Luggage Policy
MONTY EXPRESS
Luggage Policy
Checked baggage, carry-on items, special items and biosecurity
Effective date: 01 October 2026 | Version 1.1
This policy explains what passengers may bring on Monty Express scheduled services, how luggage must be packed and labelled, and which items require prior approval or cannot be carried.
1. Standard luggage allowance
No passenger may place luggage in an aisle, doorway, emergency exit or another place where it creates a safety risk. The driver may direct where an item is to be stored.
2. Bag size and safe handling
Each checked item must be a normal suitcase, duffel or travel bag that can be safely handled by one person and safely stowed in the luggage compartment. An item over 20 kg will not be accepted as standard checked luggage.
3. Labelling and packing
• Clearly label checked luggage with the passenger’s name and a telephone number.
• Pack items securely so they can withstand ordinary loading, unloading and coach movement.
• Protect sharp or protruding parts. Monty Express may refuse inadequately packed items that could injure a person or damage other luggage or the coach.
• Keep medicines, identity documents, money, keys, jewellery and fragile or high-value electronics with you where safe and permitted.
4. Excess, oversized and special items
Luggage above the standard allowance, and bulky or non-standard items such as bicycles, surfboards, golf clubs, skis, swags, large musical instruments and boxes, are treated as excess or special luggage. These items must travel with a ticketed passenger and are carried only where they can be safely handled and stowed without compromising passenger luggage, mobility equipment, vehicle weight limits or safe operation.
4.1 Excess and special luggage fees
The following fees apply per item, per one-way journey. Prices are in Australian dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST) where applicable. Return journeys are charged separately in each direction.
4.2 Booking and acceptance
Excess and special luggage should be added when booking or arranged with Monty Express before travel. Space in the luggage compartment is limited, so acceptance is not guaranteed unless the item has been declared and accepted in advance.
If an undeclared excess or special item is presented at boarding, Monty Express may accept it if there is sufficient safe space and the applicable fee can be paid. The item may be refused if this is not possible.
A pre-booking is based on the description, dimensions and weight supplied by the passenger. Monty Express may refuse an item at boarding if it is materially larger, heavier, inadequately packed, unsafe or different from what was declared.
If Monty Express is unable to carry a correctly declared and pre-paid special item for reasons within its control, the special-item fee will be refunded. This does not limit any rights or remedies the passenger may have under the Australian Consumer Law.
Excess and special luggage is for accompanying passengers only. Monty Express does not accept unaccompanied freight under this policy.
5. Bicycles and electric personal transport devices
A standard non-electric bicycle may be accepted at the fee shown in section 4.1. Disassembled bicycles must be boxed or placed in a suitable bicycle bag. Assembled bicycles are accepted only where there is sufficient luggage-bay space and the bicycle can be safely secured. Monty Express may require pedals, wheels or other protruding components to be removed or protected.
Electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric skateboards and other battery-powered personal transport devices are not accepted on Monty Express scheduled services. Their large lithium-ion batteries can present a significant fire and thermal-runaway risk in an enclosed luggage compartment.
6. Batteries and electronic devices
• Ordinary consumer devices such as phones, tablets, laptops and cameras may be carried, provided they are in good condition and used safely.
• Spare batteries and portable power banks should be carried in carry-on luggage, protected from short circuit and physical damage.
• Damaged, swollen, leaking, recalled or overheating batteries must not be brought onto the coach.
• Monty Express may refuse any battery or electrical item that presents a reasonable safety concern.
7. Dangerous, unlawful or unsuitable items
Do not bring an item that is unlawful to possess or transport, or that could reasonably endanger passengers, staff, the coach or other property. This includes explosives, fireworks, flammable fuels or gases, leaking fuel containers, corrosive or toxic substances, illicit drugs, and weapons or firearms unless carriage is specifically required or permitted by law and Monty Express has expressly approved the circumstances in advance.
The driver may refuse an item where there is a reasonable safety, legal, security, hygiene or stowage concern.
8. Food, perishables and liquids
Liquids must be securely closed and packed to prevent leakage. Perishable, strongly odorous or temperature-sensitive items are carried at the passenger’s risk unless Monty Express has expressly agreed otherwise. Do not place hot liquids or unsealed drinks in checked luggage.
9. South Australian and Riverland biosecurity rules
The Mildura–Riverland–Adelaide route crosses areas with strict plant and fruit-fly controls. Passengers are responsible for complying with current South Australian and Riverland biosecurity restrictions. Restricted fruit, vegetables, plants and plant products must not be carried across a quarantine boundary in breach of law.
Before travel, check the current South Australian Government travel and quarantine rules. Use designated disposal bins before the relevant quarantine boundary or checkpoint. Monty Express may refuse or require removal of an item that may breach current restrictions.
10. Accessibility equipment and medical items
Mobility aids, disability equipment and essential medical items are handled under the Accessibility & Assistance Animals Policy. Contact Monty Express before travel if an item is powered, unusually large, unusually heavy, contains compressed gas, or requires special handling.
11. Loading and unloading
The driver controls access to the underfloor luggage compartment. Passengers must not climb into, reach into or open a luggage compartment unless directed and supervised. At the destination, please check that you collect the correct items before leaving the stop.
12. Loss or damage
Monty Express will take reasonable care of accepted luggage. Nothing in this policy excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. To the extent permitted by law, Monty Express is not responsible for loss or damage caused by inadequate packing, an inherent defect, ordinary wear and tear, or the passenger’s own act or omission.
Report missing or damaged luggage to Monty Express as soon as practicable and provide the booking details, a description of the item and any relevant photographs or receipts. Lost property is handled as described in Passenger Information.
Contact Monty Express
Operator: Monty Transport Pty Ltd trading as Monty Express
Australian Business Number (ABN): 95 695 960 395
Telephone: +61 427 420 451 | Email: enquiries@montyexpress.com.au