Qantas increases excess baggage fees at domestic airports

AS ALL eyes were on Qantas’ rebranding yesterday, no one noticed another big change coming to the airline — a whopping hike in fees that started today.

WHILE everyone was talking about the new Qantas logo yesterday, the airline was quietly implementing a hike in its excess baggage fees.

From today, the price for purchasing excess baggage at domestic airports across Australia will increase by up to 75 per cent.

The fee for the first extra piece of luggage will rise from $40 to $70 and those needing a second extra piece of luggage will be charged $90, up from $60.

Qantas hikes up its excess baggage fees. Picture Chris Pavlich

A Qantas spokesperson said the airline was making a “small” change to its baggage fees.

“Following a review, we have made some small adjustments to the prices charged for purchasing additional luggage on Qantas.com and at the airport.”

The airline also increased its “airport heavy” charges from $30 to $50 for any luggage over the allowed 23kg.

“Qantas has generous checked baggage limits compared to other airlines, so there’s a very small percentage of customers who actually have to purchase additional baggage.”

The increase is now in-line with its major competitor, Virgin Australia.

Last year the world’s biggest airlines raked in a whopping $34 billion from charges not included in airfare prices including excess baggage fees.

Low-cost carriers know how to charge for extras.

TigerAir may have cheap flights but for those who don’t add baggage when they book their tickets, the price hike is substantial. The airline charges $75 for 15kg, $85 for 20kg and $20 for each additional kilo.

Jetstar doesn’t include checked baggage in its fares and customers who don’t purchase baggage online will pay $50 for up to 15kg and $15 per additional kilogram.

Virgin Australia offers complimentary check-in luggage like Qantas, however luggage weighing over the allowed 23kg will be charged a $70 overweight fee.

Qantas advised customers who think their checked baggage will exceed the allowance to plan ahead and pre-purchase additional baggage on qantas.com or through their travel agent.