Regional ExpressZL

Regional Express Holdings Limited, trading as Rex Airlines, is Australia's largest independent regional airline. Headquartered in Mascot, Sydney, Rex was formed in August 2002 through the merger of Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines—two regional carriers previously owned by the collapsed Ansett Group. The airline commenced operations with its inaugural flight from Wagga Wagga to Sydney in August 2002.

Rex operates the world's largest fleet of Saab 340 turboprop aircraft, serving over 60 regional destinations across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania. Approximately 50% of Rex's routes are not serviced by any other airline, making the carrier essential for connecting regional Australian communities to major cities.

Recent History: In March 2021, Rex launched Boeing 737-800 jet services on capital city routes (Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane "Golden Triangle"), directly competing with Qantas and Virgin Australia. However, in July 2024, Rex entered voluntary administration and suspended all 737 capital city operations. Regional Saab 340 services continued with Australian federal government support. In October 2025, US-based aviation holding company Air T acquired Rex, with the airline exiting administration in December 2025. Under new ownership, Rex focuses on its core regional network with plans to restore full fleet operations.

Note: The information below applies to Rex's current regional Saab 340 operations. Boeing 737 capital city services are currently suspended.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all passengers, all fares):

• Dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22" x 14" x 9")
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) maximum
• Must fit in overhead compartment

Additional Personal Items (permitted free):

• Handbag or small bag
• Laptop or laptop case
• Overcoat or jacket
• Umbrella
• Small camera
• Reading material
• Infant food (when traveling with infant)

Fare Type	Cabin Bag	Weight Limit
All Regional Fares	1 bag	7 kg (15 lbs)

Checked Baggage

By Fare Type:

Fare Class	Included Allowance	Max Dimensions
Community Fare	15 kg (33 lbs)	140 cm linear
Promo Fare	15 kg (33 lbs)	140 cm linear
Saver Fare	15 kg (33 lbs)	140 cm linear
Flex Fare	23 kg (50 lbs)	140 cm linear

Infants (under 2 years, on lap):

• 2 pieces up to 10 kg total
• Includes pram, car seat, and/or portable cot

Maximum Per Piece: 32 kg (70 lbs) — items over this must travel as air freight

Excess & Additional Baggage Fees

Type	Fee
Excess baggage	A$5.50 (~US$3.50) per kg
Oversized items (>140cm)	A$16.50 (~US$10.50) per piece
Pre-purchased additional	A$20 (~US$13) per 5kg bundle

Tip: Pre-purchase additional baggage online in 5kg bundles (A$20 each) rather than paying excess fees at the airport (A$5.50/kg).

International Connection Allowance

If you present an international airline ticket confirming an international flight connection within 24 hours, Rex permits 23 kg checked baggage allowance regardless of fare type. Present your international itinerary at check-in.

Elite Status Baggage Benefits

Rex Flyer Status	Checked Allowance
Diamond	23 kg on all fares
Emerald	Fare-based (15kg or 23kg)
Sapphire	Fare-based (15kg or 23kg)
Opal	Fare-based (15kg or 23kg)

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard	Part of allowance; excess charges if over total
Skis/Snowboard	Standard	Exempt from linear restriction; weight limits apply
Surfboard	Standard	Max 2m length; longer boards require freight
Bicycle	Standard	One per passenger; bike box preferred
Car seat	Free	Part of infant allowance
Stroller/Pram	Free	Part of infant allowance
Wheelchair/Mobility aids	Free	Always free
Pets	Varies	Must be in approved secure container

Sports Equipment Notes:

• Golf bags, skis, and surfboards count toward your checked baggage weight allowance
• No additional fees if within your total weight allowance
• Excess baggage charges apply if over your entitled allowance
• Surfboards over 2 meters must be shipped separately via freight

Pets:

• Domestic animals accepted in suitable containers meeting Rex specifications
• Contact Rex for container requirements and booking
• Assistance animals travel free

Fees as of January 2026. Verify at rex.com.au/baggage.

Saab 340 Regional Aircraft

Rex operates the world's largest fleet of Saab 340 turboprop aircraft—57 aircraft serving regional Australia.

Economy Class (All Regional Flights):

Feature	Details
Configuration	1-2 (33-34 seats)
Seat Pitch	76 cm (30")
Seat Width	47 cm (18.5")
Aisle	Single aisle, walk-up cabin
Overhead Bins	Limited; larger items checked

Seat Comparison: Rex's Saab 340 seats measure 18.5" wide versus 17" on comparable QantasLink Dash 8 aircraft, providing slightly more shoulder room.

Rextra Legroom Seats

Extra legroom seats available for purchase:

• Cost: A$10 per seat per sector
• Subject to availability
• Located in forward rows with additional space

Complimentary Service

All regional flights include complimentary:

• Tea, coffee, and water
• Small snack (typically Byron Bay Cookies or similar)
• Refills offered during flight

Payment on Board: Cash only for any additional purchases on Saab 340 regional flights.

No Business Class on Regional

Rex's regional Saab 340 fleet operates in a single Economy class configuration. Business Class was only available on Boeing 737 capital city routes (currently suspended).

Booking:

• Book directly on rex.com.au for best service during disruptions
• Check Community Fares for eligible regional residents (significant discounts)
• Flex fares offer most flexibility for changes and cancellations
• Monitor Rex's regional network—routes can change based on community demand

Baggage:

• Pre-purchase additional baggage in 5kg bundles (A$20) to save versus airport excess fees (A$5.50/kg)
• Flex fares include 23kg vs 15kg on other fares—factor this into total cost
• Golf clubs and skis count toward weight allowance, no additional fees if under limit
• Surfboards max 2m length; longer boards require separate freight

Check-In:

• Web check-in only available for passengers without checked bags
• If you have bags, arrive 60+ minutes before departure
• Regional airports may close check-in just 20 minutes before—but don't cut it close
• Download boarding pass to phone wallet for convenience

At the Airport:

• Regional airports are typically small and quick to navigate
• Rex often operates from regional/domestic terminals at major airports
• Allow time for security at larger airports (SYD, MEL, ADL)
• Be at gate 15 minutes before departure—regional flights board quickly

Rex Flyer Program:

• Status is based on rolling 12-month spend or flight count
• Diamond status (highest tier) achievable with 48 flights or A$6,000 spend
• Family pooling allows combining household points
• Check current program status—redemptions may be limited during restructuring

Regional Travel Tips:

• Rex serves many routes with no competitor—book early for peak travel periods
• Regional weather can affect schedules—build buffer time for connections
• Saab 340 turboprops handle regional runways well but have smaller overhead bins
• Rextra Legroom seats (A$10) worth it on longer regional sectors

Important Current Information:

• As of January 2026, Rex operates regional services only (Saab 340 aircraft)
• Boeing 737 capital city routes remain suspended since July 2024
• Check rex.com.au for current route availability
• Rex exited administration in December 2025 under Air T ownership