I have only flown a couple of time with gear, but hell it pays to learn quick, as float has said its only a weight issue
Alway check virgin and jetstar, if their ain't much diff go with virgin cause they have an extra 3kg and I think are more leanient with sporting gear.
Make the most of cabin baggage, find out what the size and weight limit is on your flight (and all connecting flights
), maximise the wekght here cause they rarely weigh this baggage
But be carefull u don't end up with sharp object in ur bag cause they will take it out
Try and put things like cameras in ur pockets so they don't get weighed
Most people go to jump on a plane wishfully thinking their gear is under the 20kg weight limit with jet star (or 23 with virgin) and of coarse ir rarely is in our sport especially coming home if it's wet
If you plan and weigh your gear before hand you can buy an extra 5kg with jet star when booking flights, which cost half the price of getting slugged with excess at the airport (probly same with virgin)
It may well be that this option is still a cheaper than other airlines depending on your destination
And the jetstar lounge is worth what ever it costs at the gold coast if u have to hang around the airport for an hour or so, free wifi, a free buffet style food setup, daily papers big tele, nice lounges and I think their was even beer, but not sure about this one, and they call out ur flieght number to let u know when u gota make a move
