This will effect anyone flying with kiting gear
"19 May 2011: Effective immediately, Virgin Australia group of airlines, including Virgin Australia, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, has changed its policy relating to the carriage of sporting goods.
Guests who have pre-paid for checked baggage, or have an inclusive allowance incorporated in their fare or Velocity Membership status will now be required to pay excess baggage fees once they exceed their checked baggage allowance.
Sporting equipment includes but is not restricted to: bikes, golf clubs, snow skis, surfboards,cricket/tennis bags etc. Full details can be found on the Virgin Australia website."
I've just written to Virgin Australia's contact centre in regards to this.
Having flown exclusively Virgin for the last five years due to their understanding and accommodating sporting goods policy, i'm a bit annoyed that they would turn their back on sporting Aussies.
Seems like perhaps it has been a long term plan to eliminate their sporting goods allowance. Their initial allowance used to be up to 23kg only counts as 5kg, then it was reduced to 'an extra 5kg'.
What a bummer, especially cos Branson's a kiter himself! He should be advertising that he lets people carry sporting goods! Maybe then I'd fly with virgin air
can confirm this, info straight from a VB check-in employee is the 5kg sporting allowence does not exist anymore, its just 23kg and pay for the extra.
Is it just me, or does anyone else wonder why we have to pay for any 'excess' baggage, but those carrying an extra 30kg or so of fat on their ar$e do not?
If it is 'user pays' and based on weight, why not have a combined 'passenger + baggage' total weight allowance. It might even help slow down the current obesity trend?
Rant over, flame away... 
Rumor has it that his address is:
[email protected]
Send him an email.
Any complaints should be emailed to [email protected] and further complaints to be written to Virgin at POBOX 219 Newport, NP108UG Wales, United Kingdom.
www.complaintsboard.com/virgin-media-no-phone-for-over-a-week-c723547
The Complaints board
www.complaintsboard.com/virgin-media-no-phone-for-over-a-week-c723547
is offline. Speaks volumes!
I booked a domestic flight before the rule changed. I emailed the customer service with my flight details asking about the 5kg extra allowance and had a reply back saying that they will honour the rule as it was at the time I booked.
I will print the email and take with me for proof.
However for future flights this is very annoying.
Don't see the issue???
Pay the $30 -$50 for the sports equipment and just say it's surfing equipment and stay within that 32KG.
or am i missing something???
all airlines have to provide a sporting equipment allowance as we are all classed as professionals and pay a nominal fee to carry our kit.
usually between $30 -$80 max.
it's only when you don't book this and just turn up they spank you for c $15 / KG.
or when you go over your limits
More so a Someone should Write to the CAA and have it stated so All airlines include KITESURFING in the sports equipment listing so there is no misunderstanding.
And Jetstar have recently changed their luggage excess
If you know your weight at the time of booking your flight you can select excess luggage from 15 to 40kg in 5kg increments which isn't bad
You can even select a differnt weight for the trip home if you have wet gear or intend on buying some more stuff 
plus the 10kg carry on of coarse
Kitesurfjim, I think this is the problem now that as of the 9th Dec 2010 there is no such thing as a 'sporting equipment allowance'. All sporting equipment is part of your 23kg allowance and anything over 23kg is charged at $15.00 per kg
Sports Equipment
If you are travelling with Sports Equipment on a Virgin Blue domestic and/or Pacific or Polynesian Blue International flight, all sporting equipment will form part of your purchased checked baggage allowance for Blue Saver or GO! Fares or the inclusive checked baggage allowance for Velocity Gold and Silver Members or for Guests travelling on Flexible, Corporate Plus or Premium Economy fares.
Excess baggage charges will apply once the full baggage allowance has been exceeded.
If you are taking only sporting goods and you are travelling on a Blue Saver or GO! fare, you will be required to purchase the checked baggage allowance of up to 23 kg. Remember you can pre-purchase this allowance on the internet or by calling our Guest Contact Centre before you arrive at the airport otherwise you will be charged a higher fee at the airport.
Sporting Equipment includes but is not restricted to:
Bikes
Golf clubs
Snow skis
Surfboards
Cricket/tennis bags
anyway respect to whoever wrote the article: www.seabreeze.com.au/News/Kitesurfing/Virgin-Australia-Revokes-Sporting-Equipment-Allowance_4995680.aspx
sums it all up nicely for us all, thanks.
