Qantas slashes allowance and raises luggage prices for island flights
Qantas has slashed luggage allowances to Australia's most remote territories. Locals say the airline is reducing access to essential supplies.
Qantas has reduced luggage allowances and raised prices for flights to the Indian Ocean territories. The changes will make it harder for residents of Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) islands to bring essential goods. The airline announced the changes on October 1. Residents say the adjustments will make it more difficult to obtain critical supplies.
Qantas won the contract for flights to the territories after Virgin Australia's departure, nearly a decade ago. Tracey Krepp, who has lived on Christmas Island for 34 years, said the changes penalize remote island residents even further. The cost of additional baggage has risen from $3.33 per kg to $10.26 per kg, a 208 percent increase.
The airline claims the changes are to manage aircraft weight and maximize tourism opportunities. However, residents and local officials are outraged, arguing that the decision lacks community consultation.
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