One of the biggest announcements to come out of this years BIGSOUND music conference in Queensland was a deal struck between airline Virgin Australia and national body The Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN) regarding baggage deals for bands.
The dreaded excessive baggage charge has long been a thorn in the side of touring bands, but under the new deal each band member will receive 32kg of checked luggage across up to three pieces of luggage, with the option of purchasing another 32kg for $15. Bands may also be able to ‘pool’ their baggage allowance across their travelling group.
At the time many musicians were wondering how they could qualify for the deal and now AMIN and Virgin Australia have officially launched the offer and gone into detail on how you can qualify.
This baggage allowance is available on Virgin Australia-owned and operated domestic services only and must be booked or pre-purchased at least 48 hours prior to departure. This offer applies to all new bookings and cannot be provided in retrospect, and Virgin Australia will not refund normal baggage charges already paid.
To be eligible for this special offer, Musicians must be financial or bona fide members of one of the following:
• AMIN’s member organisations: Queensland Music Network; Contemporary Music Services Tasmania; Music NSW; Music NT; Music Victoria and The Western Australian Music Industry Association.
• Association of Artist Managers;
• Australian Independent Record Labels Association;
• The Australasian Performing Right Association;
• The Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society;
• Live Performance Australia;
• Musicians Union of Australia;
• Country Music Association of Australia;
• Folk Alliance;
Bookings of less than 10 guests can be made through regular travel agents or specialist music industry travel agencies such as Show Group, Moves Travel Group, Stage and Screen, or Travel Beyond.
If you wish to book direct you can do so via Virgin Australia’s website, www.virginaustralia.com . Once your booking is completed please email [email protected] and advise your itinerary reference, the number of bags and weight you will be carrying, details of the Australian Music Industry body you are a member of plus the membership number, and your contact details.
Any booking of 10 or more guests should be done through Virgin’s normal Business Events and Groups bookings process.
You can download the full guidelines of the scheme here on the AMIN website.
