Bonza Airlines offers streamlined check-in options for passengers traveling on Australia's ultra-low-cost carrier. Understanding the check-in process ensures a smooth departure experience from airports across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Bonza Airlines operates as Australia's ultra-low-cost domestic carrier, connecting previously unserved destinations across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. The airline's check-in procedures reflect its mobile-first approach to passenger services, with most travelers completing check-in through the dedicated Bonza mobile app. Understanding the check-in requirements, timing, and available options is essential for ensuring a smooth departure experience, particularly given the airline's strict cutoff times and baggage policies.
Since commencing operations in January 2023, Bonza has experienced operational challenges, including temporary service suspensions in April 2024. Passengers should remain aware of current operational status and check-in availability before traveling. This guide provides comprehensive information about all check-in methods, timing requirements, baggage considerations, and what to do if disruptions occur.
The Bonza check-in process differs from traditional airline procedures by prioritizing mobile app usage over web-based online check-in. This approach aligns with the airline's low-cost operational model, reducing infrastructure costs while providing passengers with convenient check-in access. The airline operates Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from its primary base at Sunshine Coast Airport and secondary operations at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.
Passengers must understand that Bonza does not currently offer traditional online check-in through a website portal. Instead, the airline requires either mobile app check-in or airport counter check-in. This distinction is important for travelers accustomed to web-based check-in systems offered by other carriers. The mobile app is available for both Android and iOS devices and must be downloaded before your travel date.
The Bonza mobile app serves as the primary check-in method for most passengers. The app must be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple App Store for iOS devices. Passengers who previously downloaded the app should ensure they have the latest version installed, as older versions may not support booking and check-in functionality.
Bonza sends email notifications to passengers when mobile app check-in becomes available for their specific flight. Check-in typically opens 24 hours before scheduled departure time, following industry standard practices. Passengers should monitor their email for these notifications and complete check-in as early as possible to secure preferred seating options and avoid last-minute complications.
To complete check-in through the Bonza mobile app, passengers should open the app and navigate to the manage booking section. Enter your booking reference and last name to access your reservation. Review passenger details for accuracy, then proceed through the check-in prompts. If you purchased a Flight plus Bag plus Seat bundle, your seat assignment should already be confirmed. Flight only passengers may have the option to select available seats or will be assigned seats automatically.
After completing check-in, the app generates a digital boarding pass that can be accessed within the app. This boarding pass contains a barcode that will be scanned at security checkpoints and at the boarding gate. Passengers should ensure their mobile device has sufficient battery charge to display the boarding pass throughout the airport journey. Taking a screenshot of the boarding pass provides a backup if connectivity issues arise.
If the mobile app fails to complete check-in, passengers should first verify they have the most recent app version installed. Deleting and reinstalling the app often resolves technical glitches. Check that your booking reference and passenger details are entered correctly. If problems persist, contact Bonza customer service or proceed to airport check-in as an alternative.
Airport check-in serves as the backup option for passengers unable to use mobile app check-in. This service is available at all airports where Bonza operates, including Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Newcastle, and other destinations in the airline's network.
Airport check-in counters open 90 minutes before scheduled departure time. This window provides sufficient time for passengers to check baggage, receive boarding passes, and proceed through security. However, check-in closes strictly 40 minutes before departure. Passengers arriving after this cutoff time will not be permitted to check in and will forfeit their flight. This 40-minute cutoff is non-negotiable and allows the airline to complete boarding procedures and ensure on-time departures.
Bonza has designed its check-in process around mobile technology, requiring passengers to use the airline's dedicated mobile app for most check-in procedures. The airline sends email notifications when check-in opens for your specific flight, typically 24 hours before departure. Passengers who cannot access the mobile app can complete check-in at the airport counter.
The check-in process involves verifying passenger details, selecting seats if not already assigned, confirming baggage allowances, and receiving a digital boarding pass. For passengers who purchased Flight only fares, the check-in process confirms carry-on baggage compliance. Those with Flight plus Bag plus Seat bundles will have their checked baggage processed during check-in.
Passengers checking in at the airport must present valid government-issued photo identification. Australian domestic flights require a driver's license, passport, or other approved identification document. Have your booking reference readily available, either printed or displayed on a mobile device. If checking baggage, ensure bags are properly tagged with your contact information and comply with Bonza's size and weight restrictions.
Locate the Bonza check-in counter in the departure terminal. Queue in the designated line and wait for the next available agent. Present your identification and booking reference to the agent. If you have checked baggage, place it on the scale for weighing and tagging. The agent will verify that baggage complies with your fare type allowance. Passengers with Flight only fares cannot check baggage unless they upgrade to a Flight plus Bag plus Seat bundle at the counter, subject to availability and additional fees.
After processing, the agent provides printed boarding passes and baggage claim tags if applicable. Proceed to the security checkpoint with your boarding pass and carry-on items. Arrive at the departure gate at least 20 minutes before scheduled departure to ensure you do not miss boarding.
Understanding Bonza's baggage policy is critical during the check-in process, as fare types determine what baggage you can bring. The airline operates a strict baggage policy aligned with its ultra-low-cost model.
All passengers are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage plus one personal item, with a combined weight limit of 8 kilograms. The carry-on bag must not exceed dimensions of 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters, including wheels, handles, tags, and decorations. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and should not be larger than 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters. Acceptable personal items include laptops, camera cases, small handbags, or satchels.
Passengers who purchased Flight only fares are not permitted to check baggage. To check baggage, you must either book a Flight plus Bag plus Seat bundle initially or upgrade your booking before check-in. Checked baggage must not exceed linear dimensions of 140 centimeters when adding width, height, and depth measurements. Bonza offers four checked baggage weight options: 15 kilograms, 23 kilograms, 28 kilograms, and 32 kilograms. Select the appropriate weight tier based on your luggage needs and pay the corresponding fee.
If your baggage exceeds the weight limit for your purchased tier during check-in, you will be required to pay excess baggage fees. These fees can be substantial, so accurately estimating baggage weight before arriving at the airport is advisable. Passengers can weigh luggage at home and adjust packing or upgrade baggage allowance in advance to avoid unexpected costs at check-in.
Bonza temporarily suspended all services on April 30, 2024, due to business discussions about the airline's future. This suspension affected all passengers with bookings, creating significant disruption across the airline's network. Passengers who booked through third-party agencies like Alternative Airlines were advised to monitor updates from their booking agent regarding refunds and alternative arrangements.
If you have a Bonza booking and the airline suspends operations or cancels your flight, immediately contact the agency or platform through which you made your booking. Passengers who purchased Cancellation Protection through booking platforms may be eligible for full refunds if flights are cancelled due to emergency circumstances. Review the terms and conditions of any protection plans purchased with your ticket.
Monitor official Bonza communications through the airline's website, mobile app, and social media channels for updates about service resumption. If you need to travel urgently, consider booking alternative flights with other Australian carriers such as Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, or Rex Regional Express, which operate similar domestic routes.
While Bonza encourages direct booking through its mobile app, passengers can also book through travel agents who access the Bonza Travel Agent Portal. Third-party booking platforms like Alternative Airlines also offer Bonza flights with additional services such as Cancellation Protection.
Booking through platforms like Alternative Airlines provides access to Cancellation Protection, which can offer refunds if flights are cancelled due to emergency circumstances. These platforms also provide customer service support that may be more accessible than contacting the airline directly. However, third-party bookings may include service fees that increase the total ticket cost compared to direct booking through the Bonza app.
To ensure efficient check-in and avoid complications, passengers should download the Bonza mobile app well before travel dates. Complete check-in as soon as it opens, typically 24 hours before departure. Verify that all passenger details in your booking are accurate, including names that match identification documents. Ensure your mobile device is fully charged before heading to the airport.
Arrive at the airport with ample time before the check-in cutoff. For airport check-in, arriving 90 minutes before departure provides maximum flexibility. Have identification and booking references easily accessible. Review baggage allowances for your fare type and ensure luggage complies with size and weight restrictions before arriving at the airport.
Bonza's check-in process centers on mobile app functionality, with airport check-in serving as a backup option. Understanding the timing requirements, baggage policies, and available check-in methods ensures passengers can navigate the process efficiently. The strict 40-minute check-in cutoff before departure requires punctuality and advance planning.
Given the airline's operational challenges and temporary service suspensions, passengers should remain informed about current flight status and consider purchasing Cancellation Protection when available. While Bonza aims to provide low-cost connectivity between underserved Australian destinations, travelers must be prepared for potential disruptions and have contingency plans for critical travel needs.
No, Bonza does not currently offer web-based online check-in. Passengers must use the Bonza mobile app for check-in or complete the process at the airport counter.
Airport check-in opens 90 minutes before scheduled departure and closes strictly 40 minutes before departure. Passengers arriving after the 40-minute cutoff will not be permitted to check in.
If you cannot access the mobile app, you can complete check-in at the airport counter. Ensure you arrive before the check-in counter closes 40 minutes prior to departure.
No, Flight only fares do not include checked baggage. You must upgrade to a Flight plus Bag plus Seat bundle to check baggage, either when booking or at the airport subject to availability.
You need valid government-issued photo identification such as an Australian driver's license, passport, or other approved identification document for domestic flights.
No, mobile app check-in provides a digital boarding pass displayed in the app. You can take a screenshot as backup, but paper boarding passes are only issued at airport check-in counters.
Contact your booking agent immediately if you booked through a third party, or contact Bonza directly if you booked through the app. Check if you purchased Cancellation Protection for potential refund eligibility.
You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item with a combined weight of 8 kilograms. The carry-on must not exceed 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters, and the personal item must fit under the seat.
Book Bonza flights through authorized partners and travel agents for additional protection and customer service support.
Comprehensive overview of Bonza's carry-on and checked baggage rules, weight limits, size restrictions, and upgrade options for different fare types.
Explore Bonza's domestic Australian routes connecting Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Newcastle, and other underserved destinations across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Bonza temporarily suspended all flight operations as the airline engages in discussions about its business future.
Bonza launched mobile app check-in functionality for all passengers, replacing traditional online web check-in systems.
Bonza commenced operations with inaugural flights connecting Newcastle to Sunshine Coast and Whitsundays destinations.