If you’re flying with Qantas, you might be asking just how strict they are with carry-on luggage.
The airline has specific rules regarding size and weight limits, and they do enforce them most of the time.
If your bag doesn’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, there’s a good chance you’ll have to check it in possibly with an extra fee.
To help you prepare, I’ve put together this guide covering everything you need to know about Qantas carry-on allowances, what to do if your bag is too big, and some handy tips to make your travel smoother.
Let’s dive in.
How Strict Is Qantas with Carry-on?
Qantas is fairly generous with its baggage policies, but it’s important to stay within the limits to avoid surprises at the airport.
Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Always carry essential medications and prescriptions in your carry-on.
- Keep your bag as light as possible airports can involve a lot of walking, and cabin space is limited.
- Pack fragile or valuable items securely.
- Your bag must fit under the seat in front of you or in an overhead locker.
- Ensure your luggage complies with carry-on size limits (details below).
- Dangerous goods are not allowed unless explicitly permitted.
Qantas approved carry-on luggage
For domestic Qantas flights (excluding Dash 8 services), passengers can bring:
- One piece up to 10 kg (22 lbs), with a total weight limit of 13 kg (30 lbs).
- Bag size options:
- One bag up to 45 inches total (22 in + 9 in + 14 in), or
- Two smaller bags up to 41 inches total (19 in + 9 in + 13 in each), or
- One 41-inch bag (19 in + 9 in + 13 in) plus a 73-inch garment bag (24 in + 4 in + 45 in).
- Dash 8 services allow only one piece up to 15 lbs (7 kg), with a size limit of 41 inches (19 in + 9 in + 13 in).
What is the Carry-On Allowance for International Flights?
For international flights, the allowances vary by class:
- First, Business & Premium Economy:
- One piece up to 10kg (22 lbs), with a total limit of 13 kg (30 lbs).
- Bag size options:
- One 45-inch bag (22 in + 9 in + 14 in), or
- Two 41-inch bags (19 in + 9 in + 13 in each), or
- One 41-inch bag plus a 73-inch garment bag (24 in + 4 in + 45 in).
- Economy Class:
- One piece up to 7kg (15 lbs).
- Size options:
- One 45-inch bag (22 in + 9 in + 14 in), or
- One 73-inch garment bag (24 in + 4 in + 45 in).
In addition to your main carry-on, you’re allowed a small personal item, such as a handbag, laptop, coat, or small camera.
What Are the Carry-On Rules for Children & Infants?
- Children have the same allowance as adults.
- Infants do not get a separate allowance, but parents can bring necessary food and nappies in addition to their carry-on.
Can You Bring Musical Instruments as Carry-On?
- You can bring a small musical instrument onboard if it weighs 15 lbs (7kg) or less and fits within 56 inches (34 in + 13 in + 9 in).
- Larger instruments (e.g., guitars) must be checked in unless you purchase an extra seat.
What About Bulky Items & Extra Baggage Allowance?
Can You Carry Bulky Items Onboard?
Bulky items can be carried onboard (except on Dash 8 services) if they:
- Fit within these size limits:
- First Class: 69.8 in total (29 in + 20 in + 20.8 in)
- Business Class: 66.5 in total (28 in + 19.5 in + 19 in)
- Premium Economy & Economy: 62 in total (28 in + 17 in + 17.5 in)
- Weigh no more than 15 lbs (7 kg).
- Have a restraining handle to secure them.
- You notify Qantas in advance and purchase an extra seat.
How Can You Purchase Extra Baggage Allowance?
If you need extra baggage, it’s best to purchase it online at Qantas.com to save on airport fees. Frequent Flyers can also use Qantas Points for discounted rates.
- Domestic Flights: US$36 per piece or 6,000 Qantas Points.
- International Flights: Prices vary by route, starting at US$55 per 5kg.
- Flights to/from the Americas: Extra pieces cost US$95, with an additional US$75 heavy charge for overweight bags.
You can purchase extra baggage when booking your flight or later via Manage Booking on Qantas’ website.
What is Qantas Checked Baggage Allowance?
Qantas has different rules for checked baggage, depending on your travel class and route.
Here is a quick breakdown:
International Flights (Excluding the Americas)
- Economy: 30 kg (66 lbs)
- Premium Economy: 40 kg (88 lbs)
- Business & First: 40-50 kg (88-110lbs)
- Frequent Flyers may receive extra allowances.
- No single piece can exceed 32 kg (70 lbs).
International Flights (To/From the Americas)
- Economy: 2 pieces (23 kg / 50 lbs each)
- Premium Economy & Business: 2-3 pieces (23-32 kg each)
- First Class: Up to 4 pieces (32 kg each)
- Total dimensions must not exceed 405 cm (159 in).
What Items Are Restricted or Prohibited?
For safety reasons, Qantas prohibits certain items in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Some of the restricted items include:
- Flammable liquids & gases (e.g., butane, fuel, gas canisters)
- Explosives (e.g., fireworks, gunpowder, flares)
- Toxic substances (e.g., insect sprays, paint stripper, pepper spray)
- Lithium batteries (must comply with airline regulations)
Before packing, always check Qantas’ official list of dangerous goods to avoid any issues at security.
Final Thoughts
While Qantas offers generous baggage allowances, they do emphasize to stay within their luggage size.
If your carry-on exceeds the allowed size or weight, you may need to check it in or pay an excess baggage fee.
Double check your luggage size and weight before you leave for the airport.
You don’t want to deal with any last minute hassle.
Keeping essentials in your carry-on and considering extra baggage options in advance can help make your journey smoother.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
