Oversize luggage rules

[Douglas Aberdeen]

Hi folks,

I'm flying Qantas MEL->HND, in J, in a few days and would like to take a cardboard box with some fragile stuff. The box total dimension (h+w+d) is 168cm, and the max Qantas international baggage size total dimensions is 158cm. So I'm 10cm over. The Qantas baggage site doesn't say what happens if your luggage is oversize. Some (years) older threads suggest that it's probably OK, I just might have to check it in at the oversize counter and pick it up in Haneda at the oversize carousel. That would be great. But I'm wondering if anyone has recent experience with oversize luggage that doesn't fall into the categories of sporting equipment or instruments, etc?

Weight is not an issue, it's mostly padding.

Will I need to pay a fee? Or are they likely to reject it outright for being 10cm over total dimensions?

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[offshore171]

Hi folks,

I'm flying Qantas MEL->HND, in J, in a few days and would like to take a cardboard box with some fragile stuff. The box total dimension (h+w+d) is 168cm, and the max Qantas international baggage size total

I think that's the max for regular suitcases, not oversized articles.

I think your scenario is closer to a Bike Box. Qantas bike box dimensions are here:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/sporting-equipment.html#bicycles

Qantas bike pack dimensions:

• length: 140cm (55in)
• width: 30cm (12in)
• height: 80cm (32in).

Is your box any larger than that in any direction? If not, you should be good to use the oversized luggage drop. This is the same area where travellers drop things like skis, surfboards etc.

 

[Douglas Aberdeen]

The dimensions of my box are 78x49x41, so they do exceed the bike box width of 30cm.

 

[offshore171]

The dimensions of my box are 78x49x41, so they do exceed the bike box width of 30cm.

I guess the obvious followup question is:

Would your articles fit into a bicycle box with those quoted dimensions? If so, your best bet might be to buy the official qantas bike box for $16.50 at the airport.

In saying that, I suspect your box will be fine. However if would be worth contacting the airline in advance. What's your plan B in the unlikely event that the box is rejected at the airport?

 

[Douglas Aberdeen]

Bike box doesn't quite work, but I think I a slightly smaller packing box will work, just with less padding. Which is my plan B... but I kinda want to know this is necessary before I spend time on it.

Plan C is have a friend on hand to take the box if it's refused at check-in

 

[elanshin]

If it doesn't fit as a regualr size, it'll be handed over to the oversized baggage. Snowbards and skiis are reguarlyl transported to and from Japan. Just ask at the counter if it's ok size wise, if its not they'll just ask you to hand it over to the oversized guys.

Heck I even took a small washing machine and dryer home from PVG for my parents on QF.

 

[TheInsider]

Would your articles fit into a bicycle box with those quoted dimensions? If so, your best bet might be to buy the official qantas bike box for $16.50 at the airport.

Bike box has been about $40 for about 5ish years.

 

[Isolar]

I had a lot of trouble getting info on what the maximum dimensions would be accepted as an oversize item by QF international. When calling, operators would keep referring me to the web pages (which are not specific enough).

There is info on bike boxes, surfboards & skis can be up to 277cm in length. However, none of this helped with what I needed to know.

I checked other oneworld airlines (I think BA & QR) which did have specific measurements and used those as a possible guideline.

My box was 43 x 43 x 145 and was well within measurements I found from other airlines. Decided to risk it and checked in at LHR. Agent was only concerned about weight, which was well under the 32kg allowed. I asked if she needed to check the dimensions but said it was fine and to hand over to the oversized baggage person after tagging.

I had another box that was about the same size as a carryon. I thought it would be checked in as regular luggage, but she insisted that it would have to go as oversize as well?

Hopefully you won't have a problem with your item. Though airport staff in Japan are notorious for bringing out the tape measure (I've seen happen a few times on quite large suitcases). If you can get a definitive answer out of QF, it would probably be best. Please report back if you do.