[nickbraddock]

Hi,
can anyone confirm if it is true that you get a larger luggage weight allowance if you are emigrating?? If so, how do you go about it and how much can you take??
Thanks
Nick

[Wannaway]

Hi Nick,

Yes, some airlines do allow increased weight limits if you are emigrating. I know Singapore Airlines will increase the stingy 30kg per fare paying passenger to something like 45kg, sure other major airlines would do the same. Unfortunately we could not take advantage of this because we only flew SAL to Oz and then Qantas from Oz to NZ, so you probably do need to be with same carrier from departure point to arrival.

Lee

[Jules]

Hi Nick

I think it depends which way round you go, i.e America or Singapore and which airline you use.

We went with Singapore Airlines and stopped over for 3 hours in Singapore. We phoned the airlines and told them we were emigrating, they asked us if we had residency, we said no, we were going out on work visas, but are going for residency, they said no you cant have any extra baggage :no

When we got to Heathrow and they weighed our cases, I think we were about 10kilos over, between 2 cases but they didnt say anything. We were allowed 20kilos each, which isnt much when you are emigrating, we packed and repacked our cases and had to leave some clothing behind :(

It is worth ringing the airline though and asking the question. Hope this helps.

If you do a search on the forum I think this question has been asked before :nice1

Jules

[sarahw]

Hi Nick,

Migrants - as far as I know get the same luggage allowance as normal travellers. :(

We went with Air New Zealand and got a whopping 64Kg of allowance each! :nice1 - you're only allowed 2 bags each (so weight limit 32Kg per bag) but we got through with about 50 Kgs each. Only drawback - you have to go through LAX (See LAX Nightmare thread) transit lounge.

It wasn't too bad this time really & was worth it as it was the cheapest one-way flight we could get & the weight allowance was a huge bonus!

[Michelle and Richard]

Standard via LAX is 64kg (32kg in each case) thats usual when going through that route even if not migrating.

Going East its the usual 20kg per person. Call the airline direct and ask for an extra allowance. Singapore Airlines will increase to 40kg if you have PR otherwise its just the 20kg Other airlines vary but the sooner you ask after booking the better, you often have to put a request in writing.

If they wont increase your allowance ask them what their excess charges are per kilo it is always better to negotiate this before you arrive at the airport dont leave it until check inwhere it can be as much as £15 per kilo. Airlines are getting very strict on excess baggage a few kilos is fine but much more than that and you could be in for an unpleasant suprise.

Handluggage is 7kg per person and many airlines now weigh this. On top of this ladies(or men !) can carry a hand bag, a lap top is also extra to this 7kg.

I worked for an airline in the UK for 18 years so the above should be pretty accurate, hope it helps.

Michelle

[nickbraddock]

Thanks for the advice, I'll have to look at the lax thread. I just hope we can get a few extra toys/things for my son when we eventually go so as to help him settle.
Cheers
Nick

[markkellaway]

Nick,

Just remember when you look at the LAX thread it really is very subjective. Some people didn't like the seemingly unnecessary queue for immigration etc. Factor a couple of hours of really very minor annoyance into the whole experience though and I think that it's not a big deal. Some people really did HATE the experience though, so it does depend on your own personality.

I think a bigger deal is the lack of decent on-board entertainment on Air NZ. Don't get me wrong, the films they showed were OK but only on the big screen, no seat back video :no . Air NZ are upgrading their fleet but not sure on timescales. The comfort, service and food on Air NZ were fine though.

Hope that helps a bit,

Mark. :P

[Timbo]

Copied from Air NZ site, with no strings attached. IE PR or work visa not required to qualify.

Journeys to or from the USA, US territories and Canada, including flights between New Zealand and the UK via Los Angeles (piece system)
The free allowance in all classes of travel is 2 pieces of baggage per person
No single piece of baggage should weigh more than 32kg
Each piece should not exceed total dimensions (length + width + height) of 158cm (62")
Star Alliance Gold Customers (including Airpoints Gold and Gold Elite) are permitted one additional piece of baggage with the same conditions as above
Infants are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 32kg and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45"), plus either an infant's car seat or collapsible umbrella stroller