same ticket. Though this is not mandatory.

Easier to just get everyone to arrive then check in together.

Also consider:

Maxi Taxi
Limo transfer - they often bring a trailer if lots of luggage


I don't like the "airport shuttles". They try to cram too many people in and have multiple pickups on the way.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

As others have pointed out you may want to look at something like a Maxi taxi. Sure you'll pay more to get to the airport versus driving yourself there but consider the cost in making multiple trips to/from the airport to pick up luggage, the long term parking costs and the hassle of having to drive home after a long trip overseas. I would be surprised if you end up being better off driving yourself to the airport versus taking the Maxi taxi.

-RooFlyer88

 

[SeatBackForward]

As others have pointed out you may want to look at something like a Maxi taxi. Sure you'll pay more to get to the airport versus driving yourself there but consider the cost in making multiple trips to/from the airport to pick up luggage, the long term parking costs and the hassle of having to drive home after a long trip overseas. I would be surprised if you end up being better off driving yourself to the airport versus taking the Maxi taxi.

-RooFlyer88

Yep this, when I was looking into a family holiday, the prospect of dropping everyone off, long term car park etc..compared to the ease of a taxi/shuttle where everyone stays together, gets dropped off/picked up directly at the terminal was well ahead.

 

[jcwhizz]

Only thing to be careful of is timing (and how long it takes to get home and back) - post COVID they don’t have as many staff around and depending on which airport you are checking in from they sometimes insist you can only check in bags 3 hrs before. Although if you can electronically check in you can use the bag drop machine. This worked for me at LHR for QF2 recently

 

[offshore171]

I've done it couple of times before

The most important with the first trip drop off is to drop off 1 family member + luggage.
The the rest with 2nd and hopefully no subsequent trip.

And make sure that family member is able to remain next to the bags 100% of the time until everyone else arrives.

That means that person can make no trip to the toilet, or to grab a coffee etc because the airport will impound unattended luggage very quickly.

Maxitaxi is the better option unless there's a compelling reason not to, that the OP hasn't advised.