Baggage
The A319 and C17 intercontinental service between Hobart and Casey has similar baggage size limitations and security processes to other international flights, with a few extra restrictions in order to meet Antarctic conditions. You have a total baggage allowance of 55 kg (which includes your AAD-issued red survival bag , and any personal or work related items). Be aware that excess baggage will not travel on the flight and will need to be consigned as cargo for a future flight or voyage. To help avoid this, please weigh your bags prior to arriving at the airport.
Checked baggage
- You can take a maximum of 38 kg of checked baggage with you on the flight.
- You will check-in your ‘checked baggage’ at the airport terminal. This will be loaded onto your flight but you will not have access until you arrive at Casey.
- All electronic devices must be carried in your carry-on baggage.
- You must adhere to all Dangerous Goods regulations, you can visit the CASA website for more information.
- A maximum of 3 bags (each bag should be soft-sided, less than 1 metre long, have no wheels and be under 15 kg).
Carry-on baggage
- You are permitted to take on board 17 kg as carry-on baggage, this is in addition to the 38 kg of checked baggage.
- This is limited to a maximum of 3 bags, including the AAD-issued red survival bag and each bag must not weigh more than 10 kg.
- The AAD-issued survival gear must be donned by all personnel on the flight prior to the aircraft’s descent into Wilkins.
- Ensure that you try on all Antarctic Survival Clothing for correct size prior to your flight.
- You must carry your passport on board.
- You must not carry any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage.
- Round Trip expeditioners (same day flights) are limited to 20 kg carry-on, including your Red Survival Bag
Be aware that excess baggage will not travel and will need to be consigned as cargo for a future flight or voyage.
Passport
You need to carry your passport on the flight. Please have your passport with you when you arrive at the airport. Do not store it in your checked-in luggage.
You will be required to present to Customs prior to departure with your passport.
When returning to Australia, during the flight you will be asked to complete an Incoming Passenger Declaration form which will be handed out by your Flight Coordinator. You will present this declaration as well as your passport to Customs on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to Australia.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claims
Where operationally practicable, AAD Aviation and the Australian Border force (ABF) will facilitate the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) for Expeditioners travelling to Antarctica by aircraft. It is important that you understand that flight operations and passenger processing are the priority for AAD Aviation and ABF. Therefore, at times the TRS may not be available on the day of your flight.
Important Information:
- If you intend using this service, you must email Aviation Operations at aviation.operations@aad.gov.au, at least 10 days prior to your scheduled departure date and advise that you wish to claim under the TRS. You must also include your flight number.
- Applications under the TRS will not be processed by Australian Border Force officials on the day of departure without prior arrangement with AAD Aviation.
- All TRS purchases must be carried on board the aircraft and must be made available for inspection by Australian Border Force officials. TRS purchases will be included as part of your carry-on baggage allowance. Alcohol is not permitted.
- For more information, please refer to the Australian Border Force website, Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) or contact them on 1300 363 263 for further information.
Flight times
To ensure optimal landing conditions at Wilkins Aerodrome, departure times from Hobart can vary through the course of the season. Departures can occur between midnight and 0700 hours (Hobart time GMT+10).
- Final confirmation of flight departure will be provided via e-mail and SMS message by 1700 hours on the day prior to your scheduled departure.
- Email address and mobile number used will be as you provided in your AAO profile, so please make sure these are up to date by visiting AAO.
- Flight information will also be recorded on the AAD’s Transport Information Telephone Service. You can access this service by dialling 1800 030 744.
- Please be aware that due to weather conditions, flight delays can occur. You need to factor this into your accommodation arrangements for your stay in Hobart.
You need to be at the airport no later than 90 minutes prior to your flight’s scheduled departure.
Pre-departure briefings
Pre-departure flight briefings will be held via Microsoft Teams prior to your scheduled flight. Attendance at these briefings is compulsory. You will be advised of the current status of your flight and any special requirements for the flight at this briefing. The AAD Aviation Representative will conduct the meeting and introduce you to the Flight Coordinator. The Flight Coordinator will also meet you at the airport and travel with you on your flight.
Clothing on the flight
During your flight you should wear comfortable clothing, the same as you’d wear on any commercially operated passenger flight.
Prior to descent into Wilkins, you will be asked to change into the survival clothing contained in your AAD-issued red survival bag. You will then be required to wear this survival clothing for the remainder of the flight, whilst at Wilkins, and for your trip to Casey.
The clothes you wear on the flight will need to be packed back into your AAD-issued red survival bag after you have changed into your survival clothing.
Meals and alcohol
Light meals and refreshments will be provided during the flight.
For quarantine purposes, please do not bring any fresh fruit or sandwiches with you on the flight.
No alcohol can be carried onto the A319, either in your carry-on or check-in luggage.
Returning to Australia
The check-in and personal carry-on baggage limits outlined above also apply when returning to Australia.
Any other cargo you are returning to Australia should be e-conned as cargo (including unaccompanied personal effects) and delivered to your station store person by their required cut-off dates.
These items will be loaded into the aircraft hold. If you have unaccompanied personal effects, please tape your completed Customs B534 form to the outside of one of your boxes.
Returning issued clothing
When you are returning to Australia, you will be required to wear your survival clothing for the trip to Wilkins and during the early stages of your flight. You will be advised during the flight when you can change into something more comfortable.
On return to Australia, you may elect to leave your Red Survival Bag (including any AAD-issued returnable items) at the bottom of the aircraft stairs when you disembark, where it will be collected by AAD Supply Services staff or you may return these items to the AAD yourself. Please ensure that you arrange your personal items before you depart the aircraft. The Flight Coordinator will brief you on this during your flight.
Please note that returnable clothing is not to be handed back on station nor can AAD staff take any items from you once you have boarded the bus or entered the terminal.