Leaving Australia - Can I Please Ask for Recommendations of Good/Inexpensive Large Luggage Bags to Take on The Flight out?

DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 16:17
Last edited 04/11/2021 - 16:18

Good day, all.

My apologies MODs as I couldn't find a subforum that would fit this, as I was between "apparel/fashion" and "travel", so if this fits somewhere else, please let me know or feel free to move it.

Without getting into too much detail, Australia is no longer home and we're leaving ASAP.

Can I please ask for recommendations on good quality but inexpensive large travel bags that can take a beating as we'll have to ping around a few airports before settling finally on a destination?
I'm not a big traveller and in fact, have only travelled internationally once, so not sure what brands/models I should be going for, while at the same time, we can't spend a lot of money, as we'll have to focus on covering our costs and life in the new location for a good long while.

At first, we'll need 2 large bags, but depending on how much an extra bag costs with the air traffic companies, I may got for a total of 4 extra instead of 2 (we already have 2 bags that should suit our needs).

I'm willing to spend approx $200 or so per luggage bag.

I appreciate your input and time dedicated to helping a mate out.

Thanks

Travel

closed Comments

  • Xistn on 04/11/2021 - 16:17
    +33

    Red, white and blue bags ;)

    • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 16:18

      Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Could you please clarify?
      Thanks

        • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 16:24

          Thank you very much.
          I've Googled it (had never heard of those) but I'm not willing to trust my belongings to that.

          I need something beefier.

          Thank you.

          • Yummy on 04/11/2021 - 17:44
            +13

            @DigSpider: Red white and blue times 3.

          • bdl on 04/11/2021 - 23:38
            +5

            @DigSpider: If they can handle Uncle Roger's Grandma's stash of imported MSG, they will be strong enough for your stuff :)

            You can also get the upgraded version: https://mikeshouts.com/balenciagas-interpretation-of-the-ico…

            OP, have you considered simple, good quality double walled packing boxes? Cheap, can take a beating, then you can get nice luggage when you need it.
            edit: oh, I just saw someone else suggested moving boxes too

            good luck with the move!

            • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 10:47
              +1

              @bdl: Thank you very much, mate!
              Yes, I will consider moving my "not so urgent" stuff via sea, but the quote I got was about 7-8 months ETA for delivery (due to COVID shenanigans all over the world), so I'd like to take as much of my stuff with me as I can, to be able to live and work through these 8 months.

              I have decided, thanks to so many kind people here, to combine a few dufflebags for clothes and a few hard shelled cases for other breakables, combined with clothes.

              Thanks for your recommendation and I should feel sorry for people stupid enough to pay those prices on a flimsy bag, just because it's got a designer's name on it, but I don't. :D

              I'll always side with paying fair prices for good stuff, and the kind members of this forum have given me plenty of options to choose from.
              Thanks again and have a good one!

              • humanpiranha on 06/11/2021 - 23:51

                @DigSpider: If you're still on the lookout I can recommend the American Tourister Airconic for check-in luggage: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07ZTJ7R5J

                I got this one and packed almost full it came in at like 31kg, everything inside was fine on the other side. Has 10 year global warranty and is quite light (3.2 KG? for its size)

                You can check out "Bags to Go" website for maybe better prices with vouchers/discounts.

                American Tourister is a decent brand, and there are other good ones but they are international based and its a pita right now to get them into Aus. Then you have your obvious Samsonite brands and what not (American Tourister is under Samsonite actually)

          • 91rs on 06/11/2021 - 18:28
            +1

            @DigSpider: "I'm not a big traveller and in fact, have only travelled internationally once, so not sure what brands/models I should be going for"

            So you admit you know nothing and don't travel yet reject a genuine solution?
            Pre-covid in the last 10+ years I've travelled a sh!t load, The amount of red/white/blue bags I've seen at airports around the world is a sign they're suitable. No they're not glamorous looking but cheap and functional, and given you're asking this on OZB that's the exact reply people provide.
            If in doubt have them wrapped at those wrapping stations at the airport for extra security but they will more than do the job.
            The upsides are cheap and very light weight meaning you get more stuff in them for your allowance.

            Otherwise feel free to spend a couple hundred dollars per bag but you're throwing away and paying for less luggage capacity.
            You could try places like Aussie Disposals for duffle bags etc in large sizes, those are often cheap (<$100 per) and come in some decent sizes.

            Cardboard boxes are another option but check that there isn't a size limit (max size before its oversized and not included as luggage or gives you check-in grief) or weight limit. While our limits here for flyers can be generous once you arrive sometimes they give you grief over weights on domestic flights even when it's part of your ticket due to their own local policies about max weights for staff to lift which is often under what the carrier you've flown in on will offer.

            But congrats on getting the F out of Australia, I know so many planning the same.

          • juki on 07/11/2021 - 00:48

            @DigSpider: getting a large bag is not the only issue, you also need something light becaus eof weight restrictions.
            Large army surplus duffle bags are good if you have nothing fragile

          • SSJX on 07/11/2021 - 06:20

            @DigSpider: Just make sure you don't get it mixed up with the LV and Balenciaga versions of it

            https://nitrolicious.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-gallery/1006/…
            https://mikeshouts.com/balenciagas-interpretation-of-the-ico…

    • bobbified on 04/11/2021 - 17:04
      +4

      Travel and cheap/disposable baggage…. those bags would be the first thing that would come to every asian's mind! lol.

      • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 17:31
        +1

        Yeah, I'm not Asian, so that went over my head at first. I had to Google it up. :D

      • ATangk on 06/11/2021 - 19:11

        红白蓝

    • HeWhoKnows on 05/11/2021 - 18:14

      Facebook and Gumtree

    • HeWhoKnows on 05/11/2021 - 19:16

      Shipping containers going for $7000 each

      • DigSpider on 06/11/2021 - 10:24
        +2

        More like $ 15000 for a full-sized container to the Americas, including the removalists to add stuff to the container for you.

        • juki on 07/11/2021 - 00:50

          do you need a full size, some companies will group you, i think it was 3000eur from europe to australia for 15m3. however i believe shipping costs have gone up with covid

  • Hybroid on 04/11/2021 - 16:18
    +1

    Sorry to hear about your predicament causing you to depart.

    Without knowing your budget or size requirements, something like this might be ideal: https://www.amazon.com.au/American-Tourister-Hardside-Carry-…

  • SnoozeAndLose on 04/11/2021 - 16:19
    +3

    If it is within your travel allowance, you can take as many bags as you want.

    Red white blue bag is good for 1 off use

    • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 16:23
      -1

      Thank you very much.
      I've Googled it (had never heard of those) but I'm not willing to trust my belongings to that.

      I need something beefier.

      Thank you.

      • Love a bargain on 05/11/2021 - 13:16
        +2

        They don't offer much protection to the content but they're light-as (which allows you to pack more of your belongings into the same check in baggage allowance), tough (as in not tear/rip easily) and water resistant to a certain extent. So kinda perfect for things like clothes etc.

  • skid on 04/11/2021 - 16:23
    +3

    $200 is plenty good enough to last a few trips. You could get away with $100/bag.

  • Muzeeb on 04/11/2021 - 16:29
    -7

    Good Riddance.

    Decent quality and great value. Available from all good luggage shops.

  • itx on 04/11/2021 - 16:40

    I personally think Costco offers reasonably good quality suitcases at a great price - e.g.:
    https://www.costco.com.au/Clothing-Luggage-Handbags/Luggage/…
    and https://www.costco.com.au/Clothing-Luggage-Handbags/Luggage/…
    (they may be cheaper in store so worth going to have a look)

    They're not the sleekest or lightest, but otherwise perfectly fine.

    If you're going to be travelling around before heading to your final destination, consider bringing just one smaller suitcase per person and asking a friend to help ship the rest of your stuff out to you when you're ready - carrying a heap of luggage can be inconvenient and stressful.

    • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 16:55

      Thank you very much.

      Looking at your recommendations, I've clicked the top and found these:
      https://www.costco.com.au/Clothing-Luggage-Handbags/Luggage/…

      Seem to be very sturdy and would do the trick just fine. Any cons for this brand or this specific model, by any chance?
      It'd be just perfect if I could purchase just the large bag, without having to pay extra for the smaller one, but I suppose it is what it is.

      Thanks!

      • bdl on 04/11/2021 - 23:43
        +1

        Just gumtree/fb marketplace the smaller one off

      • bargainator9 on 06/11/2021 - 15:45
        +2

        When in store at Costco, see if they have any of their Kirkland branded suitcases. These are just rebranded samsonite cases at a much lower price. I have a couple Of them, fantastic product. Plus, Costco return policy (last I asked) is worldwide, so if they fail you can return them to a Costco in your new country (if they have them).

  • Peter Enis on 04/11/2021 - 16:56
    +3

    If you have a TK Maxx near you I would recommend taking a look. I bought a reasonable quality hard shell case for $40 many years ago and it has survived a good number of trips, I reckon it has quite a bit of life left in it as well.

  • dirtybigbjelke on 04/11/2021 - 16:56
    +1

    Just get some duffle bags from Black Wolf. You should pre-book any excess luggage otherwise you will get bent over with costs. ideal for clothes and soft stuff but don't offer any protection. Handy because they can be stuffed into the boot of taxis where hard luggage can't

    • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 17:05

      Great point! Yes, that'd be a problem for me, definitely.
      Any recommendation of models from Black Wolf and where to get the best price on them?
      I'll try their main website, but I've heard they also sell on Anaconda as well, but not sure about other places.

      Thank you!

  • wekimekigugudan on 04/11/2021 - 17:11

    Leaving Australia

    oh no

  • websterp on 04/11/2021 - 17:14
    +2

    Since you have mentioned that you are not a frequent traveller so you could go for something cheap and perhaps single use throwaways. Have a look at Kmart suitcases and luggage and/or used ones from Gumtree/FBM.

    • Muzeeb on 04/11/2021 - 17:27
      +13

      used ones from Gumtree/FBM.

      Don't do this. Could have traces of drugs or ammunition or anything banned. Not worth the potential hassle.

      • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 17:29
        +1

        Good point. My concerns were mainly about hygiene, but what you said is even more important and could cause me an endless headache at airports.

        Thanks!

  • bazingaa on 04/11/2021 - 17:17

    Salvos/Vinnes are selling used travelling bags. I think you can ship your belongings with sea freight for a cheaper price.

  • keejoonc on 04/11/2021 - 17:37
    +1

    I recently got new luggage (American Tourister Airconic range) for the upcoming holiday and if you are after a light weight hard case luggage, this is a great option.
    I hate heavy luggage as they eat into your luggage limit. Airconics are only 3.2kg for the 76cm bag.

  • djones145 on 04/11/2021 - 18:06
    +1

    if you dont need to bring anything, buy when you get there
    so much cheaper
    so plan it so you go to say America first

    • Flying Ace on 06/11/2021 - 10:07

      Buying enough clothes and everything else to live comfortably is cheaper than buying a couple of sub-$200 suitcases?

      ???
      ???

    • DigSpider on 06/11/2021 - 10:19
      -4

      It's a different world, now. Whether we want to accept it or not, it's the sad reality.
      It's now a time where we no longer have access to everything and anything we want at affordable prices and, not only will we face harsher shortages (food, clothing, machinery etc) but their prices will increase.

      So I'm sticking with my belongings and will have to pay to move them around, at least until people see reason again and supply chains are not decimated.

      Thanks.

  • tmcn85 on 04/11/2021 - 18:26
    +1

    I've got a nice sturdy hard case from American Tourister which is strong, but you need to factor the weight of the bag itself. Mine weighs about 5kg which is a big chunk of anyones allowance.

  • eug on 04/11/2021 - 19:53
    +2

    If you're not planning on moving again anytime soon (and so won't need the bags again so soon), you could also consider using strong moving cardboard boxes. That'll save weight and be strong enough for things like clothes. You can wrap them in plastic at the airport for extra protection.

    • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 19:56

      This is something I'd never heard before and honestly never considered!
      Since I'm going to ping through some countries where I'm not super confident in the whole security aspect of, I'd still only feel more confident and safe with my belongings if it's a regular bag.
      Thanks, though.

      • eug on 04/11/2021 - 20:01

        Well, another benefit to a cardboard box is that they don't look attractive (I hear sometimes nice bags get stolen for the bags themselves), and they're difficult to steal from as the thief can't just pop a zip or lock, steal something, then close it again. They're also more awkward to sneak off with as they don't have a handle, and they're a large cube rather than a slim rectangle.

        In any case, enjoy your destination!

        • DigSpider on 04/11/2021 - 20:29

          Thank you for the input. Indeed, you presented some very good points and gave me some ideas :D

          Thanks again for taking the time to share. I have learned a lot with this topic.

          I appreciate everyone who took the time to formulate a good response and provide some tips to the community.
          Cheers!

  • Stewardo on 04/11/2021 - 22:07
    +1

    I can remember a “migrant fare” where the airlines gave migrants double baggage allowance, not sure if that still exists. Would be worth looking into.

    • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 09:53
      -1

      Thank you very much!
      Although, with the current amount of Aussies leaving (or planning on leaving) Australia permanently or semi-permanently, I doubt they will be offering anything.
      Still, I'll certainly look into it. Thank you!

  • Wystri Warrick on 04/11/2021 - 22:20
    +2

    Without getting into too much detail, Australia is no longer home and we're leaving ASAP.

    Wait Scotty from marketing wants to shake your hand before you go

      • Wystri Warrick on 05/11/2021 - 11:11

        Wish you all the best with your new life digaumspider :)

        If you're after quality travel luggage on the cheap check out op shops. I picked up a large hard case American Tourister in New condition for $30

      • sheamas88 on 06/11/2021 - 09:51
        +3

        You should ask yourself (not you, Wystri, but those thinking like the example I gave) how long can our beloved country survive if the real income-generating people leave in droves and all you're left with is a bunch of house-flipping "investors" and a government/RBA printing money ad-eternum?

        The kind of people who turn tail and run as soon as things get tough are the kind of people who didn't deserve a great country like Australia to begin with.

        Many like me have invested time and money in Australia because we love the place and, many, like me, can work from pretty much anywhere, so I'll be taking my income elsewhere and my job will not be vacant here, as I'll be performing it from somewhere else. And whichever country I eventually land on a permanent basis will be getting my taxes and investment.

        Assuming you're working for an Australian based company, then you are still investing your time and money into Australia, you aren't punishing anyone by running away. The company is generating profits from your work and paying tax on it to the benefit of everyone except the people who fled, so thanks for that! If you're not working for an Aussie company who is paying tax, then no-one cares about your "contributions" since you were already working to the benefit of some foreign entity anyway

        • DigSpider on 06/11/2021 - 10:29
          +3

          I'm not going to dox myself or get into any more detail, but I don't work for an Australian company and I'm well aware of where my money comes from and, more importantly, where it goes to.
          I know a few more who, like me, either have their own businesses, work for non-Australian companies or generate their income from anywhere and they understand this scenario and are also making moves/planning for it.

          If you're in an abusive relationship where only one side has the monopoly of the use of force, sticking around getting beaten over and over again is just being masochistic, and I'm not.

      • Vote for Pedro on 06/11/2021 - 09:55
        +1

        You seem to be alluding to something but not saying it. Go on, have the kahunas to say it.

      • payless69 on 06/11/2021 - 10:30

        Sad to see you being negged! Overall you are totally right. I feel the same way. Had good times in the past but things have changed. I am surprised you have not had more international travel.

        • DigSpider on 06/11/2021 - 10:44
          +4

          Cheers, mate.
          Yeah, like I said, don't want to dox myself here, but there are reasons as to why I didn't travel internationally (via planes) much. Nothing illegal as I'm 200% law-abiding and never even had a speeding ticket to my name, it's just personal.

          But me being negged was expected, that's why I avoided the topic. I know it's going to hit a nerve and the overwhelming majority is not ready to accept the reality yet. Perhaps they will, in a few years and then I have hope for change, but not right now, not like this.

          Thanks for your comment and good luck.

          • Assburg on 07/11/2021 - 01:54
            +1

            @DigSpider: Just wanted to say, I feel you man. I leave in January. I don't really care about the covid stuff, because that's really insignificant in comparison to how corrupt state politicians are, and how incompetent their federal counterparts are…

            But it's the majority here that elect them, there's literally nothing we can do about that. The notion that democratic countries will only ever be as good as its people are politically engaged rings closer to home than ever.

            Those who stay can enjoy the system rigged towards landowners and against the working class.. But it's exactly as you say, stops working when the working class leaves.

  • morse on 04/11/2021 - 22:26

    I always travel internationally with a wheeled duffle something like this https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/detail/samsonite-albi-small…
    I actually got mine from Aldi quite cheaply, so not super classy but suits. The reason I go for this style is most of the time you can just wheel it, but if you need to carry it up steps, over water, lift it onto something you can hoick it on your shoulder to carry it for a bit and the strap is decent for lifting. I also find this style is lighter than suitcases. It’s also compatible with having a carry on back pack at the same time and a ski or snowboard bag slung over the shoulder as well.

    It’s not clear if you’re moving over seas and stopping a few places on the way? If so you’ll likely need something bigger.

    • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 09:42
      +1

      Moving overseas on a semi-permanent basis, at least until Australia snaps out of this madness.
      So yeah, we'll have to take everything we own with us.

      Of course, some of the stuff we can afford to wait 7 months for will be shipped with a half-container to our final destination, but we'll need a lot of stuff to live through these 7-8 months (ETA provided to me by the container company, due to COVID shenanigans all over the world with freight ships and containers atm).
      So that's why we're planning on taking about 3 large bags with each one of us, so we can carry the more important clothing articles and basic stuff we'll need (power adaptors, laptops, hygiene to last a while etc).

      Thanks!

      • Love a bargain on 05/11/2021 - 13:25
        +1

        Some of the stuff you've mentioned can be purchased at your destination for less than it costs to ship them. Toiletries products, for example, are typically heavy but relatively cheap to buy. Similarly, your basic t-shirts are probably not worth the extra baggage fees (but could be worth the seafreight costs).

        • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 13:34

          You're absolutely right.

          I'll be taking the basic toiletries to last me the first month of two (you never know with COVID how long you may be required to quarantine), but all the rest will be left to be shipped via container.

  • weezlebub on 05/11/2021 - 09:27

    if it were me, i'd be looking for second hand, facebook market place, gumtree, op-shops or DFO's to get the cheapest deal if you don't care about that sort of stuff

    • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 10:01

      This comment outlines why I won't be taking this route:
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/11292142/redir

      But thank you for the recommendation. I appreciate it.

      • Flying Ace on 06/11/2021 - 10:09

        I think this is such a small factor to be worried about.

        Someone smuggling drugs would not donate their suitcase to an op shop.

  • OzHunterNSW on 05/11/2021 - 10:02
    +1

    Why don't you visit a travel luggage shop that deals specifically with products catering to such needs, as you describe?

    Have you thought of that, or are you expecting us to purchase the luggage as well?

    • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 10:15
      -8

      What a brilliant idea! Ask a salesperson what is the best brand for your needs!
      Why hadn't I thought of that sooner? Next, I'll ask a Real Estate salesperson for recommendations on the best houses to buy.

      Thank you for enlightening all of us with your incredible brilliance and spending the time and energy to share your novel ideas with the rest of us.

      To everyone else, who actually dedicated their time to help: I honestly thank you and I have learned quite a bit from your recommendations, words of caution and tips in general. Thank you!

  • numloxx on 05/11/2021 - 10:06
    +1

    I've had two Samsonite suitcases for over 10 years and use them for FIFO and they have lasted.

    • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 10:16

      Thanks, mate. Good to hear recommendations on a brand. I'll possibly get a few Samsonite hard cases and a few duffles, as other members recommended.

      • AndiP1954 on 05/11/2021 - 11:06
        +1

        Samsonite never fails, but is more expensive than American Tourister whose hard shell lines are very sturdy, even the cheaper lines like the Linex American Tourister I have. That and my Samsonite Signature line (one of their cheaper lines) have been through hell and back with only a few scratches, never a cracked shell like other folks I know who bought less expensive brands.

        My cloth luggage is Travelpro brand and has been around the world several times and still look new.

        I used a duffle bag from London to Nashville with no issue. I even forgot to remove the handles/straps to put them in a side pocket (because handles/straps get caught on conveyer belts), but in using the same bag domestically between Nashville and LA , even with the handles removed, the bag was ripped. If you use a duffle make sure its cloth is super heavy duty.

        • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 11:08

          Thank you very much once again, mate!
          Suggestions taken and I definitely will be wrapping my duffle bags to try and reduce the chance of them getting ripped. I know it's not the end-all be-all solution, but it helps by adding an extra layer to be ripped, rather than the main cloth.

          Thanks again!

  • AndiP1954 on 05/11/2021 - 10:53
    +1

    I've traveled internationally for over 30 years. I always stuff as much as I can in as big of a bag as I can. I often travel with easily breakable items. There is a certain type of soda I like I can't find many places so I'll travel with 15 or so 20oz plastic bottles of Ruby Red Squirt crammed in my luggage; never lost one since I started doing that in 1996.

    You need good quality sturdy luggage that will not fall apart when abused by certain baggage handlers.
    You need to put the easily breakable items in the hard shell bags (keep in mind that some cheap hard shell cases are easily cracked when knocked around) and clothing in the soft case luggage (you still need a good sturdy cloth because thinner gets ripped apart).
    You need to make sure if you get a big bag that is acceptable on your first outgoing flight, that its size is also acceptable on all subsequent airlines otherwise you will be charged an excess baggage fee. The airlines usually are more concerned with height than width. I personally have never had an issue traveling with a 81cm tall bag, but have known people who did. You are usually safe if you stay under 77cm tall and never have an issue if the bag no more than 69cm tall.

    The best soft case bag I've traveled with is Travelpro which I don't think you can buy in Australia any more and when I did price it here, it was twice as expensive as in the US. In the US you can often get Travelpro at half price. Many airline personnel use that brand and in the past I've thought a few times I was allowed to slide with one of Travelpro's larger bags because it was assumed I was a fellow. airline employee.

    The best hard shell brand is Samsonite which I've found priced too high in Australia. Even Samsonite's cheaper lines such as their Signature line (if it still exists) are excellent. The second best brand readily found in Australia is American Tourister which I've found on sale heavily discounted often in the Melbourne area. One of Tourister's lesser priced lines Linex is very sturdy. I've found it for half price at Strandbags.

    The reputation at some airports is better than others for baggage being treated correctly. I always travel between Melbourne and Los Angeles and have never had an issue; but from Los Angeles to Phoenix or Nashville, the same bags that made it all the way from MEL to LAX are always abused. Same story from Chicago to London, no issue, but from London to Stockholm, the bags are roughed up. More care seems to be given to international luggage.

    • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 10:58
      +1

      Thank you very much for the detailed response.
      It aligns with what I was planning on doing, which is to reserve the dufflebags for the clothing and the hard shelled Samsonites (which I'm going to purchase) for the breakables, wrapped in clothing to protect them from shock.

      I had never heard of Travelpro, but I'll keep that in mind as the US is on my list of places I'll most likely ping :D

      Thanks!

      • AndiP1954 on 05/11/2021 - 11:27
        +1

        You're most welcome and enjoy your travels.

        Be cautious with dufflebags, at least unhook the straps or large handles and put them inside the duffle so they don't get caught on the conveyer belt and rip off or tear the bag open.

        I'm an American and will tell you this about airport luggage check in. If you can avoid curbside check-in do so and go inside to your airlines' desk to check your luggage. Outside, it is tempting, the workers are right there offering to take your bags and you don't have to haul them inside. But the workers at curbside are airport employees not airline employees (even the ones stationed at a particular airlines' outside desk) and they expect tips. If you don't tip them your bag is apt to be damaged. I've seen it happen too many times starting in 1990. I often travel with an individual who doesn't believe in tipping airport workers. Seven times in 12 years of traveling with him, he has refused to give those accepting the bags a tip. The responses have been from as simple as rolled eyes or a snide under breath comment to outright getting cursed out. Every time his expensive top quality bags have arrived horribly damaged and my cheaper ones have been unscathed because either I tipped the person or went inside to check the luggage at the airline desk.

        • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 11:30

          Thank you! Extremely valuable advice. I didn't know about the possibility of checking your bags from the curb and would have just gone with the airline, but good to know.

          I'm not sure the dufflebags I've purchased (online) can have their handles unhooked, but I'll try to wrap them in such a way as to keep them unreachable just before checking in.

          Thanks.

          • AndiP1954 on 05/11/2021 - 14:15
            +1

            @DigSpider: Curb side check-in is available at every airport in the US that I've ever been to and it can save time if you don't mind tipping. The one advantage can be they often do not weigh the bags at the curb or if they do they do not penalize you for going over the usual 50lb limit. My bags are usually right at 49 -50lbs and most airlines (inside) will not let you slide if you are over by even 1 pound. You have to either pay the extra $150 or you can repack while standing there (take stuff out to put in another bag).

            Always tell the ground agent you'd like to weigh all bags before sending them through onto the conveyer belt so you have the opportunity to switch items from the too heavy bag into a less heavy one. The one time I got stuck paying the fee my first bag had already been zipped away. Otherwise, I always have repacked except once and that was a few years ago when the overage fee was only $50. It may be $200 now.

  • Drumadd on 05/11/2021 - 11:14
    +2

    You won’t find a better country than Australia with Canada following on

    • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 11:19
      +2

      Thank you, mate.
      Up until 2019, I'd have wholeheartedly agreed with you in regards to the first place on the list, if not necessarily on the second, but today, I'm sad to say that I'll have to disagree.
      I don't want to start a flame-war in this topic, as I know many may disagree with my views, but I've seen where this leads in other countries I've lived in and it won't end well.

      I have hope, still, which is why I'm treating this as a semi-permanent leave for a few years, perhaps several, but if worse comes to worst, I'll have to be ready to accept that it will be a permanent scenario.

      • ChrisLevo on 06/11/2021 - 09:52
        +10

        Make up your mind!

        First you said "I'm not a big traveller and in fact, have only travelled internationally once" and now "I've seen where this leads in other countries I've lived in ".

        This whole thread (and rant "State by state, Australia is being taken by hypocritical, super-controlling tyrants") leads me to think that it smells greatly of bovine excreta.

        • DigSpider on 06/11/2021 - 15:37
          +2

          If only there was a way of travelling between neighboring countries without hoping on a plane. Maybe in the future we'll have a technology that will allow us to travel by land, using roads, but we can only hope for now.

          • nigel deborah on 06/11/2021 - 16:04
            +3

            @DigSpider: You managed to live in other countries without travelling internationally?

            • cloudy on 06/11/2021 - 23:30
              +2

              @nigel deborah: He means he hasn’t flown international much but driven to many countries. He could have worded it better but it seems clear enough.

              • SydStrand on 07/11/2021 - 11:25
                +4

                @cloudy: Oh right, I forgot, all those countries he can drive to from Australia.

    • skazclaw on 06/11/2021 - 01:30
      +2

      You can't get too much worse than these 2 places in the last 2 years.

  • Tovers93 on 05/11/2021 - 11:30
    +1

    Don't go making any plans without checking your airline baggage allowances.
    Some airlines let you take multiple bags so long as its under the weight limit, others are strictly 1 or 2 bags.
    If you are flying long haul, the extra baggage fees are extortionate and will be payable per sector not just once.
    I think Emirates for example is something insane like over $100/kg for excess !

    It may even be cheaper to pay for membership status or a business class ticket to get the increased baggage allowances in some cases… (DYOR)

    • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 11:33

      Thank you very much! Yes, I was planning on paying per extra bag, not weight overages, as I understand it's usually much more expensive, but I'll definitely do some further research into how much it'll cost for the whole haul.
      For reference, my plans are to fly to location A, stay there and work for a while, then fly to country B, stay there and work for a while or permanently.

      I won't be flying around through tons of countries, with my destinations being 2 or 3 different countries at most.
      To get there, though, I may need to ping through a few countries, but I won't even leave the airport as it's just a connection.

      Thanks again.

      • Tovers93 on 05/11/2021 - 12:39
        +2

        If you haven't booked your flights yet, it may be more cost efficient to plan with an airline with the best baggage costs not just the ticket's face value.

        • DigSpider on 05/11/2021 - 14:27

          Thank you, I haven't booked them yet, and will definitely do a research on that.
          Cheers.

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