How to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees: Smart Tips for Aussie Travellers
Refreshed February 2026 (Originally published 12 December 2025)
TL;DR: To avoid excess baggage fees, do three things: check your airline’s allowance, start with lightweight luggage, and weigh your bag at home. Then pack smarter (packing cubes, wear bulky items) and, if needed, buy extra baggage online early (it’s usually cheaper than the airport).
How do you avoid excess baggage fees in Australia?
You avoid excess baggage fees by matching your packing to the airline’s rules before you leave home: confirm weight/size limits, use a lighter suitcase, weigh your bag, and pre-purchase any extra baggage online if you’ll need it. Most overweight charges start when a checked bag goes over 23kg on airlines like Virgin Australia, and many carriers won’t accept a single checked item over 32kg.
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1) Check your airline’s baggage rules (don’t assume)
Not all airlines, or fares, are the same. Even on the same airline, inclusions can change depending on what you booked.
What to check every time
- How many checked bags are included (if any)
- The weight per bag (common thresholds include 23kg on many international carriers)
- The maximum weight per single bag (commonly 32kg)
- Size limits
Quick tip: screenshot or print the allowance page for your airline and fare type before you start packing.
Examples
- Jetstar checked baggage is purchased (up to 40kg per passenger, with 32kg max per item), and it’s cheaper when bought online.
- Virgin Australia notes an overweight fee applies if a checked bag is over 23kg up to 32kg, and anything heavier than 32kg must go as cargo.
2) Choose lightweight luggage (your easiest “instant win”)
The lighter your suitcase, the more you can pack without paying extra.
Some older suitcases can be very heavy empty. Modern designs can be much lighter, for example:
- Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport (75cm) is listed at 2.5kg on Samsonite’s product page.
- Delphin Verona Medium (66cm) is listed at 3.5kg on Luggage Direct.
3) Weigh your bag at home (before you leave)
A small digital luggage scale is one of the simplest ways to avoid check-in surprises.
What to do
- Pack normally
- Weigh the bag
- Remove or reshuffle items until you’re comfortably under the limit
4) Pack smarter (so you don’t pack heavier)
A few packing habits make a real difference:
- Roll, don’t fold (often saves space and keeps things tidy)
- Use packing cubes to compress and organise
- Wear bulky items on the plane (jackets, boots)
- Keep liquids minimal (they add up fast)
- If travelling as a family, share the load across bags
5) Know what’s secretly heavy
The items that commonly push bags over the limit:
- shoes
- jeans
- books
- electronics and chargers
- souvenirs (especially bottles)
Smart move: pack a foldable duffel for the return trip if you plan to shop.
Example: High Sierra’s Pack N Go Duffle is 0.88kg.
6) Luggage straps can help if you need to repack fast
If you get pulled up at the airport and need to shuffle items, a luggage strap can help keep an overstuffed bag under control (and make your suitcase easier to spot).
7) Upgrade your allowance early (usually cheaper than the airport)
If you know you’ll need more weight, add baggage online before you fly. Jetstar specifically notes that checked baggage is cheapest when purchased online and most expensive at the airport.
Best travel accessories to help avoid fees
- Lightweight suitcase (more usable kilos for packing)
- Luggage scale (no surprises)
- Packing cubes (compact + organised)
- Foldable duffel (extra capacity for the trip home)
Key Takeaways
- Always check baggage rules by airline + fare type before packing.
- Start with lightweight luggage so more of your allowance goes to your belongings.
- Weigh your bag at home and pack smarter with packing cubes and “wear the bulky items” tactics.
- Many airlines apply overweight fees once a checked bag goes over 23kg and often won’t accept a single item over 32kg.
- Pre-purchasing extra baggage online is typically cheaper than paying at the airport.
Ready to travel smarter?
At Luggage Direct, we stock Australia’s best range of luggage, carry-ons, and travel accessories from trusted brands like Samsonite, Antler, American Tourister and more. Whether you’re after a lightweight suitcase for international flights, a hard-shell case for extra protection, or packing cubes and TSA locks for stress-free travel, we’ve got you covered.
Shop our full range of luggage and travel accessories now. https://www.luggagedirect.com.au/
Travel better. Pack smarter. Go further with Luggage Direct.
