Qantas is giving a boost to the checked baggage allowance for musicians on domestic flights. Under the changes, to take effect from April 13, 2015, musicians will have an increased allowance of three bags. The current allowance for musicians is one piece above their normal baggage allowance.
Each of the 3 bags may be up to 23kg or 32kg, depending on class of travel and frequent flyer status. The following table shows the change in allowance that will take place from April 13.
| Current Allowance | Additional Allowance for Musicians | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| On/Before 12 April | On/After 13 April | ||
| Economy | 1 piece (maximum 23kgs) | +1 piece (maximum 23kgs) | 3 pieces (max 23kgs per piece) |
| Business | 1 piece (maximum 32kgs) | +1 piece (maximum 32kgs) | 3 pieces (max 32kgs per piece) |
| Qantas Club Members | 1 piece (maximum 32kgs) regardless of travel class |
+1 piece (maximum 32kgs) | 3 pieces (max 32kgs per piece) |
| Silver Frequent Flyers | 1 piece (maximum 32kgs) Economy | +1 piece (maximum 32kgs) | 3 pieces (max 32kgs per piece) |
| 2 pieces (maximum 32kgs each) Business | +1 piece (maximum 32kgs) | 3 pieces (max 32kgs per piece) | |
| Gold Frequent Flyers | 2 pieces (maximum 23kgs) Economy | +1 piece (maximum 23kgs) | 3 pieces (max 32kgs per piece) |
| 2 pieces (maximum 32kgs each) Business | +1 piece (maximum 32kgs) | 3 pieces (max 32kgs per piece) | |
| Platinum Frequent Flyers | 2 pieces (maximum 32kgs each) regardless of travel class |
+1 piece (maximum 32kgs) | 3 pieces (max 32kgs per piece) |
The changes are being made to the Musicians Additional Baggage Allowance scheme, which is said by Qantas “to assist artists when travelling with a musical instrument or touring equipment and allow them to tour more easily and cost effectively.”
The scheme applies to all domestic Qantas and QantasLink flights with a QF flight number and operated by Qantas. The booking needs to be made at least two days prior to travel, and the need to carry musical instruments should be advised to Qantas prior to travel. Qantas ecourages musicians to book through a specialist musical travel agency, who should be able to organise the additional baggage allowance with Qantas.
In order to be eligible for the extra allowance, there are several requirements that need to be met. Aside from the need to travel with the musical instrument, travellers will need to be a member of one of the following eligible musical associations
- Association of Artist Managers
- Australian Chamber Orchestra
- Australian Independent Record Labels Association
- Australasian Performing Right Association
- Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society
- Country Music Association of Australia
- Folk Alliance
- Live Performance Australia
- Musicians Union of Australia
- Opera Australia
- AMIN member organisations the Queensland Music Network, Contemporary Music Services Tasmania, Music NSW, Music NT, Music Victoria and The Western Australian Music Industry Association
Customers may be asked to show their association membership during check in.