Qantas, who were caught on the back foot last year when rival airline Virgin Australia launched a special baggage deal for bands, has announced the launch of their own scheme to help reduce to costs for Australia’s musicians who tour around the country.
Available immediately, the baggage deal will be available on all Qantas domestic services and will give eligible musicians who request in advance an additional baggage allowance of one additional piece.
To be eligible musicians must be a registered member of a recognised music body, travelling in groups of 9 or less, be travelling with a musical instrument or touring equipment, and must make the request in advance. The weight allowance of each piece of baggage is determined by your class of travel and Frequent Flyer status. See allowances below:
Economy
1 piece (max 23kg) + 1 piece (max 23kg)
Business
1 piece (max 32kg) + 1 piece (max 32kg)
Qantas Club (regardless of travel class)
1 piece (max 32kg) + 1 piece (max 32kg)
Silver Frequent Flyers Economy
1 piece (max 32kg) + 1 pece (max 32kg)
Silver Frequent Flyers Business
2 pieces (max 32kg each) + 1 piece (max 32kg)
Gold Frequent Flyers Economy
2 pieces (max 32kg each) + 1 piece (max 23kg)
Gold Frequent Flyers Business
2 pieces (max 32kg each) + 1 piece (max 32kg)
Platinum Frequent Flyers (regardless of travel class)
2 pieces (max 32kg each) + 1 piece (max 32kg)
Unlike the Virgin deal however bands will not be able to pool their allowance across members, and the maximum weight for each piece cannot exceed 32kg. You will however be able to pre-purchase more baggage allowance if needed for $20 a piece up to two pieces.
Recognised music bodies who are part of the deal are AIR, Music Victoria, WAM, Music NT, CMST, MusicSA, QMusic, MusicNSW, APRA, LPA, Folk Alliance or Country Music Association. Customers may be asked to show their association membership number during check in.
A spokesperson from AIR said that while they welcome and commends the Qantas announcement, the fact that Virgin Australia they have a full-time music industry liaison officer and are implementing a long term music industry strategy makes them AIR’s preferred airline in Australia.
Still, for musicians who prefer Qantas or who have racked up frequent flyer points you can book your flights through your preferred travel agent, a specialist music industry agent, or via their website www.qantas.com .
If booking online, musicians will need to request the deal by emailing [email protected] listing their booking reference, musical association, membership number and type of musical instrument at least two days before departure. A confirmation email will be sent once the request has been approved and booking updated.
