Qantas Checked Baggage Rules

Qantas is Australia's flag carrier and one of the most recognisable airlines in the Southern Hemisphere, operating domestic Australian routes, trans-Tasman services, and long-haul international flights to Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Qantas applies different baggage systems on domestic versus international routes, and its Frequent Flyer programme offers meaningful tier-based extras that can make a real difference for regular travellers. This guide covers everything you need to know before your flight.

Domestic Australia Routes — Weight System

On flights within Australia, Qantas uses a weight-based system rather than a piece-based one. Passengers receive a total weight pool and can distribute it across as many bags as they like, subject to individual bag weight limits.

Economy (Red e-Deal and Flex fares):

30 kg total checked baggage allowance
Individual bags must not exceed 32 kg each
Each bag must not exceed 140 cm in linear dimensions (length plus width plus height)

Business (Qantas Business):

40 kg total on domestic routes

The 30 kg domestic Economy allowance is notably generous compared to many other carriers, and it means that on a typical domestic trip you can check a heavy suitcase without worrying about the per-piece weight caps that apply internationally.

Economy Starter and Starter Plus fares on domestic routes sometimes include a reduced allowance (e.g., 23 kg) or no checked baggage at all on very short routes. Always confirm the allowance in your fare conditions before travel.

International Routes — Piece System

On international Qantas flights, a piece-based system applies. Each passenger's allowance depends on their cabin class:

Economy:

1 bag of up to 23 kg
Applies to international routes including trans-Tasman (Australia–New Zealand), Asia-Pacific, and long-haul to Europe/UK and Americas

Premium Economy:

2 bags of up to 23 kg each

Business (Qantas Business Suite):

2 bags of up to 32 kg each

First Class:

3 bags of up to 32 kg each

Each bag must comply with the size limit of 140 cm in total linear dimensions on international routes as well. Oversized bags attract handling fees regardless of weight compliance.

Qantas Frequent Flyer Status Benefits

The Qantas Frequent Flyer programme has five status tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum One (Chairman's Lounge is by invitation, not a bookable tier). Each tier carries additional checked baggage allowances on Qantas-operated flights.

Bronze (entry-level)

Bronze status members receive no additional checked baggage beyond the standard fare allowance. Bronze is the default membership tier and exists primarily to unlock earning and redemption access.

Silver

+1 bag (23 kg) on international routes for Economy passengers
+7 kg extra on domestic routes
Silver status is recognised for priority check-in at most Australian airports

Gold

+1 bag (32 kg) on international routes for Economy passengers
+10 kg extra on domestic routes (bringing Economy total to 40 kg)
Gold members travelling in Economy on international routes effectively have a two-bag allowance matching Premium Economy

Platinum

+2 bags (32 kg each) on international routes for Economy passengers — effectively a Business Class baggage allowance in Economy seating
+15 kg extra on domestic routes (bringing Economy total to 45 kg)
Platinum status carries priority baggage handling at major airports, meaning bags are tagged for first-off-belt delivery

Platinum One (Chairman's Lounge)

Same additional baggage as Platinum
Dedicated check-in agents with baggage waiver discretion for minor overages
Priority baggage tags applied automatically at check-in

oneworld Status Recognition

Qantas is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, and Qantas flights recognise oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status cards from other member airlines.

oneworld Emerald (equivalent to Qantas Platinum):

Same additional bag allowance as Qantas Platinum on Qantas-operated flights
This covers British Airways Executive Club Gold, American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Cathay Pacific Diamond, and more

oneworld Sapphire (equivalent to Qantas Gold):

Same additional bag allowance as Qantas Gold on Qantas-operated flights
Covers American Airlines Platinum, British Airways Silver, and equivalent tiers

oneworld Ruby (equivalent to Qantas Silver):

Same additional bag allowance as Qantas Silver

These benefits apply only on Qantas QF-operated metal. On Jetstar (Qantas Group LCC subsidiary) flights, oneworld status benefits do not apply.

Sports Equipment

Qantas accommodates a wide range of sports equipment as checked baggage. Key items and their treatment:

Golf bags:

Accepted as a checked bag within the standard allowance if under 23 kg and within size limits
Golf bags exceeding 140 cm in linear dimensions attract a sports equipment fee of approximately AUD 30–50 per sector

Surfboards:

Surfboards under 182 cm fit within the oversize baggage category and attract fees of approximately AUD 50–80 per sector domestically
On international flights, surfboards attract additional fees and must be pre-booked; contact Qantas prior to travel

Bicycles:

Must be in a protective bag or hard case with pedals removed and handlebars turned/secured
Treated as oversized baggage; fees apply at approximately AUD 50 domestically and USD 60–100 internationally

Skis and snowboards:

Ski bags and snowboard bags are accepted within the weight allowance if they do not exceed size limits
If oversized, fees apply similar to golf equipment

Fishing equipment:

Rods in protective cases accepted; hooks must be sheathed or in a tackle box

Pre-book sports equipment through Manage Booking on the Qantas website to ensure availability and avoid airport surcharges.

Overweight and Excess Bag Fees

Overweight bags — international:

23–32 kg per bag: approximately AUD 60–80 per bag per sector
Weight between 32 kg and 45 kg: not accepted as standard checked baggage; must be shipped as cargo or split into multiple bags

Oversize bags — international:

Bags exceeding 140 cm: approximately AUD 60–80 per bag per sector

Excess bag fees — international:

A second bag in Economy (beyond the included one): approximately AUD 150–200 per sector depending on route
A third bag in Business (beyond the included two): approximately AUD 200 per sector

Domestic overweight fees:

Bags over 32 kg are not accepted
If your total checked weight exceeds 30 kg (or your tier-adjusted allowance), excess weight is charged at approximately AUD 15 per kg

Practical Tips for Qantas Passengers

Use the Qantas app to pre-purchase extra baggage. Pre-purchased allowance is substantially cheaper than fees paid at the airport.
Weigh bags to exactly the limit. Qantas agents weigh bags and the 30 kg domestic pool is per-passenger, not per-bag — split between two bags if needed.
Connecting domestic flights on a single ticket. If your itinerary includes a Qantas domestic sector as a connection to an international flight on the same booking, the international baggage allowance applies to your whole itinerary including the domestic segment.
Check Jetstar separately. Jetstar, Qantas's low-cost subsidiary, operates many Australian domestic routes and trans-Tasman flights with completely different (and much smaller) baggage allowances. Confirm which carrier operates your flight.
Status card in the app. Qantas Frequent Flyer status should automatically populate in your booking, but carry digital proof of tier just in case.

Summary Table

Passenger Type	Domestic Australia	International
Economy (standard)	30 kg (weight system)	1 × 23 kg
Premium Economy	35 kg	2 × 23 kg
Business	40 kg	2 × 32 kg
First Class	—	3 × 32 kg
+ QFF Silver / OW Ruby	+7 kg domestic	+1 × 23 kg international
+ QFF Gold / OW Sapphire	+10 kg domestic	+1 × 32 kg international
+ QFF Platinum / OW Emerald	+15 kg domestic	+2 × 32 kg international

Qantas baggage policies are subject to change; always verify your specific allowance in your booking confirmation or on the Qantas website before travel.