Qantas most expensive excess baggage fees in the world?

[mbell1510]

So after being a member for a few years on this site, I'm finally making my first post, so this post will probably be a whinge haha.

I've been a big Qantas "fan boy" for as long as I can remember, but yesterday my "love" for Qantas took a big hit for sure. The missus and I were sorting out her flights and naturally I went for Qantas as they were cheaper than Singapore Airlines and British Airways, so we booked with Qantas. We also needed to get her additional baggage as she'd require more than the 30kg weight and she has no status unlike myself. Long story short for an extra 15kg Qantas wants to charge us $366 or $122 per 5kg. Surely no other airline charges this much for additional baggage for tiny increments. It was enough to make me want to change her flights to British Airways or another airline.

The real question is, does anyone else believe Qantas charges so much for additional baggage especially give the price per kg? Most of my flying with Qantas is done to North America so I'm fully aware of how the drill works and if you want an extra bag/23kg its only $123, but to charge the same price for only 5kg seems like daylight robbery, especially if you need an extra bag? Surely they must have the most expensive baggage fees in the world, no wonder Qantas is in the top 10 airlines with the like of Ryanair and EasyJet for making the most money of "additional fees" This experience is a big rant for me haha but enough to actively reconsider Qantas in the future, especially if I know I will need additional baggage.

 

[OzEire]

Could you combine baggage allowances ? with your status surely there is enough total allowance to cover both of you?

 

[mbell1510]

Could you combine baggage allowances ? with your status surely there is enough total allowance to cover both of you?

OzEire, unfortunately I won't be the flight with her, so it leaves us with little choice, which is a shame, but very big lesson learnt haha

 

[opusman]

You can also use QFF points which depending on how many points you have may be more palatable.

 

[mannej]

Have you actually researched the fees prior to this post? I think you may actually be surprised as to what the other 2 airlines you mentioned charge for their excess.

I'll give you the hint, SQ aren't cheap

 

[Boca68]

A friend travelling with ANZ a few years ago was charged $26/kilo.

If I recall correctly, she was about 20kg over. Not sure of the exact price structure, but I was not surprised. I did try to inform here, but she thought I was being ridiculous.

As th OP alludes to, I thinks its significantly cheaper if you purchase extra luggage beforehand rather than just turning up to the airport with it.

 

[mbell1510]

Have you actually researched the fees prior to this post? I think you may actually be surprised as to what the other 2 airlines you mentioned charge for their excess.

I'll give you the hint, SQ aren't cheap

Singapore yes, I research a while back but I forgot, Geez you' re right very pricey.
In terms of British Airways they operate on a per piece system so there price is 60pounds a piece for about $100 for additional bag.

Even still its amazing how much airlines charge for baggage, i know its costs them in fuel and so forth, its amazing the difference between flights to the USA and flights elsewhere. Who would have thought the USA of all places would be the most friendly for baggage allowance and additional bags, i guess due to regulation.

 

[eminere]

You can consign as unaccompanied baggage.

 

[OzEire]

As others have said, you may be able to "ship" or consign the items cheaper than paying excess baggage rates. My experience of doing this is domestic rather than international but it was fairly easy and could be sent and picked up at the airport ... often (domestic) the items travel on your aircraft anyway.

If you do find a cheaper option please share here.

 

[juddles]

If you feel something is "daylight robbery' then don't do it

With this stance/belief it is surely based on better alternatives - so do those!

 

[juddles]

Excess baggage on arrival is essentially requiring air freight at last minute / no warning. So expect to pay the most highest rates for same. l

 

[funnymummy]

it may be better value for money to purchase a business class ticket which comes with extra baggage allowance

 

[dajop]

it may be better value for money to purchase a business class ticket which comes with extra baggage allowance

On a similar line of thinking it may almost be worthwhile to join Qantas Club and get the extra 12kg free and then have lounge access before departure too...

 

[browski]

What was your destination (and departure point)?

 

[trippin_the_rift]

I would like to see airlines move to a total passenger weight system.
So a combination of body weight + carry on + checked bags, and excess is charged on the total, rather than on one component.

Years ago I was hit with an excess charge for 3kg over. Now, since I bulked up a few years ago, I am carrying 20kg more body mass and airlines have no problem.

 

[Steady]

I would like to see airlines move to a total passenger weight system.
So a combination of body weight + carry on + checked bags, and excess is charged on the total, rather than on one component.

Years ago I was hit with an excess charge for 3kg over. Now, since I bulked up a few years ago, I am carrying 20kg more body mass and airlines have no problem.

A European would get less luggage then an Asian, a teenager more than an adult?

How do you see this working?

 

[Happy Trails]

I stand to be corrected, but seem to recall that back in the IATA regulated day, excess was charged at something like 1.5% of the first class fare, per kilo.
Or was it per pound?

 

[trippin_the_rift]

A European would get less luggage then an Asian, a teenager more than an adult?

How do you see this working?

Price discrimination has been around for a long, long time.

If you've ever gone over the weight restriction you are told it's to do with weight restrictions blah blah. This is total garbage and is entirely designed as an ancillary revenue driver.
Moving to some type of total weight system could allow for greater revenue opportunities for airlines while providing the perception of equality for pax.

 

[Simo]

Look at a freight option for excess luggage.

I use to travel all the time with excess luggage and would freight ahead of me..

Little bit of planing to make it all happen is needed but.

 

[mbell1510]

What was your destination (and departure point)?

Here destination is Singapore to Sydney.

We will definitely look at air freight and dajop's suggestion of the Qantas Club is a brilliant idea, will definitely crunch the numbers on that one.