Alex Keshen is the global travel publisher at Finder and has been living, breathing and, of course, writing about all things travel for more than 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada and has appeared in Travel Weekly and the Huffington Post. A master of maximising her annual leave and finding the best bargains around, she can’t remember the last time her backpack weighed more than 10kg and is happy to share her tips and tricks to help you travel better.
Find out how comparable Bali and Hawaii are based on price, food, accommodation, family travel and romantic hot spots to help you pick the ideal holiday destination.
Dear Angus Kidman,
I read your article in Tuesdays Courier Mail Escape section re the weight of bags.
Having been charged $50 for having a bag overweight by 2kg (laptop) did not go down well with me, particularly as it was weighed outgoing from Brisbane, but not returning, when leaving Sydney.
My main concern re bag weight is who checks the airline scales and how often.
Before leaving home I use my portable luggage scale to check, I also place my luggage on the home scales, I then weigh myself sans bag, then with bag. In general terms I am trying to ensure that I am carrying a bag at or under the prescribed airline weight, usually at least 500g under the maximum 7kg allowed for cabin bags or the 23kg for checked in bags.
At Sydney airport in the check-in area the have scale for bag size and weight. The weight did not match my scaled weight. At the Tigerair gate again a set of scales. Again the bag weight did not match the lounge weight and my scaled weight.
At the main check in area for large bags they use digital scales. At the gate they use the traditional mechanical gravity scales.
I know we as passengers try to outwit the limits, remember once the cabin luggage was by bag size, and as we know there are tales of people who get on planes wearing two or more layers of clothes, but as I indicated how accurate are the scales that are used by the airlines and/or does that equally apply to the scales we use at home.
Travelling to Bali at the end of March 2018. Only booked the other day (Jan 2018) so DO NOT have an existing travel insurance policy. Are there any travel insurance providers that will cover me if there is a volcanic eruption or ash cloud?
You can find out what travel insurers are providing cover for claims related to the Bali Ash cloud on this page here. (Found on the Table). Currently, no brand in our panel offers cover for the ash cloud. We will continue to update this page as new providers issue statements regarding the ash cloud.
Getting in touch with the provider and discussing with them the level of cover would be very helpful.
Here at finder we are unable to make recommendations, we can offer general advise.
You may enter your information on the blue box above to get the latest travel deals sent to your email.
You may also click on this page and enter you details for you to compare flight details. You may then select the best price that would suit you the most.
I apologize but Kryal Castle is not featured on our pages. You may want to visit their website directly to check the available deals and promotions they currently have.
Many premium credit cards provide complimentary access to airport lounges, giving you the opportunity to relax between flights and enjoy premium services without paying an entry fee. Please check out this page to compare these cards. Once you have chosen the right card for you please click the green ‘Go to Site’ button to continue.
I need a quotes for travel insurance for my mother in law from Vietnam she is 67 years old who coming to Australia for holiday for 3 months plus from 13/08/2017.
You may get an inbound travel insurance for your mother-in-law from our comparison page here. Simply click the “Get Quote” button of the insurance brand of your choice to get a quote. Please make sure to check the product details and if necessary contact the insurance company directly to enquire, before you purchase a policy.
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may refer to this page for options that may suit your needs. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Get deal” button.
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may refer to our Travel Money Guide page for options that may suit your needs as well as tips that you might find helpful. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of major banks, insurers and product issuers.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product. You should consider whether the products featured on our site are appropriate for your needs and seek independent advice if you have any questions.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or "Advertisement" are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options and find the best option for you.
The identification of a group of products, as 'Top' or 'Best' is a reflection of user preferences based on current website data. On a regular basis, analytics drive the creation of a list of popular products. Where these products are grouped, they appear in no particular order.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
Dear Angus Kidman,
I read your article in Tuesdays Courier Mail Escape section re the weight of bags.
Having been charged $50 for having a bag overweight by 2kg (laptop) did not go down well with me, particularly as it was weighed outgoing from Brisbane, but not returning, when leaving Sydney.
My main concern re bag weight is who checks the airline scales and how often.
Before leaving home I use my portable luggage scale to check, I also place my luggage on the home scales, I then weigh myself sans bag, then with bag. In general terms I am trying to ensure that I am carrying a bag at or under the prescribed airline weight, usually at least 500g under the maximum 7kg allowed for cabin bags or the 23kg for checked in bags.
At Sydney airport in the check-in area the have scale for bag size and weight. The weight did not match my scaled weight. At the Tigerair gate again a set of scales. Again the bag weight did not match the lounge weight and my scaled weight.
At the main check in area for large bags they use digital scales. At the gate they use the traditional mechanical gravity scales.
I know we as passengers try to outwit the limits, remember once the cabin luggage was by bag size, and as we know there are tales of people who get on planes wearing two or more layers of clothes, but as I indicated how accurate are the scales that are used by the airlines and/or does that equally apply to the scales we use at home.
Hi, I am single looking for package holidays/stays in Health Retreats. I always read twin share, any ideas please?
Hi Kate,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
You may want to check out this link for holiday package enquiry.
You may also want to know 7-night Bali packages from this link.
As a friendly reminder, while we do not represent any company we feature on our pages, we can offer you general advice.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Does my Westpac 55 Day Platinum Credit Card give me access to airport lounges?
Hi Nadja!
Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.
Unfortunately, the Westpac 55 Day Platinum Credit Card doesn’t have any access to airport lounges.
To know more information about this card, you may check it here.
Hope this helps!
Thanks and best regards,
Nikki
Travelling to Bali at the end of March 2018. Only booked the other day (Jan 2018) so DO NOT have an existing travel insurance policy. Are there any travel insurance providers that will cover me if there is a volcanic eruption or ash cloud?
Hi Net,
Thank you for your comment.
You can find out what travel insurers are providing cover for claims related to the Bali Ash cloud on this page here. (Found on the Table). Currently, no brand in our panel offers cover for the ash cloud. We will continue to update this page as new providers issue statements regarding the ash cloud.
Getting in touch with the provider and discussing with them the level of cover would be very helpful.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
best price premium economy flights from sydney to Dallas in northern summer.
Hi Jacqui,
Thanks for reaching out.
Here at finder we are unable to make recommendations, we can offer general advise.
You may enter your information on the blue box above to get the latest travel deals sent to your email.
You may also click on this page and enter you details for you to compare flight details. You may then select the best price that would suit you the most.
Cheers,
Joanne
AM LOOKING FOR BEST DEALS FOR STAYING AT KRL CASTLE ONE NIGHT WITH ANY EXTRAS PLEASE,
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your inquiry
I apologize but Kryal Castle is not featured on our pages. You may want to visit their website directly to check the available deals and promotions they currently have.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
Fee Free credit cards with complimentary airport lounge access
Hi David,
Thanks for your inquiry
Many premium credit cards provide complimentary access to airport lounges, giving you the opportunity to relax between flights and enjoy premium services without paying an entry fee. Please check out this page to compare these cards. Once you have chosen the right card for you please click the green ‘Go to Site’ button to continue.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
I need a quotes for travel insurance for my mother in law from Vietnam she is 67 years old who coming to Australia for holiday for 3 months plus from 13/08/2017.
Hi Stacie,
Thanks for reaching out.
You may get an inbound travel insurance for your mother-in-law from our comparison page here. Simply click the “Get Quote” button of the insurance brand of your choice to get a quote. Please make sure to check the product details and if necessary contact the insurance company directly to enquire, before you purchase a policy.
Cheers,
Liezl
Do you have comparisons for car hire in Melbourne Australia
Hi Rod,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may refer to this page for options that may suit your needs. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Get deal” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
Hi Col,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may refer to our Travel Money Guide page for options that may suit your needs as well as tips that you might find helpful. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle