Check any musicians Instagram account and you’ll eventually see an airport pic with a trolley full of gear.
Airline baggage allowances can make travelling, an unavoidable and necessary part of being a performing musician, incredibly expensive. So, we’re reminding all Australian musicians travelling domestically to take full advantage of the musicians’ baggage allowance.
Before going any further, it’s important to note that the musicians’ baggage allowance is available to members of the state music bodies and APRA AMCOS. So, if you’re not yet a member of at least one of these, stop reading and go join up!
For existing members, the baggage allowance is available for domestic flights only through Virgin and Qantas (but not Jetstar).
What is the musicians’ baggage allowance and how do you get it?
Virgin
Virgin offers a baggage allowance of 64kg across 4 pieces of luggage, for individual musicians. It has to be booked at least 48 hours prior to departure and only applies to new bookings (no refunds if you’ve already paid normal rates for baggage).
Once you’ve booked your flight, email music@virginaustralia.com at least two days before your flight with your booking reference and state music body or APRA AMCOS membership number.
Qantas
Qantas offers a baggage allowance of 3 pieces of luggage up to 23kg each. The allowance per piece gets higher when you fly business or depending on your frequent flyer status. For a full breakdown, visit their Musicians Allowance page.
Qantas requires you request your allowance at least three days prior to departure. They also don’t guarantee you’ll be able to receive the allowance, subject to aircraft loads.
To request the allowance, email qantasagencyconnectfilmmusicbag@qantas.com.au with your booking reference, state music body or APRA AMCOS member number, and the type of instrument/s and/or equipment you’ll be travelling with.
Happy travels!
