QF int baggage allowances - dimensions????

[adrian]

I have tried to solve this problem via the QF website, and searching the forum, but with no luck.

I am flying SYD-JNB in the next couple of weeks, and need to carry 2 large boxes, approximately 50 x 50 x 100cm each. However, they will weigh probably less that 10 kg each. They will travel as checked baggage

On the QF website Flying with Us - Before You Travel - Baggage - Checked Baggage it doesn't mention any restrictions as to dimensions, only weight, so going by that, they would theoretically comply. But as I don't want any problems when checking in, I wanted to be sure of this.

A call to 131313 yesterday, and was told that it would be okay.

As someone who always imagines the worst case scenario first, I called back again today, and was told that there were maximum linear dimensions of 140cm (so it wouldn't comply). I asked her if she could show me where that was on the website, as I had been told differently in the past, and she referred me to the same link above. When I pointed out that that link did not specify any dimensions for international flights to South Africa, she huffed, and then hung up on me.

I think it would be quite strange if QF didn't have any restrictions on dimensions - what if I turned up with a ridiculously large empty box, say 100 x 100 x 100 cm, that weighed only 5kgs. I assume I would be turned away, but go by the guidelines above, I think I would comply??

Does anybody have any first-hand experience on this type of issue?? If I can't take them, then fine, but I just want to be able to show my client, who wants me to carry the boxes, the reason why.

PS. A quote to send the boxes by Fedex came in at nearly $3000.

 

[serfty]

I avoid calling Qantas on weekends unless necessary, one often does not get the best call centre staff on weekends.

It's interesting that Qantas do not specify the maximum dimensions for check luggage for non USA (etc.) itineraries.

I would expect the maximum dimension (if there is one) would be the 158cm/62" standard for USA (etc) flights. noting that BA use this same size standard for their equivalent limits.

On the proviso that this is the case, and I believe it is, your 200cm boxes may not be acceptable.

 

[NM]

Given that Qantas accepts sporting equipment for carriage as checked baggage and specifically they note the dimensions of the Qantas bicycle box as follows:

Qantas bike pack dimensions are:

* Length: 140cm (55in)
* Width: 30cm (12in)
* Height: 80cm (32in)

That means they are willing to bicycle boxes with total linear dimensions of 250cm.

They will also happily carry golf clubs, surf boards etc, which may all easily exceed 140cm linear dimensions.

Also note that they have things called "Oversize Baggage Belts" for the delivery of oversizes baggage.

So I would expect they will carry it ok. You may have to take it to a special baggage check-in area for oversized baggage. We had to do this when checking in a infant car seat.

As serfty suggested, try calling back on Monday.

 

[adrian]

I avoid calling Qantas on weekends unless necessary, one often does not get the best call centre staff on weekends.

.

Maybe the call went thru to the non-platinum line because it was a late Saturday afternoon, and I have noticed a difference in the past between the regular line and the platinum line.

Anyway, I sent an online complaint off to Qantas straight after the call - not for the answer, but for the attitude.