I tried to offload some excess kn baggage on a virgin once ...

From the virgin website:

quote:

---

Bulky Baggage
Some items are bigger or bulkier than usual. This information outlines weight allocations packing instructions for larger items.

Guests Travelling with Sporting Equipment:Sporting Equipment counts towards guests’ free baggage allowance.


Each Item of sporting equipment will individually represent 5kgs of a guests free total baggage allowance, irrespective of the actual weight of the item.

For example, a bicycle that weighs 10kgs will represent 5kgs of the guests’ free baggage allowance. If the free baggage allowance is 20kgs, this leaves 15kgs for other items. These items include but are not to be restricted to the following:

bicycles
golf clubs
snow skis
surfboards
cricket / tennis bags

---

So if ur other luggage (clothes) isn't over 20, should be fine.
Flying home tomorrow... will let you know if we get slugged as well.

(and I mean KC as Rellie's victim)

Oh No! Its the only reason i travel with Virgin , I already booked my ticket n heading home soon so dont forget to let us us know Missy, how you got on
crowded kitespots,,, excess luggage charges,,, Lack of (available)talent,, im out of here anyway kitesurfing is Gay!

Does that mean the Golf bag trick won't work any more????

if it is on the website and then they make you pay, is that classed as "false advertising" and is illegal?

ok, what would happen if i sent this to virgin? (all true)
I was charged $80 for excess baggage on my flight from melbourne to hamilton island.
the website states that sporting equipment counts as 5kgs, with this rule my bags weighed less than 20kgs.
when i arrived at the airport i was charged and extra $80, they said that policy ended on january 1 2007.
i rechecked the website (13 jan 2007), the website still advertises the spoting good policy with no mention of it not applying to flights this year.
i spoke to a virgin representitive, he informed me the itinerary is where i should get my information from and it would state that the policy is no longer active.
i thoroughly read the itinerary, there was no mention of the sporting goods policy.
As there was no way for me to know that the policy was not in effect i am entitled to have the policy apply for my flight.
I expect the $80 to be returned to me immediatly

Cliff,

I posted on this topic a week or so ago when I had the same experience, nearly, at Virgin check in. (ref: www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21850). I got lucky - my 35kgs or so of kite gear, in a box and board bag, got counted as 2 lots of 5kgs..hence the excess baggage charge was quite reasonable compared to the initially suggested $165 (I think the check in officer didn't want to deal with a passenger passing out in what was a very busy queue with a few aggros getting grumpy).

I suspect em has the right understanding: "Does that mean the Golf bag trick won't work any more????" That is, I think an item might count as 5kgs but a bag packed full of heaps of different kiting gear might count as the greater of its actual weight and 5kgs for every piece in the bag (though surely a legit golf bag with gold clubs etc still counts as 5kgs?)

It would be very good to have it clarified by VirginBlue. So please post here if you get any sort of helpful reply. Good luck.

We'll be missen you...bad pun. Wind left with y'all.

It may be a policy they were trying out during the christmas holiday period due to increased amount of baggage period, if so, not very bussiness like if origanal policy still posted on website.

If I was flying virgin, I'd check their website before going to the airport.

If it states this:


From the virgin website:


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulky Baggage
Some items are bigger or bulkier than usual. This information outlines weight allocations packing instructions for larger items.

Guests Travelling with Sporting Equipment:Sporting Equipment counts towards guests’ free baggage allowance.


Each Item of sporting equipment will individually represent 5kgs of a guests free total baggage allowance, irrespective of the actual weight of the item.

For example, a bicycle that weighs 10kgs will represent 5kgs of the guests’ free baggage allowance. If the free baggage allowance is 20kgs, this leaves 15kgs for other items. These items include but are not to be restricted to the following:

bicycles
golf clubs
snow skis
surfboards
cricket / tennis bags
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd take a copy of this with me, having put my name at the top:
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Name,

Thank you for completing our online feedback form. As a rapidly expanding, guest focused airline we appreciate the time you have taken to forward your valuable comments and concerns.

It was with regret to read of your disappointment regarding Virgin Blue’s excess baggage policy in relation to the carriage of sporting equipment. Although recent discussions have taken place regarding the revision of our current policy, I would like to confirm that no changes have been implemented and our excess baggage charges remain unchanged.

I do appreciate the miscommunication regarding this policy has brought about some confusion within sporting organisations and apologise for any frustration caused. Please be advised that all policies are subject to change at anytime and when such changes occur we endeavour wherever possible to ensure the correct information is provided to our travelling public.

In closing, I certainly hope that this information has addressed your concerns and that you will continue to include Virgin Blue in any future travel plans.

Kind regards,

Aimee Delaforce
Guest Relations Coordinator
Virgin Blue Airlines
__________________


And I would'nt pay excess, I'd be firm, but not to vocal. Just stick to your guns.

Just flew back from Perth to Melbourne today on virgin.
Wife and I plus 4 year old and 6 month old, baggage checked in 3 big travel bags, 1 pram, 1 car seat, 'Coffin board bag' with a surfboard, 2 kite boards, 2 kites and gear total wieght of bag 35kg total wieght of all baggage over 110kg, shouls have had onle 60kg. Paid no excess!!! Was well impressed, fly Virgin again!

Hi.
When travelling with Children, I notice that airlines tend not to charge excess baggage. The check in staff only weigh the baggage that you check in with them. Anything larger tends to be directed to the oversize baggage area and is often not weighed. Prams, portable cots, parents and childs surfboards etc. This is not to say that you go overboard and overtly overstep the allowances.

WHAT ... kn offended by the views expressed on this forum ... never

hey guys,

i had the same problem coming back from nz.. had 2 sporting bags snowboard and my kite bag, got slugged $400 in excess baggage fee's apparently they are still not aloud to weigh any more than 15kgs if they do u have to pay the excess, and i thought i found a loop hole :)