Musical equipment
We know that music can be an important part of travel, and there's nothing like having your own equipment with you. Find out how it can be included in your baggage allowance.
Musical instruments as carry-on baggage
Small musical instruments are permitted as carry-on baggage provided they meet the following criteria:
- maximum weight of 7kg,
- total dimensions don't exceed:
- 142cm (85cm + 34cm + 23cm) on Boeing and Airbus aircraft, or
- 105cm (48cm + 34cm + 23cm) on Dash 8 aircraft, and
- can be placed in the overhead locker.
The instrument will count as part of your carry-on allowance
Please measure your instrument before arriving at the airport. Small instruments like violins usually fit within the allowance, but larger ones like guitars do not and must be checked in. Alternatively, you can buy an extra seat for bulky items like a cello.
Increased checked baggage offer for affiliated musical associations
Members of affiliated musical associations listed below may request an additional baggage allowance when travelling on an Australian domestic Qantas or QantasLink flight (excluding Lord Howe Island flights).
Eligible members will receive a total complimentary checked baggage allowance of three pieces.
The number of pieces don't change, however the maximum weight of each piece will vary depending on your class of travel and Frequent Flyer status.
| Frequent Flyer status | Travel class | Total allowance |
| Non-members / Bronze Frequent Flyers | Economy | 3 pieces up to 23kg each |
| Business | 3 pieces up to 32kg each | |
| Qantas Club members / Silver Frequent Flyers / Gold Frequent Flyers / Platinum Frequent Flyers | Economy | 3 pieces up to 32kg each |
| Business | 3 pieces up to 32kg each |
Up to two pieces of baggage can be pre-purchased online in addition to the musical baggage allowance. This brings the total maximum number of checked baggage pieces to five pieces of checked baggage per customer.
If you booked through a travel agent, please request this additional allowance prior to travel via your booking provider. Musical baggage requests made directly to Qantas for travel agent bookings will not be processed.
All requests must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance. Late requests will not be approved, and standard airport excess baggage fees will apply.
To be eligible for the increased checked baggage offer you must:
have booked directly via qantas.com or Qantas app,
be travelling on an Australian domestic flight operated by Qantas or QantasLink (excluding Lord Howe Island flights),
be travelling with a musical instrument, and
be a current member of an affiliated musical association.
Affiliated musical associations:
Association of Artist Managers (AAM)
Australia Chamber Orchestra (ACO)
Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR)
Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA)
Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS)
Australian Music Association
Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN) including member organisations
Queensland Music Network (ARIN)
Contemporary Music Services Tasmania (ARIN)
MusicNSW (ARIN)
MusicNT (ARIN)
Music Victoria (ARIN)
MusicSA (ARIN)
MusicACT
Western Australian Music Industry Association
Band Associations of NSW, QLD, SA, Australia
Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA)
Folk Alliance Australia (FAA)
Live Performance Australia (LPA)
MEAA Symphony Orchestra Musicians Association (SOMA)
Musicians Union of Australia (MUA)
Opera Australia (OA)
Submitting a request for additional checked baggage allowance
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, email your request with the following information at least 72 hours prior to travel:
Qantas booking reference
Musical association name
Member number
Type of instrument or equipment
When approved, the increased allowance applies to all eligible Australian domestic flights in the booking reference provided.
