Effective July 1st 2011
The Rottnest Island Authority in conjunction with Rottnest Fast Ferries have introduced a new luggage procedure
for onward and return journey that is designed to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and accuracy of luggage delivery on Rottnest Island.
How will the procedure work?
When making a
booking in advance of seven days from your travel date you will be mailed a set of luggage labels with onward and return information, these are generated during the booking process and will incur a postage and handling fee.
If your
booking is less than seven days from your travel date you will be able to pick up your luggage labels at the departure point at an additional surcharge.
Once booked if your travel arrangements change then new luggage labels will need to be re-issued at either your departure point at an additional surcharge.
BELOW: An example of new luggage label you will receive
Need to know more?
Scroll down for our Frequently Asked Questions or call the reservations team today on 9246 1039.
New Luggage Procedure Frequently Asked Questions
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Why do I need luggage labels?
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All luggage bound for delivery is required to have Rottnest Island approved luggage labels attached to every individual piece to ensure successful delivery. The labels identify the accommodation unit you are staying in as well as having your contact details should there be a need to contact you about delivery of your belongings. Items without our labels cannot be delivered.
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Why has the system been changed?
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A review has identified that the manual nature of the previous system, along with having to obtain return labels once on the Island, greatly contributes to delayed or non delivery of guests luggage because of no or illegible details entered or incorrect selection of return labels by guests.
The new system eliminates these deficiencies by capturing all your travel and accommodation details at the time you book your ferry fare, and enables the information to be included on an "airline style" luggage label that will be sent to you by your chosen ferry operator when you book your travel.
These same labels are used for the return journey.
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Are there any changes to the existing RIA luggage policy?
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There is only one change which is explained by the next Q&A. All other policies remain the same.
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Is there any change to the amount of luggage I can take?
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Under the old system, two labels per number of beds in your villa were sent to you free of charge. This has now changed to two per head of travel which is consistent with global industry standards.
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Can I obtain extra labels if I want to take more than what I am allocated?
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Yes, you can purchase extra labels from your chosen ferry operator at the time you make your booking.
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Are there size and weight restrictions for luggage?
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Yes, because of health and safety regulations, the maximum weight any one item can be is 22kg with maximum dimensions of 80cm x 50cm x 40cm.
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What do I do if my travel arrangements change, do I need new labels?
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Yes, if your travel arrangements change either before or during your stay you need to contact the ferry company you have travelled with. If your arrangements change while on the island you will require new labels to ensure the correct delivery of your luggage back to the mainland.
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What do I do if I change my departure time from Rottnest Island back to the mainland, and I have already put my luggage out for collection?
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Once your luggage has been collected it will be delivered per the attached labels. Presently the system does not track where individual items are in the system, but tracking may be incorporated in the future.
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What happens if Labels are damaged or missing when I pack up for my return?
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The Island Visitor Centre at the foot of the ferry jetty has labels for return available. It is strongly recommended that you attach the original labels in a manner to ensure they can be utilised for your return, as replacement labels require you to fill out your details manually.
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Who is responsible for the delivery of my luggage?
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The Rottnest Island Authority is responsible for the delivery of your luggage on the Island as well as the collection for delivery back to the mainland. The Ferry operators are responsible for the water travel component of this process. Globally, in non international mass passenger transport, luggage delivery and collection is an honour system which relies on travellers to correctly identify and collect their luggage at points of collection. Generally there is some supervision at collection points but their roll is only to monitor and assist with orderly collection.
This is exactly the same as with domestic air travel where there is nothing stopping someone from collecting a bag not belonging to them from the turnstile (either by accident or deliberately) and walking out of the terminal unchallenged.
Incidents of theft or lost luggage are rare, however it is for this reason any items of value should always be carried on your person and not in your luggage.
Condition of travel with all ferry companies is that luggage and freight is carried entirely at the ticket holder's risk. (see website for full details on conditions of travel and cartage)
If any luggage items fail to turn up after investigation by the RIA and the ferry companies, recourse is through your insurance company.
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