Hi,
I just wondered if Quantas (or any other airline heading for Oz) accepts bicycles and / or diving equipment in addition to the regular 20kg allowance.

Anyone had some experience with that?

Thanks,
QoM

Wouldn't that just go with your other freight? That seems to be how most folk transport bikes and sports equipment....

I'm not sure how this is handled in Britain, but if you book a flight from Germany to any kind of vacation destination, you're often allowed to bring a bike or some sporting equipment - in addition to the usual baggage allowance. I wonder if this is only a German habit...

will the flight be for holiday or emigrating - if validating PR visa then many airlines give double allowance (ie 40kg).

If holiday, most airlines don't seem to give divers extra - I think I know a link that list those airlines, but will have to look later

I have never had any trouble taking my dive gear on flights on top of my usual baggage allowance. My dive gear goes on as oversize/fragile baggage if that helps

Rob

This causes great concern for scuba divers all over you would be better posting this question on www.divernet.co.uk for a better and more informed response.

And by the way - its QANTAS, no "U"

I took my bike on Emirates in August, as part of my baggage allowance. They were very insistent about that! It was very interesting negotiating the queues with bikes, 3 bags, 2 kids and no husband!

knew I had a link somewhere
airlines offical line

We flew Singapore and took bike as part of baggage allowance. Did check re dimensions etc that it would be ok to take beforehand, but not sure if this is necessary, just wanted peace of mind.

For your info, carbon road bike, bike bag, pump, cycle clothing, helmet, shoes, some tools weighed in at around 32kg! On the way back it way 34kg and they made us take some stuff out of the bike bag.

You probably know all this but make sure it's clean, deflate your tyres, some lubes they seem funny about, CO2 cannisters not allowed. Also helmet is compulsory in Aus.

To walaj: thanks for the link. Just what I've been looking for.

To Pollyana: I know its QANTAS, but when I realized that my brain and my fingers had some comunication difficulties, the post had already been published

In general: We'd like to take bikes (both of us) & diving stuff (hubby), but that'll probably too much for extra allowance... :scared:

I think in general each airline has their own rules on whether it is included in baggage or allowed extra for free. Unfortunately you'll find it will also vary depending on how full the flight is, how far it's going and Qantas check in staff are renowned for being about as consistent as Tony Blair on a bad day.

I've heard people checking in at LHR with extra baggage no probs, having a stop over and then getting charged for extra baggage by the same airline for the second leg all because the check in guy/gal has got out of bed the wrong side and has decided to apply the rules to the letter.

I'd say give Qantas an email and see what they come back with, if it's favourable you havew something to wave at them in writing if they get narky at check in, if it's not favourable don't print it out.

One thing with bikes is make sure they are packed properly, I know Qantas do proper cardboard bike boxes, turn the handlebars through 90deg, take off pedals and put them back to front (facing in) and pad the box out to prevent the trained chimpanzees, (especially at LHR) actually sorry that's an insult to chimpanzees, dont smash them to bits.

By the way whereabouts in Munich are you? I grew up there, used to go to the International School out at Schloss Buchof near Starnberg (a few years ago now lol) my parents were living there up to '95 and had an appartment not far from the Lowenbrau brewery. Great city, some good memories from there, hope you went to a last Oktoberfest before you head off downunder