Which Airlines Include Free Checked Bags? Save More on Your India to Australia  Flight

Last Updated on May 12th, 2026 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

Fed up with searching for affordable flight tickets only to be CHARGED for checked bags? Well, you are certainly not alone. There is no shortage of airline companies charging passengers with heavy baggage costs. 

As such, it is necessary to find air carriers that allow you to check your baggage free of charge. Whether you are going for a holiday tour or even travelling long distances, knowledge about airlines that give you complimentary baggage services is essential.

What “Free Checked Bags” Actually Means? 

Before we discuss the special offers those airlines make concerning free checked baggage, let us understand what “free checked bag” means.

It is a standard that the below-mentioned rules apply to your booking. The total cost of your booking includes the weight (such as 23 kg per piece) and linear dimension (as much as 158 cm per piece) of your checked luggage.

The cost of checked luggage is included in most of the fares:

• Budget airlines or light/economy-lite fares do not include checked luggage, regardless of the airlines’ promotions.
• Flexible or value fares will most likely include one or several bags per person.
• If the airline includes free baggage in its services, it will add that to the basic price of the airfare.

The above-mentioned definitions will help you to make decisions while flying from Australia with several airlines. 

Airlines That Commonly Include Free Checked Bags

Airlines that generally include at least one free checked bag in many of their standard fares: 

Airline	Typical Free Checked Bag Allowance (Economy Standard)	Notes for Travelers
Qantas	1 x 30 kg (domestic & many international)	Basic/Lite fares may not include bags
Virgin Australia	1 x 23 kg (Choice/Flex fares)	The business includes 1 x 30 kg
Air New Zealand	1 x 23 kg (Standard/Choice)	Light fares may not include bags
Singapore Airlines	25 to 30  kg or 1 to 2 (depending on fare/class/routes)	Great for Bali–Sydney–Singapore trips
Emirates, Qatar, Etihad	Usually 25 to 35 kg	Premium for long‑haul to Middle East or Europe
Japan Airlines, ANA	2 x 23 kg	Ideal for Australians heading to Japan
Jetstar / Scoot	No free checked baggage on basic fares	Buy the bundled bag online for savings

SUGGESTED – Air India Baggage Allowance on International and Domestic Flights

Airlines Where You Usually Pay Extra for Checked Bags? 

However, it is not mandatory that all airlines offer complimentary checked bags included within their base fares. There are some low-cost airlines and “lite” fare types that offer cheaper tickets to travellers by excluding such baggage benefits from their offers, which results in travellers having to purchase extra baggage.

Jetstar, Virgin Australia Lite & Scoot Lite

Generally, budget airfares offered by Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia Lite, and Scoot Lite do not provide free baggage allowance. While budget flights seem to offer low prices at first, baggage costs can increase the overall price quickly, mainly for long-haul flights originating from Australia. In most cases, passengers find it more economical to book baggage before arriving at the airport.

South-west Airlines

While most low-cost airlines limit their passengers to just one checked bag per passenger, South-west is special in that it provides two complimentary bags, weighing up to 23 kilograms, for all its customers without favouritism. 

Allegiant Air & Other Ultra-Low-Cost Airlines

Airline companies, including Allegiant Air & Frontier Airlines, commonly charge extra for checked luggage & carry-on luggage as well as for seat selection. Low-cost carriers offer extremely cheap base prices; however, they charge passengers more for extras. In case you are travelling outside your country or bringing several bags, it is advisable to read the airline baggage policy.

SUGGESTED – Singapore Airlines Baggage Allowance for Business and Economy Class

How to Spot Free Checked Bags When Booking? 

For flights departing from any Australian gateway, below are tips for having free checked bags:

• Fare Description: Check for tags like “Incl. 1 bag 23 kg” or “Checked Baggage: 1 x 23 kg” in your fare description.
• Fares Comparison: If “Basic” has no bag while “Standard” includes one, the rate will vary by just a few dollars. It’s better to pay this small extra charge than the airport charges.
• Baggage Allowance Page: There is always a baggage allowance page for each airline. For Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Scoot, and other airlines’ international departures, you can find their baggage allowance page.
• Comparing Fares: On most travel websites, there will be baggage-included icons (like a suit with a tick inside).

SUGGESTED – Etihad baggage allowance for carry-on and checked baggage 

Looking for Airlines With Free Checked Bags for Your India Trip?

Explore low-priced Australia to India flight routes with airlines offering better baggage allowances and smoother international travel. 

• Bangalore To Adelaide Flights
• Chennai To Adelaide Flights
• Delhi To Melbourne Flights
• Goa To Melbourne Flights
• Bangalore To Perth Flights
• Kolkata To Perth Flights
• Chennai To Sydney Flights
• Cochin To Sydney Flights
• Ahmedabad To Brisbane Flights
• Amritsar To Brisbane Flights
• Ahmedabad To Australia Flights
• Amritsar To Australia Flights

Conclusion

Awareness of airlines that provide complimentary luggage helps Australian travellers make their flight bookings within their financial and comfort budgets. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and most international airlines tend to offer complimentary luggage in their normal fares, whereas Jetstar, Scoot, and many other low-cost airlines either cover complimentary luggage in their packages or do not offer it at all.

By being aware of the fare packages and selecting one that includes a free checked bag, travellers can be assured of an effortless and hassle-free flying experience without any surprise charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do international flights include free checked baggage?

A: Yes, most international airlines from Australia include at least one free checked bag on long-haul routes. However, baggage allowance depends on the airline, fare type, destination, and cabin class.

Q: Which Australian airline has the best baggage allowance?

A: Qantas is often considered one of the best Australian airlines for baggage allowance, especially on international flights. Many fares include 23kg to 30kg checked baggage, while premium cabins receive even higher limits.

Q: Do budget airlines offer free checked bags?

A: Most low-cost airlines do not provide free checked baggage in standard fares. Airlines like Jetstar Airways and Ryanair usually charge extra for checked luggage unless you purchase a bundled fare.

Q: How can I avoid paying airline baggage fees?

A: To avoid airline baggage charges, choose airlines with free checked bags; travel light with cabin baggage only; use airline loyalty programmes; or book fare types that already include baggage allowance.

Q: Which airlines allow 2 free checked bags internationally?

A: Several international carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways may offer two free checked bags on selected international routes and premium fare classes.

Q: Is checked baggage free on flights from Australia to India?

A: Yes, many airlines operating flights from Australia to India include free checked baggage. Airlines such as Air India, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines often provide generous baggage allowances on these routes.

Q: What is the standard free checked baggage allowance?

A: The standard checked baggage allowance for economy class is usually 20kg to 30kg per passenger, depending on the airline and route. Some airlines also follow the piece concept, allowing one or two checked bags.

Q: Do airline loyalty programmes give extra baggage allowance?

A: Yes, frequent flyer members and elite status passengers often receive additional free checked baggage. Programmes from Qantas and Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer commonly provide extra baggage benefits.

Q: Which airlines offer the cheapest flights with free baggage?

A: Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Thai Airways often provide competitive international fares from Australia along with complimentary checked baggage.

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