Cairns to Sydney flight suggestions?

[Pillpusher]

Hey everyone,

I was hoping I could get a little help here... I just booked a two week trip to Australia for June 2011. We spend a week on a liveaboard (Spirit of Freedom), and then plan to fly to Sydney for a few days before flying back to the states. By far the best deal I found for that flight was Jetstar (through Quantas's website) , but I'm more than concerned about the baggage limits for the airlines down there. We'll both have full sets of scuba gear, and another bag or two to check of clothes and other junk (I usually have to put my camera gear in my suitcase to keep the dive bag under weight restrictions). Does anyone have any experience with either Jetstar or Quantas domestic flights with a full load of luggage (3-4 checked bags between the two of us), and/or have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[WetPup]

Domestic flights have a 23kg (50 lb) limit per person for economy class. We work on the weight system for domestic flights in Australia, not on the piece system. If you plan to fly Jetstar/Qantas and you have high enough status with American Airlines, you can probably get a slightly larger allowance because of the OneWorld alliance. If not, you're best off pre-purchasing the additional baggage allowance rather than trying to sweet talk them at the airport, because when (I say when, not if...experience) that fails, the charges at the airport are higher.

Honestly, my suggestion if you expect to be much over 30kg (~60 lb) each would be to just leave the scuba gear at home and rent it on board SoF.

 

[bracko]

don't blame me if you get stung... but...

Australian domestic especially QANTAS (note the lack of a 'u') is quite lax on carry on baggage.... but that's not to say you'd expect to get away with a full suitcase.

I'd suggest taking decent size carry on's and an extra plastic bag like a duty free bag if you're struggling for weight.... although wetpup is correct, check the ticketing and also look into connecting your US-AU flights with the CNS-SYD to see if you can get a domestic included.

QANTAS is the better of the airlines for the route and I'd struggle to spend 3 hours sitting in Jetstar or virgin seats...

 

[WetPup]

don't blame me if you get stung... but...

Australian domestic especially QANTAS (note the lack of a 'u') is quite lax on carry on baggage.... but that's not to say you'd expect to get away with a full suitcase.

Recent travels suggest they've been cracking down on it, even for frequent flyers Probably in preparation for the new rules starting next June. They're going to a hybrid piece/weight system next year - one that depends on cabin class and ff status.

 

[Pillpusher]

We're coming from Houston (a Continental hub), so Continental was a much better option for getting there and back. I shouldn't have a problem keeping under 23kg, and will carry on my camera case and laptop bag to ensure that. My main concern at this point is the total dimension restriction they have posted for domestic flights (54"). Even a standard 27" suitcase is a little over that. My dive bag will definitely be. Their international dimension restriction is 62" though, so I'm wondering if it mainly depends on the type of plane. We will be on a larger plane, so hopefully it won't be an issue. I called them to inquire about this, and she told me that they tend to be more concerned with the weight, rather than the dimensions. The trip isn't until next June though, so I guess I'll just have to wait and see what the new system is at that time.

 

[bracko]

I've flown twice to Cairns with my dive bag the most recent being this August just gone.

mine is the Oceanic Cargo Duffle Dive Bag - Oceanic Scuba Diving & Snorkelling Equipment & Scuba Dive Gear with dimensions

Dimensions (cm): 77 x 32 x 36 ... significantly bigger when filled with towels, clothes DM course pack and everything else i could jam in.

including carry on i was ~30kg which i "think" is just under including carry on, but my carry on was a proper overnight duffle bag too.

I'm not dis-crediting wetpub, but i travel regularily on qantas for work and recently have not had troubles, even when taking equipment with me.

if you are concerned email qantas, they are usually pretty good.