How much luggage can I take?

As of November 2009, a good rule of thumb is that you are allowed one small carry on bag of around 5kgs to bring onboard, and one 20kg checked in bag on most major round the world flights ticket.

The most common system used, is the weight system. This allows you to take the following amount of luggage at no extra cost to you.

• Economy Class 20-23kg (depending on the airline)

• Premium Economy/Business Class 30kg

• First Class 40kg

If you travel via the North America then there are a few airlines who still allow you to take two pieces (the piece system) of luggage (although we expect this to stop at the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010); each piece can be up to 62 inches (158cm) in total dimensions (length + height + width) and maximum weight 20kg each.

Important: If you have a ticket with several flights, bear in mind that the same baggage allowance may not apply to each flight on your itinerary! ie if you are flying a low cost carrier within Asia they are very parsimonious in their baggage allowances - 10kg is not unusual.

So if you plan on taking more than your allowance, we recommend that you contact the airline in advance so that you know what excess baggage charges to expect.

At the discretion of the airlines, you may be allowed extra baggage allowance for certain items such as sports equipment, including golf clubs, skis or a surfboard (a lot or airlines have now banned surfboards). It is essential that you confirm these details with the airlines you will be travelling with. Children (paying 50% or more of the applicable fare) will receive the adult baggage allowance. Infants (paying 10% of the applicable adult fare) will be permitted a free allowance of one checked in bag, not exceeding 20kg.