Baggage
The A319 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 can take a maximum of 55 kg of baggage with you on the flight (which includes your AAD-issued red survival kit).
- You will deposit ‘checked-in’ baggage at the check-in gate. This will be loaded on your flight but you will not have access until you arrive at Casey.
- Sharp objects are permitted to be carried in checked-in baggage, but not in ‘carry-on’ baggage.
- Each bag should be soft-sided (no large cases), less than 1 metre long and under 15 kg.
If you have not already received an AAD-issued clothing kit, you will receive this kit on the day before your flight is due to depart, prior to you attending your pre-departure flight briefings at the AAD.
Carry-on baggage
- You are permitted to carry on board 7 kg of your 55 kg allowance as carry-on baggage (eg. laptop, camera, etc).
- You will also be required to carry on your AAD-issued red survival bag (maximum 10 kg). The AAD-issued survival gear must be donned by all personnel on the flight prior to the aircraft’s descent onto Wilkins runway.
- You must carry your passport on board.
- You must not carry any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage.
- Each bag carried on board must be labelled with the item’s weight, owner’s name, flight number and final destination.
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 six months after your scheduled return to Australia.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claims
TRS claims can be processed by Customs at Hobart International Airport. You will need to present the goods on which you are claiming TRS to Customs at this time. Please note that goods you are claiming on TRS must be included in your baggage allowance.
In general terms, TRS claims are only suitable for people who will be wintering in Antarctica. If you are travelling to Antarctica for a summer or shorter period, you may be required to pay duty on the goods when you return.
For more information on the TRS Scheme, please visit the Australian Border Force website or contact them on 1300 363 263 for clarification.
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 at the AAD on the day prior to your scheduled flight. Attendance at these briefings is compulsory. You will be advised of the current status of your flight at your pre-departure flight briefings which will be run by an AAD 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 will be required to carry your AAD-issued red survival bag through Customs and it will then be collected by AAD Supply Services staff. Your Flight Coordinator will brief you on this during your flight.
AAD-issued returnable gear will also be collected at the airport, so it will need to be packed separately from your personal effects. It will also be collected by Supply Services staff. Please note that returnable clothing is not to be handed back on station.