Qantas trims free baggage and hikes fees on flights to remote Indian Ocean islands
Qantas cut the free luggage allowance and raised extra-baggage fees on its Perth routes to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, sparking outrage among islanders and officials.
From 1 October, Qantas will limit the free checked-bag allowance on its twice-weekly Perth-to-Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands service to 23 kg, down from 30 kg, and cap any extra bag at 46 kg. The price for excess weight jumps from $3.33 to $10.26 per kilogram, a 208 percent increase. Islanders, who depend on scarce air freight for vital goods, describe the policy as punitive, with long-time resident Tracey Krepp noting the lack of alternative carriers.
Qantas says the adjustment helps control aircraft weight, reduce off-loads and free seats for tourists. Federal member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour, also special envoy for remote communities, condemned the unilateral move and sent a letter to CEO Vanessa Hudson and government ministers. Territory administrator Farzian Zainal called the community’s frustration “rightful,” while Minister for Territories Krity McBain said the flights are subsidised and the baggage change is an operational decision.
Why it matters
Higher baggage costs and lower allowances threaten essential supply deliveries to Australia's most remote island communities.
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