We're planning our second trip to Australia from the US in November and we've booked two domestic flights, one on Virgin and the other on Qantas. My question is regarding baggage--our soft-sided bags measure a little larger than they allow (they allow 55" and ours are more like 60" all dimensions added together or 12 centimeters over the limit all added) but I doubt they will weigh more than what's allowed. How strict are they in regard to size (do they actually stand there and measure them?)and if they do charge us, is it very expensive? I did notice that you can take weird shaped items like golf bags for no extra charge.

I flew Virgin Blue recently and our bags were slightly over their free weight limits and they didn't charge us. So at least with us they were a bit lenient over their rules.

It depends on the staff .They can be nasty and insist on checkin especially on Qantas .You may get past checkin but then get pulled up at the gatelounge .

Thanks for the help--I guess I should have been more specific though. I plan on checking the bags (1 each) not carrying them on so I hope I'll be ok.

I wonder sometime if it depends on what has happened already. If there has been a number of check ins under weight and perhaps lots of carry on only check ins I can't see why they would not turn a bind eye. However if already a lot of heavy checked baggage then they do have a duty to keep the plane a safe and fuel efficient weight.

I saw a program on TV the other day that indicated how ironic it was that the same airlines that refused some safety equipment because it was too heavy quite happily installed 3 times the weight in entertainment features.

It just seems such a stupid question since the WEIGHT of my checked luggage will be under the allowed limit, all I want to do is check a bag that is just a few inches over the SIZE limit!

I know the airlines have size restrictions, but I think weight is the real key. When we were in Australia, we took three internal flights on Qantas and they weighed our bags each time. One time (at the end of our trip and after we'd hit every store there was), one of our bags was slightly over the weight limit. They let it slide (maybe because the flight wasn't full?), but I got the feeling they aren't always forgiving.

So, I'd be a little less concerned about size, particularly if it's a soft sided (hence, crushable) piece of luggage.

I agree .Checked in and underweight should not be a problem .