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MrCranky said..
Which airline and what was the extra luggage charge?
Qantas gives you 30kg allowance and can be split over multiple pieces (eg 20&10). Fiji air is only 23kg and charges $50 for over size items (windsurfers, surf boards). The confusing thing is Qantas, doesn't charge for over size baggage, however has a heavy baggage charge for items over 23kg (ie 24-30kg), which most of times gets you any way as a lot of my bags run 25-26kg.
The other item that they get you on, is that it might be a Qantas ticket, however its a Fiji air plane, hence Fiji air says the oversize baggage charge applies - its really confusing and hard to plan for. Hence I got charge $50 per bag.
Virgin have a 1x23kg policy, however you can buy another 1x23 for $55, which is good value. Oversized items don't occur a surcharge as long as you keep to the 23kg. I don't know if you brought an extra bag (ie you had 46kg total) but had a 26kg and 20kg if you would be charged extra. They say max bag weight 32kg and 300cm long (Fiji 30kg and 277cm). I think i'll fly with them next year.
It's really hard to get clarity around this and none of the airlines will help you clarify this.
I wouldn't sweat the bag charges, there's more to be gained in finding the cheap flights which normally come out in Feb/March. Avoid booking late if occurs in school holidays, ticket prices will double. We got some good prices last year $1782 for two Adults and two kids, this year didn't get our A into G fast enough and it cost another $900