[Red Devil]

Yep, we've booked our flights via the Singapore Airlines website :D

We depart from Manchester and have decided to stay 2 nights in Singapore, then the onward journey to Christchurch.

We've even managed to reserve the same seats as last March, which is a bonus... not quite First Class, but otherwise well positioned.

To say we're excited is a huge understatement :D

We've not mentioned anything to our 6 year old son that we're emigrating to NZ in March. Mainly because we didn't wish to disappoint him if things went pear shaped, but also partly because we didn't fancy having months of "when are we moving to NZ".
However, this weekend we're going to mention everything to him and see what his reaction is ;)

It's really happening folks... the journey has certainly been eventful over the past 12 months. Moving back from France, applying for and gaining PR, selling property in France, etc... phew!!!

I've not had chance to read the baggage allowance, however please could someone advise what the maximum allowance is per passenger... we have PR if it helps with answers.

Thanks all :nice1

[TheNaylors]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! :bluebanana:bluebanana:bluebanana

Won't be long at all!

[BodaciousBean]

Hey congrats!! Almost there. :cheers:nice1

[victoria24]

great news simon!

[marybelle]

Congratulations !!

I think I read on here somewhere that Singapore Air has changed the rules on baggage allowances for immigrants. They have stopped the double baggage so you now only get 1 case of around 20/23kg.

Please correct me if anyone knows any different.

Marybelle

[Red Devil]

Thanks for the information Marybelle :nice1

Fortunately, we're having all our belongings shipped via 20ft container just prior to leaving, but it'll be good to know exactly what each passenger gets with regards allowance... nothing worse than being over the limit at check-in and getting all stressed ;)

Reckon I'll phone/email SA and ask some questions, plus ask for it to be confirmed in writing... on SA letter headed paper ;)

Numpty question with regards 1 item of hand luggage per passenger... does anyone know whether or not a Laptop is classed as 1 item?

Thanks

[gil]

I can't remember Red Devil (been here too long :D) but just wanted to say congratulations!!

I seem to recall all of us having a rucksack as handluggage (a school bag sized rucksack, not a gap year world tour one, I hasten to add), with laptops in those. They were quite heavy, and our littlest (9 at the time) struggled, especially with the emptying out and repacking at each customs point (we came via LA). I recall stuffing my handbag into mine, on top of the laptop and kitchen sink!!

Anyway, not long to go now, good luck,
Gil

[Carey]

When we came with SA in Aug, a lap top did count as one peice of hand luggage but do check the latest advice from SA themselves. You may have to preservere with your emails til you get correct advice1

[Kerry and David]

Congratulations on booking your flights! Almost here now. When we came out with SA in September we were allowed a laptop and a piece of hand luggage but they seem to change it all the time! As you mentioned, check with them
Good luck!

[mylesdw]

Exciting stuff eh! Let us know if you need anything sorted when/before you arrive.

[marybelle]

From what I have seen on various airlines..you can take a laptop OR a handbag OR a bag/rucksack.

Whatever SA tell you try your best to get it in writing, even if it is a printout of an email because they seem to keep changing their minds.

Keep ticking off the days!!

Marybelle

[dusk]

Whoop! :D

[rjloftus]

Hi Red Devil,

I have posted below the email we received from Singapore Airlines on Jan 12. As you can see, they say they have amended our booking references accordingly, so would assume we will not have any problems. The email we used was UK_Reservations@singaporeair.com.sg We emailed them a copy of the blue sticker in OH's passport. It is great that you an take 7kg of hand luggage, plus a laptop!

Hope this helps!! :)

Rob



Thank you for your email.

With regards to your query, the baggage allowance for economy class passengers is 20 kilos for adults and children over the age of two.

However, Passengers emigrating to New Zealand are entitled to double baggage allowance providing they are holding the correct visa.

The visa must be an unused Residence visa. If you are holding this visa you will be entitled to double baggage allowance that is 40 kilos per person on production of the visa at check in on the day of departure.

Singapore Airlines applies the weight system for checked in baggage, and as such we do not restrict the number of bags you can check-in, but if you do exceed your baggage allowance weight, excess baggage charges will apply. Please note the maximum weight of any one bag must not exceed 32 kilos, this is for health and safety reasons.

If any of the passengers are not holding the correct visa than, they are entitled for standard baggage allowance of 20 kilos per person in economy class any additional weight will be charged as per kilo.

The excess baggage charges for your flight from London to Auckland via Singapore is GBP 41.00 per kilo.

Singapore Airlines policy on cabin baggage allows you to carry one item of cabin baggage only, per passenger, which must not weigh more than 07 kilos, and must not exceed 115 cms in dimensions (height + depth + width). Apart from your 07 kilos, you can also carry any one personal item as mentioned below :

A lady’s handbag.
An overcoat.
An umbrella or walking stick.
A laptop or notebook computer.
A small camera.
A reasonable amount of reading material for the flight.

As per the document attached, you are holding an unused Residence visa to New Zealand, you are entitled for migrant baggage allowance. Your total free baggage allowance is 40 kilos in economy class any additional weight will be charged as per kilo.

We have documented your booking with regards to the same.

Thank you for choosing Singapore Airlines. [/I][/I]

[Red Devil]

Thanks Rob, that's a big help... once our passports are back from NZ House in London, we'll do exactly as you did when contacting SA.

Thanks again :nice1

[icemaiden]

I bet you can't wait to get away from this freezing Lincolnshire weather. As a matter of interest, what was the reason you chose Manchester over Heathrow? We're making plans for the move in the summer and were a little undecided about which airport to go from. How are you getting to Manchester btw?

[Mrs Pony]

yeah! congratulations!

[Red Devil]

As a matter of interest, what was the reason you chose Manchester over Heathrow? How are you getting to Manchester btw?

Hi icemaiden... the reason we chose Manchester, quite simply it's the best airport in the UK :D (IMHO)

I must admit, we came close to booking departure from Heathrow, for the main reason of flying on the new A380 airbus. However, we've used Heathrow a few times whilst living in Lincolnshire and we've not been impressed.

Besides, I'm originally from Cheshire and we've got so used to using Manchester airport as our point of departure. Also, my parents still live in Cheshire, so we'll probably end up staying at theirs the night before flying and have a free lift to the airport ;) Plus, it's such an easy commute to get to the airport itself from my parents house... no major traffic to worry about and is a pleasure to fly from.

It'll also give me one last opportunity to say farewell to the 'theatre of dreams'... that being Old Trafford and my beloved Man Utd :clap

With regards getting from Lincolnshire to Cheshire... we'll more than likely get a lift of the outlaws ;)

Best of luck with your planning and move, exciting times!

[Scotty69]

Congratulations on booking your flights :nice1

[icemaiden]

We looked at both but I'm quite excited at the prospect of travelling out on the A380. We don't have any family in the area so it is easier really for us to get on the fast train from Newark. If you fancy having a coffee or lunch sometime before you go, pm me and we could meet up one Sunday lunchtime.

[Red Devil]

... sounds good, failing that we'll get together in Chch once you're over :nice1

[luckystar]

Look forward to reading your post from NZ when you can give the low down on the whole Manchester to NZ thing as it could well be the route we take.