Baggage

The A319 and C17 service between Hobart and Casey has similar baggage size limitations and security processes to other international flights, with a few extra restrictions 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). 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. All expeditioner bags travelling on the C17-A are subject to ADF inspection for Dangerous Goods.

Important safety notice

  • All spare batteries MUST be stored in a plastic bag (separately), the terminals prevented from short circuiting and kept in your carry-on baggage.
  • Portable electronic devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion cells or batteries (such as laptop, tablets and phones (even if they are switched off), electric shavers, electric toothbrushes, drones and spare batteries, battery banks, watches, smart bags) MUST be carried in carry-on baggage.
  • Power Banks - A319
    Power Banks are NOT permitted to be used during flight and MUST travel in the aircraft cabin. Prior to take-off and during the flight, Power Banks must be removed from your carry-on bags and kept on your person or in the rear seat-pocket.
  • Power banks - C17-A
    Power Banks are NOT permitted to be used during flight and MUST travel in your carry-on bags or on your person.

Checked baggage allowances

  • 38kg CHECKED baggage
  • A maximum of 3 bags.
  • No checked bag to exceed 15kg - must be less than 1 metre long, soft-sided such as duffel or canvas bag and NO wheels.
  • Rigid bags such as hard suitcases will not be accepted.
  • You will not have access to your checked bags until you arrive on station.
  • Baggage will be weighed and checked in on arrival at the airport. Excess baggage will not travel with you on the flight and will need to be consigned as cargo for a future cargo flight or voyage.
  • You must adhere to all Dangerous Goods regulations, you can visit the CASA website for more information or speak with AAD Supply Chain Operations.

Carry-on (cabin) baggage allowances

  • 17kg CARRY-ON (cabin) baggage
  • A maximum 3 bags, inclusive of Antarctic red survival bag which must travel with you on the flight
  • No carry-on bag to exceed 10kg
  • Ensure that you try on all Antarctic Survival Clothing for correct size prior to your flight
  • You must carry your passport on board
  • No 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

important:
Any items that you are taking for work purposes (i.e. you have been given a work laptop by your Tech Supervisor/employer) will be counted as part of your 55 kg baggage allowance. You must not carry items of cargo in your personal baggage (for example, a part for a piece of equipment on station). All cargo items must be consigned through the econ system and AAD Supply Chain Operations can advise you on which flights cargo can be consigned on.

Passport and visa requirements

As per sections 5 and 7 of the Migration act 1958 the Australian Antarctica Territory is not considered within Australia for the purposes of the Migration Act. As a result, all travellers will have an international movement recorded.

  • All expeditioners must carry a valid passport (and visa if required) when travelling to the sub-Antarctic or the Antarctic
  • The expiry date on your passport and any required visa, must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return date
  • Current passport/visa details must be entered into the immigration section of Antarctic Applications Online system (AAO)

Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

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 to use this service, you must email Aviation Operations 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 Aviation
  • All TRS purchases must be carried on board the aircraft as part of your carry-on baggage allowance. Alcohol is not permitted
  • Flights will not be delayed to procress TRS claims, Expeditioners must be aware that operational priorities may mean TRS claims are not possible on the day of flight
  • For more information, please refer to the Australian Border Force website, Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
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