- Singapore Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Thai Airways
- Lufthansa Group
- Vietnam Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- Air India
- Qantas
Travelling with the right baggage can make or break your trip. This guide explains checked, carry-on, oversized, dangerous goods, and battery rules across Pauls Travel's preferred partner airlines, so you can pack with confidence and avoid surprise fees at the airport.
Use this as a general reference. Exact allowances and fees depend on your airline, fare type, route, and frequent-flyer status. When in doubt, ask us to check your specific booking before you pack.
Checked baggage is any bag you hand over at the check-in counter or bag drop and collect at your destination baggage belt. It's stored in the aircraft hold, not in the cabin.
For most full-service domestic fares operated by major Australian carriers:
“Lite”, “starter”, or heavily discounted domestic fares may include no checked baggage. In these cases, you can usually pre-purchase baggage in weight blocks (e.g. 15 kg, 20 kg, up to 32 kg). Always confirm your exact allowance in your ticket or by asking our team.
Pauls Travel is a preferred partner for the following airlines. The tables below summarise typical checked baggage allowances for adults on standard fares from Australia. Your actual allowance may vary by fare brand, route, and frequent-flyer status.
For most routes from Australia (weight-concept routes):
For flights to/from the USA or Canada (piece concept):
Domestic (Australia):
International (excluding the Americas):
International (to/from North & South America – piece concept):
Emirates uses both weight-concept and piece-concept rules depending on your route.
To/from the Americas and Africa (piece concept):
Qatar Airways applies weight-concept rules on most routes from Australia, and piece-concept rules to/from Africa and the Americas.
To/from Africa or the Americas (piece concept):
Thai Airways uses a mix of weight-concept and piece-concept rules depending on route and fare.
Typical international allowances from Australia (weight concept):
Piece-concept routes (e.g. to/from the Americas, some long-haul):
Lufthansa Group airlines generally apply piece-concept rules on long-haul routes and weight-concept on some shorter European sectors. From Australia (long-haul):
Exact allowances vary by fare brand (Light, Classic, Flex, etc.) and frequent-flyer status. We can confirm your specific allowance at booking.
For itineraries to/from Australia (excluding some Japan–Australia combinations):
SriLankan generally applies weight-concept rules on routes between Australia and Sri Lanka/India/Europe.
Typical allowances (adults, standard fares):
Because SriLankan's rules can vary significantly by route and fare, we recommend confirming your exact allowance when you book.
Air India uses both weight-concept and piece-concept rules depending on the route. From Australia (typically via Singapore, Bangkok, or other hubs):
Long-haul international (weight concept, typical):
To/from the Americas and some other piece-concept routes:
Your exact allowance depends on your fare brand (e.g. Saver, Flex) and Flying Returns status. We can check this for you at booking.
Malaysia Airlines typically applies weight-concept rules on routes between Australia and Asia/Europe, with piece-concept rules on some long-haul sectors.
Typical allowances from Australia:
On piece-concept routes (e.g. to/from the Americas, where applicable):
Enrich members and higher fare brands often receive additional allowances.
Carry-on (hand) baggage travels with you in the cabin and must fit in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. Rules vary by airline and class.
Always check your specific ticket, as some discounted fares have reduced or stricter carry-on rules.
Oversized baggage includes any checked item that exceeds standard size limits, even if it's within your weight allowance. This often applies to sports equipment, musical instruments, and large fragile items.
A common rule across many international carriers:
Because oversized and sports-equipment policies vary by airline and route (and sometimes by aircraft type), we recommend confirming fees and packing requirements when you book.
“Dangerous goods” are items that could endanger the aircraft, crew, or passengers if not handled correctly. Rules are strict and enforced by security and airline staff.
Typical restricted or regulated items include:
If you're unsure about a specific item (e.g. camping stove, medical oxygen, large aerosols), ask us or check the airline's dangerous-goods page before you pack.
Lithium batteries and power banks are among the most common dangerous goods travellers carry. Rules are strict because of fire risk in the cargo hold.
Lithium battery rules are based on capacity:
If you travel with e-bikes, e-scooters, large camera rigs, or medical devices with big batteries, contact us early so we can confirm what's allowed and whether approval is needed.
If your bags exceed your allowance in weight, number of pieces, or size, you'll usually face extra charges. These can be significant, especially if paid at the airport.
Always pre-purchase extra or heavy baggage where possible. Airport rates are almost always higher, and some fare types have limited availability for extra bags at the counter.
If you're unsure about allowances, fees, or whether a specific item is allowed, our team can check your exact itinerary and airline rules and advise the most cost-effective option. For complex baggage scenarios, especially for groups and charters, talk to our team before you pack. Speak to our travel specialist today 03 9070 7461 to check your baggage options.
