Are these airlines kidding?
Aug 9th, 2004, 12:32 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are these airlines kidding?
VirginBlue and JetStar say each person is limited to baggage with a maximum weight of 20kg (44lbs). My wife's medicines plus beauty stuff weighs that much. How strictly do these airlines (as well as Qantas and Air NZ) enforce these weight and size restrictions? Do I have to wear 3 pair of pants, 4 sweaters, blazer and raincoat each time we take a flight to keep the weight down? We will fly Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Melbourne, Melbourne to Christchurch, Christchurch to Auckland. By the time we hit Auckland I suspect that the dirt on my clothes alone would weigh the full 20Kg. Comments from recent flyers would be appreciated. Suggestions for minimizing weight would be most welcome. Jerry
Aug 9th, 2004, 12:48 PM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jerry, as they "smart travellers" travel light. We go to Britain/Europe every so often, and I only take 2 pairs of dress jeans, 2 pair of shorts, 1 jumper, 4 shirts, 1 goretex coat, underwear, etc, and this gets me by, and we stay sometimes for 4-5 weeks in Britain.
As for Australia, there is no need to "Dress Up"....smart casual is the norm when going out at night, and that can be dress jeans and shirt.
If your here in summer, than you will probably wear shorts with a t-shirt during the day, for your whole trip.
So if its summer when your here, forget 4 sweaters, and 3 pants, and the blazer.
However, if you want to "lug" around a heavy travel bag, and bring all that clothing, than no worries, there are plenty of places to wash all that clothing.
As for Australia, there is no need to "Dress Up"....smart casual is the norm when going out at night, and that can be dress jeans and shirt.
If your here in summer, than you will probably wear shorts with a t-shirt during the day, for your whole trip.
So if its summer when your here, forget 4 sweaters, and 3 pants, and the blazer.
However, if you want to "lug" around a heavy travel bag, and bring all that clothing, than no worries, there are plenty of places to wash all that clothing.
Aug 9th, 2004, 03:30 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, glk11b!
The above advice is exactly right, but we are still left to address your question, "how strictly will the airlines enforce the weight restriction?"
My own experience has shown that all they are really interested in is the weight of your checked-in baggage. Althought they tell you about size (not weight, if I recall) restrictions on cabin baggage, no one really seems to care what is brought into the cabin (within reason, of course); indeed, I have frequently seen people walk into the cabin with baggage that made my jaw drop. Somehow it managed to get swallowed up by the bins or under the seats, and the attendants didn't say a word.
So I guess it's a question of clever distribution of your baggage between what you stow away and what you take on-board with you. That said, I am conveniently ignoring the fact that you mentioned two specific airlines -- Jetstar and Virgin -- only one of which (Virgin) I have ever actually travelled with. So do I really know what I'm talking about? (Actually, I have a simple policy about baggage: I never check ANYTHING in; on a two-and-a-half-month trip to Europe our family of four carried everything onto the plane with us. But, then again, we carry the idea of "travelling light" to almost ridiculous extremes. But, boy, it's great to travel all over the world with both your hands free!)
The above advice is exactly right, but we are still left to address your question, "how strictly will the airlines enforce the weight restriction?"
My own experience has shown that all they are really interested in is the weight of your checked-in baggage. Althought they tell you about size (not weight, if I recall) restrictions on cabin baggage, no one really seems to care what is brought into the cabin (within reason, of course); indeed, I have frequently seen people walk into the cabin with baggage that made my jaw drop. Somehow it managed to get swallowed up by the bins or under the seats, and the attendants didn't say a word.
So I guess it's a question of clever distribution of your baggage between what you stow away and what you take on-board with you. That said, I am conveniently ignoring the fact that you mentioned two specific airlines -- Jetstar and Virgin -- only one of which (Virgin) I have ever actually travelled with. So do I really know what I'm talking about? (Actually, I have a simple policy about baggage: I never check ANYTHING in; on a two-and-a-half-month trip to Europe our family of four carried everything onto the plane with us. But, then again, we carry the idea of "travelling light" to almost ridiculous extremes. But, boy, it's great to travel all over the world with both your hands free!)
Aug 9th, 2004, 04:53 PM
#5
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm with you Alan - HATE lugging luggage. On a recent 4 week trip to Sydney, HK and Vietnam 2 of us only took 2 cabin-approved sized bags, another small bag with medicines and toiletries and a camera. Like you Alan, am amazed at the amount of stuff that comes on board to be stowed overhead and under seats in cabin - airline staff couldn't seem to care less.
Aug 9th, 2004, 06:13 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ditto to Alan and Pat!
I'm with ya! It took years to finally get my packing down to a science, but I did! I carry-on my roll-type bag on every flight. My last trip to Oz, for 3 weeks, my bag weighed 25 lbs. upon check-in at LAX. I've actually thought about conducting a Packing Class at the local Community College!
Also, if you have a change of planes, that's most likely where they're going to lose your luggage! It's also helpful in those situations where your flight's late, but there's a connecting flight a few gates down leaving in 20 min. that's worked for me a few times.
I find with most of my women clients, their downfall is....shoes. They seem compelled to bring a different pair for every outfit!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
I'm with ya! It took years to finally get my packing down to a science, but I did! I carry-on my roll-type bag on every flight. My last trip to Oz, for 3 weeks, my bag weighed 25 lbs. upon check-in at LAX. I've actually thought about conducting a Packing Class at the local Community College!
Also, if you have a change of planes, that's most likely where they're going to lose your luggage! It's also helpful in those situations where your flight's late, but there's a connecting flight a few gates down leaving in 20 min. that's worked for me a few times.
I find with most of my women clients, their downfall is....shoes. They seem compelled to bring a different pair for every outfit!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
Aug 9th, 2004, 06:55 PM
#7
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In my experience, Oz domestic airlines give very little attention to the weight of carry-on luggage (although I've never flown on Jetstar, and they have a few odd rules that they impose ruthlessly).
Last year in Queensland, we had a buy-up of some fairly large pieces of china tableware and a bronze figurine about 16 inches high, which we took aboard as hand-luggage (admitedly trying to pretend that it wasn't as heavy as it really was. Fortunately we have also reached the stage of life where we have been able to buy small suitcases with wheels for our kids (12, 9 & 7), and they carry their own backpacks as well, so our family capacity to carry unnecessary stuff (or shop 'til we drop!) has increased enormously.
Be aware, however, that airport security over hand-luggage is now very serious. I had to unpack and unwrap the bronze figure to prove that it wasn't a weapon, and you will not be allowed to fly with nail-scissors or key-ring sized Swiss-Army knives.
Last year in Queensland, we had a buy-up of some fairly large pieces of china tableware and a bronze figurine about 16 inches high, which we took aboard as hand-luggage (admitedly trying to pretend that it wasn't as heavy as it really was. Fortunately we have also reached the stage of life where we have been able to buy small suitcases with wheels for our kids (12, 9 & 7), and they carry their own backpacks as well, so our family capacity to carry unnecessary stuff (or shop 'til we drop!) has increased enormously.
Be aware, however, that airport security over hand-luggage is now very serious. I had to unpack and unwrap the bronze figure to prove that it wasn't a weapon, and you will not be allowed to fly with nail-scissors or key-ring sized Swiss-Army knives.
Aug 9th, 2004, 07:15 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Now I remember! The incident that made my jaw drop was this crazy guy carrying a 16-inch bronze figurine, which must have weighed at least two tonnes, since his three kids (aged about 12, 7, and 9) had to hold up the corners!
Aug 9th, 2004, 09:13 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
cabin baggage-
with all due respect i have yet to be on any flight to from or within oz and new zealand in which i was NOT asked to place my cabin baggage on a scale and told that at 9.3 or whatever it was 0.3 too heavy to fly and that i'd have to check it- this a soft sided casual backpack from the gap (as in the sort of thing you;d bring a picnic in and that is easily a purse).
in fact, when flying oz to auckland they actually had a do not board issued for me and i held up the entire plane while the very sensible man at the gate looked at my bag and panic stricken face, laughed and said that i was alright in that kind aussie way.
i have since concluded that the people who work for airlines are so resentful of our abilities to travel at whim that they want to make the experience as unpleasant as possible!
hilariously enough- while i am a huge proponent of oz and nz air carriers, i am always given the business about my cabin bag and while i decry u.s. carriers i have never once had anything weighed or even looked twice at.
what's especially funny is that once on board the overhead bins are invariably so empty a person could fly in each one...one wonders what the fuss is about?
that is a long and whingey way of saying everything that every body else said: leave extra stuff home. in fact, my second box of dirty laundry just arrived from port douglas by post today- when in doubt-= mail it back to yourself instead of carrying it on board!
with all due respect i have yet to be on any flight to from or within oz and new zealand in which i was NOT asked to place my cabin baggage on a scale and told that at 9.3 or whatever it was 0.3 too heavy to fly and that i'd have to check it- this a soft sided casual backpack from the gap (as in the sort of thing you;d bring a picnic in and that is easily a purse).
in fact, when flying oz to auckland they actually had a do not board issued for me and i held up the entire plane while the very sensible man at the gate looked at my bag and panic stricken face, laughed and said that i was alright in that kind aussie way.
i have since concluded that the people who work for airlines are so resentful of our abilities to travel at whim that they want to make the experience as unpleasant as possible!
hilariously enough- while i am a huge proponent of oz and nz air carriers, i am always given the business about my cabin bag and while i decry u.s. carriers i have never once had anything weighed or even looked twice at.
what's especially funny is that once on board the overhead bins are invariably so empty a person could fly in each one...one wonders what the fuss is about?
that is a long and whingey way of saying everything that every body else said: leave extra stuff home. in fact, my second box of dirty laundry just arrived from port douglas by post today- when in doubt-= mail it back to yourself instead of carrying it on board!
Aug 9th, 2004, 09:32 PM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi there
Just a note from NZ. Both the main domestic airlines (Air NZ and Qantas)appear to be being more rigorous in their enforcement of the carry on policy (though in saying that it can come down to the attitude of the passenger as well). In many ways I am grateful not to be faced with someone stuffing a full sized backpack into the overhead and thereby taking all the space available to other travellers seated in that row.
Air NZ is also strictly enforcing the 20kg limit on bags trans Tasman. If however you are flying Air NZ to USA then the two bag limit comes into play.
The limit enforcement is more than set off in the reduced fares. For instance you can book a one way Wellington Sydney on Air NZ for $99 plus taxes. At that price I'll pack nothing and buy it all over there.
Have fun with your travels.
Steve
Just a note from NZ. Both the main domestic airlines (Air NZ and Qantas)appear to be being more rigorous in their enforcement of the carry on policy (though in saying that it can come down to the attitude of the passenger as well). In many ways I am grateful not to be faced with someone stuffing a full sized backpack into the overhead and thereby taking all the space available to other travellers seated in that row.
Air NZ is also strictly enforcing the 20kg limit on bags trans Tasman. If however you are flying Air NZ to USA then the two bag limit comes into play.
The limit enforcement is more than set off in the reduced fares. For instance you can book a one way Wellington Sydney on Air NZ for $99 plus taxes. At that price I'll pack nothing and buy it all over there.
Have fun with your travels.
Steve
Aug 9th, 2004, 09:47 PM
#12
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,638
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flown worldwide over the past seven years at least three overseas trips per year and NEVER had my hand luggage weighed. Having said that, Virgin & Jetstar are both enforcing weight restrictions. Their margins force them too! The planes won't get off the ground with a planeload of overloaded travellers! I'm waiting to see whether WE get weighed, in future, as they do in Fiji, on Turtle Airways! How embarassment! (Apologies to Effie!)
Aug 10th, 2004, 09:51 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dear kiwi acct:
did you mean "accent" or "attitude"?
are there secret phrases that you can let the fodorites in on?
i am silent at check in except for a smile and how are you as i hand over my passport.
please, what is the secret "don't weigh my hand baggage" code?
did you mean "accent" or "attitude"?
are there secret phrases that you can let the fodorites in on?
i am silent at check in except for a smile and how are you as i hand over my passport.
please, what is the secret "don't weigh my hand baggage" code?
Aug 10th, 2004, 09:54 AM
#14
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Checked in luggage (apart from on some US-Europe routes or vice versa) seems to be a standard 20kg for economy(BA I think is 23kg) I regularly travel with about 23-24kg without a problem, but theoretically it could be an issue. Many European airports (Heathrow for example)will no longer accept single pieces of luggage over 32 kg (Health and Safety reasons I believe)
As for hand luggage, I often travel with a fairly heavy roll-on case, but it fits within the standard dimensions and never seems to get a second look. Although certain airports (and again I wonder if it is more an airport driven thing than a specific airline)do seem to pick on the large back-packs for weighing.
Presumably Virginblue and Jetstar are part of the growing range of budget carriers. If they are like the European budget carriers (Ryan air is notorious) thay do tend to be a bit more fussy on cabin and check-in luggage.
As for hand luggage, I often travel with a fairly heavy roll-on case, but it fits within the standard dimensions and never seems to get a second look. Although certain airports (and again I wonder if it is more an airport driven thing than a specific airline)do seem to pick on the large back-packs for weighing.
Presumably Virginblue and Jetstar are part of the growing range of budget carriers. If they are like the European budget carriers (Ryan air is notorious) thay do tend to be a bit more fussy on cabin and check-in luggage.
Aug 10th, 2004, 12:10 PM
#16
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
20 kilos/44lbs is standard. I've been traveling overseas annually, for vacation, since I was a teenager...for 32 years...and I pretty much have this packing thing down to a science. I can pack for a three-week trip to Southeast Asia with only one 22-23 inch carry-on,wheeled suitcase and my purse.This is how I do it....I INVEST in TRAVEL clothes made by TRAVEL companies. There are these wonderful microfiber clothes that never existed in the old days...back when Banana Republic was a travel clothing store and you bought heavy cotton and canvas travel clothing. Well, not anymore. Back in the 1990s I started investing in the microfiber clothes and have built up a travel-specific wardrobe. I favor clothes by Ex-Officio (exofficio.com...The website is not that good...better to buy them in travel-clothing stores). This is what I would pack for a three-week trip...6 long-sleeved Baja-plus shirts, two travel skirts...made of the microfiber...one pair of Ex-Officio khaki pants...microfiber again...one 100% cotton surong...disposible underwear...they come five to a package and are quite inexpensive...Then for the nice clothes...like to wear to lunch or dinner in a nice 4-5 star hotel...I pack two, long linen skirts, three matching T-shirts,one linen shirt, and one linen,long tunic-style blouse...all rolled in tissue paper, of course, to cut down on wrinkles. As for shoes, I wear my Rockport lace-up shoes on the plane and pack one pair of khaki-colored, flat-heeled mules for evening wear. I take two purses...one I take on the plane and the other is a small...khaki-colored one for evening wear. That's it! You don't need anything more. And then just take assesories...different pieces of jewelry to add a little flavor. I don't know where you live. I'm in Los Angeles County...but here are some websites you can check out....distantlands.com travelsmith.com...magellans.com They are all Califronia companies...Distant Lands is in Pasadena and is a full-fledged travel store...clothing store, books, travel agency, assesories...all under one roof. It's in Old Town...Magellan's is in Santa Monica and the main store is in Santa Barbara and Travel Smith is in Petaluma...north of San Francisco. There is also the Adventure16 store in West L.A., the Valley and Orange County. There website is probably the same name as the company.Back in the 70s and 80s in L.A. there used to be lots of classes on how to pack a suitcase...They were at the community college, at LAX, that offered a career in travel and the major department stores offered them. So, I went to a couple back then and then fine tuned it to my own style.It was harder to pack back then since the fabrics were A LOT heavier. It's SUPER easy now. I keep one big, plastic container, at home, filled with ONLY travel clothes. I can back for a trip within 30 minutes. All of my pieces, each, fit into a freezer-sized zip-lock plastic bag. Happy Travels!
Aug 10th, 2004, 05:13 PM
#17
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi KeriKeri
It was "Attitude" (as in it was not my Attitude but his Attitude).
When checking in if the person appears a bit pushy then the checkin people appear to be more attentive to the weight of the luggage. If one is calm and apparently keen to assist with the check in process then it is more likely that a more accomodating stance re luggage is taken.
It also dependent upon who you get at checkin. On a recent day trip to Christchurch for work I had to check a small case I was carrying as the checkin at Auckland deemed it too big to take on board. My return flight that night from Christchurch and I asked the Air NZ person and she said carry it on board. Both flights were full so I don't think that came into play at all. So even with all the planning in the world and the calmest of demeanors it really can be dependent upon who you get at the desk.
It was "Attitude" (as in it was not my Attitude but his Attitude).
When checking in if the person appears a bit pushy then the checkin people appear to be more attentive to the weight of the luggage. If one is calm and apparently keen to assist with the check in process then it is more likely that a more accomodating stance re luggage is taken.
It also dependent upon who you get at checkin. On a recent day trip to Christchurch for work I had to check a small case I was carrying as the checkin at Auckland deemed it too big to take on board. My return flight that night from Christchurch and I asked the Air NZ person and she said carry it on board. Both flights were full so I don't think that came into play at all. So even with all the planning in the world and the calmest of demeanors it really can be dependent upon who you get at the desk.
Aug 10th, 2004, 06:07 PM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Fellow Packers!
I forgot to add the "miracle fibers" that Lyndie mentioned in her post. I should be getting some sort of retainer from TravelSmith, as I've recommended them so often to clients!
A few years ago my husband bought a pair of what we now call "Magic Pants" from them. They are a VERY lightweight pant, elastic waist, comfy and nice looking. They also have a security pocket on the right side with a zipper. While this has never been an issue in Australia or NZ, it sure came in handy in Spain (and since, elsewhere in Europe). We'd just arrived in Madrid and my husband was getting cash from the ATM when we were "warned" by a very attractive woman striding by us on the stree that there were "thieves behind us, take care". I was immediately suspicious and asked my husband to check his pocket. Sure enough, his Dr. Dean Edel "cheater" glasses were gone, (but the cash in the zipper pocket was still there).
I took off after the woman and caught up with her (years of power walking pays off and made her empty her shopping bag as well as checked her purse while she was giving an Academy Award performance of innocence. Of course, there was nothing, as she'd either passed them to her accomplice or was the "distraction" while the dirty deed was done.
When we got home, TravelSmith was having some sort of a "parking lot" sale locally and my husband picked up 3 more pairs in varying colors, as well as a black pair of "dress" pants that are wonderful. I've washed these pants out in the sink in Europe and they dry in a nano-second, they look good and the wrinkles practically fall out once he stands up, and they pack at about 1/4 of an inch! (hence the term "Miracle Pants"
. I'd get them for myself as they have a woman's version except they don't come in Petites and I hate sewing!
We also use those "air bags". You know the ones I mean? You put your clothes in, roll it up, squoosh out the air and your clothes are sort of vaccummed sealed. This works well at the end of trip as well to keep all the dirty stuff separate!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Kiwi & Aussie Specialist
I forgot to add the "miracle fibers" that Lyndie mentioned in her post. I should be getting some sort of retainer from TravelSmith, as I've recommended them so often to clients!
A few years ago my husband bought a pair of what we now call "Magic Pants" from them. They are a VERY lightweight pant, elastic waist, comfy and nice looking. They also have a security pocket on the right side with a zipper. While this has never been an issue in Australia or NZ, it sure came in handy in Spain (and since, elsewhere in Europe). We'd just arrived in Madrid and my husband was getting cash from the ATM when we were "warned" by a very attractive woman striding by us on the stree that there were "thieves behind us, take care". I was immediately suspicious and asked my husband to check his pocket. Sure enough, his Dr. Dean Edel "cheater" glasses were gone, (but the cash in the zipper pocket was still there).
I took off after the woman and caught up with her (years of power walking pays off
and made her empty her shopping bag as well as checked her purse while she was giving an Academy Award performance of innocence. Of course, there was nothing, as she'd either passed them to her accomplice or was the "distraction" while the dirty deed was done.When we got home, TravelSmith was having some sort of a "parking lot" sale locally and my husband picked up 3 more pairs in varying colors, as well as a black pair of "dress" pants that are wonderful. I've washed these pants out in the sink in Europe and they dry in a nano-second, they look good and the wrinkles practically fall out once he stands up, and they pack at about 1/4 of an inch! (hence the term "Miracle Pants"
. I'd get them for myself as they have a woman's version except they don't come in Petites and I hate sewing! We also use those "air bags". You know the ones I mean? You put your clothes in, roll it up, squoosh out the air and your clothes are sort of vaccummed sealed. This works well at the end of trip as well to keep all the dirty stuff separate!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Kiwi & Aussie Specialist
Aug 11th, 2004, 12:04 AM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks Kiwi-acct!
p.s.
i agree about the travel clothes. i have great stuff from "robbie" something or other, but every once in a while you want to go to dinner in something without patch pockets and zips, wearing impractical shoes (with heels) and feel like a girl and not a parachute blob!
p.s.
i agree about the travel clothes. i have great stuff from "robbie" something or other, but every once in a while you want to go to dinner in something without patch pockets and zips, wearing impractical shoes (with heels) and feel like a girl and not a parachute blob!
Aug 11th, 2004, 04:19 AM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi there!
In my experience, it all depends on the airport you are checking in. I fly Qantas everywhere (not because it's the best around, but more for the Frequent Flyer points!! SQ and MAS are waaaay better!!).
Changi Airport, Singapore- Not very strict at all if you check in early. I got away with 35 kgs SIN-LHR and back.
Although they do SOMETIMES weigh hand luggage which is not to exceed 7kgs. I suspect this is more carrier policy than the airport. Mine exceeded the 7 kg limit, I took my toiletries out, got it re-weighed at the check-in counter and put it back in again in the ladies toilet!!
Virgin Blue- very strict and I suspect it's cause it's a budget airline. When they say 20 kgs, they mean 20kgs so I suggest you travel light.
Also, try checking in early so that perhaps they might just let you get away with it. Call and ask ahead if they may allow extra 5 kgs in your case as you are dropping by more than one destination. Also, I've used the "I'm a student" excuse and it worked!! (but then again, I truly am
Tips on minimizing weight- Get a lightweight Samsonite or Tumi luggage. I've travelled for far too long with a hard-case believing that it offered the best protection but I got myself a lightweight Samsonite and it made ALL the difference in terms of not only weight but also carting it around ( trust me, I lugged it all over the London Tube!!)
Tip 2- You really have to get poor wifey to downsize her toiletries. Being a female, I know how hard it is but you can buy small travel sized toiletries in her fave brands. Things like shampoo etc just have to be bought at your destination and not lugged around.
Tip 3- Trust me, travelling light is the best thing you will ever discover. I travel with the motto, "you can always buy it if you honestly need it!!"
Have fun!
In my experience, it all depends on the airport you are checking in. I fly Qantas everywhere (not because it's the best around, but more for the Frequent Flyer points!! SQ and MAS are waaaay better!!).
Changi Airport, Singapore- Not very strict at all if you check in early. I got away with 35 kgs SIN-LHR and back.
Although they do SOMETIMES weigh hand luggage which is not to exceed 7kgs. I suspect this is more carrier policy than the airport. Mine exceeded the 7 kg limit, I took my toiletries out, got it re-weighed at the check-in counter and put it back in again in the ladies toilet!!
Virgin Blue- very strict and I suspect it's cause it's a budget airline. When they say 20 kgs, they mean 20kgs so I suggest you travel light.
Also, try checking in early so that perhaps they might just let you get away with it. Call and ask ahead if they may allow extra 5 kgs in your case as you are dropping by more than one destination. Also, I've used the "I'm a student" excuse and it worked!! (but then again, I truly am
Tips on minimizing weight- Get a lightweight Samsonite or Tumi luggage. I've travelled for far too long with a hard-case believing that it offered the best protection but I got myself a lightweight Samsonite and it made ALL the difference in terms of not only weight but also carting it around ( trust me, I lugged it all over the London Tube!!)
Tip 2- You really have to get poor wifey to downsize her toiletries. Being a female, I know how hard it is but you can buy small travel sized toiletries in her fave brands. Things like shampoo etc just have to be bought at your destination and not lugged around.
Tip 3- Trust me, travelling light is the best thing you will ever discover. I travel with the motto, "you can always buy it if you honestly need it!!"
Have fun!
