Baggage limits - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Glacier · 08-13-2003, 02:16 AM

I'm in the midst of booking the airfare for my Europe backpacking trip in October this year. I haven't done for the full-on backpacking thing before so I have a little query.

For a 3 month backpacking trip, how heavy would your pack be? I'm just an average build guy, 5'11".

The reason I ask is I've found quite a cheap airfare from Australia to Athens with Thai Airways but they have a non-negotiable 20kg baggage limit. It just sounds so little.

Obviously, I don't want to be carrying a HUGE weight on my back.

So how heavy are your packs normally?

**Canadian Dude** · 08-13-2003, 04:17 AM

44 lbs is not alot of weight, your right...but remember this bag will be your new best friend that will never leave your side. To bring one too heavy will not only give you a bad back, but you will be knocking people over as you walk down the street.

On some airlines you can pay to bring in "Over Sized" luggage., I found this link that might be of some help to ya Thai Cargo

or it could be just as simple as asking the employee at the desk when you get to the airport.

No matter how big your pack is, you will still need to wash your clothes

Just remember, if its not stained and does not have "Da Funk Smell" go'n on, you can wear things a couple or a few days in a row

If worse comes to worse you can get in touch with them and ask for their advise on what you should do about your situation. Thai Air Feedback

Glacier · 08-13-2003, 06:15 AM

Thanks for the tips!

I have spoken to a Thai rep and basically they said the limit is non-negotiable (i.e. I can't pay a small fee to up it to 25 or 30kg).

She did however say "unofficially" that at Sydney Airport they were very lenient and would probably let me on with up to 30kg. But she said that European airports, when I return, were stricter and if I was really lucky I'd scrape in with 23kg or so but it's unlikely. Apparently the penalty rates for extra weight are extremely high to discourage people like me from trying to grab that extra weight. So basically, she said it wasn't worth the risk, especially when coming back from Europe.

I will look into that Thai Cargo but I have a feeling it's probably expensive.

Just checked Qantas and it would seem their limit to Europe is also 20kg. I don't really get it. When I went to Canada my limit was 32kg (and USA is the same) but for some reason it's a lower limit for flights to Europe.

Anyway, I'll probably try and figure it out tomorrow… I need sleep.

**Canadian Dude** · 08-13-2003, 07:18 AM

hmmm, what about leaving Sydney with 30kilos and when your trip is done, send some of your stuff home by mail? I have seen that done before and it works!!

**voyd** · 08-13-2003, 07:32 AM

I'd try to stay at 35 lbs (16 kg) or less...

**Esterina** · 08-15-2003, 04:06 PM

Hi ! Me again !!! I had read that only "beginners" would travel with over 30 lbs... So I left with a 30 lbs backpack and came back with a 42 lbs, full of souvenirs. It works ! Really don't need more than a couple of t-shirts, 2 pants, one warm shirt and a raincoat... I assure you, you will only wear what's O N T O P of your backpack !!!!! So, just bring plenty of soap, as you'll be doing your laundry quite often.
Esther