hi all i am looking at maybe going to have a look at sandy point during speed fortnight. and taking a limited bit of gear with me. do any of the domestic flights take windsurfing/surfing gear.

Virgin and Qantas do, if I was travelling interstate I would use either of these two. I would NOT fly with Jetstar!

I've been flying Cairns Perth return for a few years now with Virgin because of their extra kg's for sports equipment but that's all changed now. I'm now booked with Qantas as they have now changed their luggage policy (cheaper), Qantas costs more for the seat but it's a direct 6hr flight instead of going via a southern airport and taking all day, suits me. Go to Virgin & Qantas luggage and see what suits you or just ask Chris next time you see him as he's been WA to Sandy more times than I've had hot dinners

yoyo said...

Chatting to people who have done it many times. Virgin use to be the way to go but as the other posters have said they changed their "sporting goods" luggage policy so now it cheaper to go Qantas and apparantly they have much better seats allowing you to get some sleep on the way over (an impossibility with Virgin). Jet Star and Tiger operate planes that have a 1.8m length limit for luggage.

I think that's because both operate Airbus, whilst Qantas / Virgin use Boeings. I'm tempted for a trip to Green Island (Cairns) next winter, so this thread is great info.

Qantarse are now charging for additional items and no longer on excess weight

IE on a standard fare you can take 23 kg of luggage
Every piece after that is charged at $30 per piece
If you are over your weight amount you will be forced to unpack and place in a separate bag to be charged at the flat $30 rate per piece.

In theory you should be able to pre-book your additional luggage.
IE normal check on bag under 23kg as part of your standard fare.
+ Board bag (as long as its less than 23kg) pre-book and paid for on line additional baggage $20
+ quiver bag (as long as its less than 23kg) pre-book and paid for on line additional baggage $20

Rest assured this will only last a short time before Qantarse start charging weight based excess based on dimension over and above the 'standard' luggage size
IE if you are looking to fly with anything larger than a large style suit case you will be charged Australian Air Express rates based on kilo weight.

We do a lot of air travel for work... at least two interstate flights a month (mainly Perth/Sydney and up north west)
In a bid to beat the additional charges on extra piece we started loading everything into road cases (mindfull) of keeping them under the weight limit (23kg OR 32kg in Business/Gold Frequent Flyer)
They are now starting to MEASURE luggage sizes based on the 1.40m rule as per the Qantarse web page.

Long story short... get in while you can and pre-book the extra luggage then check it in at the oversize luggage counter.
It's only a matter of time before they shut this down based on any luggage bigger/longer than 1.40m rule

____________________________________________
Qantarse baggage rules:

Total dimensions of each piece must not exceed 140cm (54in). Dimensions for checked baggage are calculated by adding together the width, height and depth of the piece of baggage.

Note: No single item of checked baggage may exceed 32kg (70lb).
____________________________________________

Sporting equipment can be included as part of your checked baggage allowance, subject to the sporting equipment requirements. Charges will apply for any baggage carried in addition to the free allowance.
____________________________________________

Windsurfer (Sailboard)

One sailboard kit consists of not more than one board, mast, boom and sail, and the length does not exceed 277cm (109in).
____________________________________________

jakranz said...

I'm tempted for a trip to Green Island (Cairns) next winter

Give me a yell when you do

jakranz said...

firiebob said...

jakranz said...

I'm tempted for a trip to Green Island (Cairns) next winter

Give me a yell when you do

Thanks for that Firiebob, will do, watching your posts on GTC in envy. Looks like June / July / August is the best time, right? Are you using the ferry every day or stay on the island? Hope Qantarse keep their rules until then

Yep best months but this month has been very good also but as you know it's always a stab in the dark. I just do day trips but some of the guys do overnighters but at local rates. If by yourself or with mates just stay in Cairns (backpackers) and get a Green Island 14 day transfer for $149, bargain. With a partner same if a good sport or stay on island.