Most of my luggage arguments with passengers happen at the kerb, not on the drive. A couple pulls up at T2 with three large suitcases, two carry-ons, and two backpacks, and they want it all in a Camry with them and two kids. That particular physics problem doesn't have a solution. The one they should have considered is a maxi, not a sedan, and the conversation would have been three words long if they had booked one ahead of time.
Here is what a Melbourne airport taxi actually holds, and what to do when your load exceeds it.
What fits in a standard sedan
A typical taxi sedan (Camry, Kluger, Corolla) has a boot designed for normal suburban use. Practically, that means:
- Two standard suitcases (approximately 70–80 cm) fit comfortably in the boot.
- A third suitcase can usually go in the boot diagonally or stood on end, tight but manageable.
- Carry-on bags and backpacks go on passenger laps or on the floor.
- A fourth large suitcase is a stretch. Sometimes possible with the rear seats down (SUV only); not possible in a sedan.
Drivers will generally make any reasonable configuration work with some tetris. They won't charge extra for it.
For two passengers with four combined suitcases: yes, fine. For three passengers with five combined suitcases: possible but tight. For four passengers with six combined suitcases: not in a sedan. You need a maxi or two cabs.
What fits in a maxi cab
A maxi is designed for groups and heavy luggage. Typical capacities:
- Up to 11 passengers (including driver)
- 8 to 10 standard suitcases in the dedicated rear luggage compartment
- Additional bags on seats if any seats are unoccupied
Some maxis have fold-flat rear seats or removable seats for oversized items. This is handy for a group of four with ski gear, or two passengers returning from a shopping trip with multiple boxes.
See your exact fare — enter your suburb
Fixed price, all tolls and GST included. No card required.
What is never charged extra
Victoria does not have a per-bag surcharge for standard luggage. A driver who tries to charge "$5 per suitcase" is inventing a fee. The fare on the meter includes reasonable luggage.
What can legitimately trigger an extra charge:
- A group of 5 or more passengers triggers the $16.35 high-occupancy fee (regulated by the Essential Services Commission). This is a passenger count fee, not a luggage fee.
- Excessive cleanup if luggage or a pet causes damage (rare in practice).
- Specific vehicle class (maxi vs sedan) charged at different fixed-fare rates if you pre-booked.
None of those are "per-bag" charges.
Oversized items
The things that need attention when you book.
Surfboards, snowboards, skis. Sometimes fit through a maxi's rear gate with some seats folded. Some drivers carry roof racks for surfboards. Always declare at booking.
Musical instruments. A cello, double bass, or drum kit needs a maxi. A guitar fits in any sedan. Specify at booking.
Wheelchairs and mobility aids. Maxi cabs are wheelchair-accessible by default, and the driver has been trained to secure the chair. Specify MPTP eligibility if applicable. See MPTP concession cards page.
Prams and strollers. Standard folding strollers fit in the boot alongside two suitcases. A double stroller or a bigger pram usually needs a maxi. Always specify at booking if you're travelling with a baby.
Pet carriers. Small pet carriers (cats, small dogs) are usually accepted on the back seat. Larger dogs require a pre-booked vehicle with explicit pet acceptance. Not every driver accepts pets, so specify at booking.
Bicycles. A full-size bike usually needs a maxi with fold-flat seats or a specific bike-friendly operator. A partially-disassembled bike (wheels off) can sometimes fit in an SUV boot.
Large boxes / oversized cargo. Declare at booking. The operator may allocate a maxi or recommend a dedicated freight service.
What to declare at booking
The five things that tell the operator whether to allocate a sedan or a maxi.
- Number of passengers.
- Number and approximate size of bags.
- Any oversized items (sporting equipment, instruments, pet carriers, strollers).
- Accessibility needs (wheelchair, walker, other mobility aids).
- Child seats required (booster, forward-facing, rear-facing capsule).
A two-minute phone call or booking form fills all five and ensures the right vehicle shows up. The booking guide walks through the flow.
What happens if you just walk up to the rank with too much
Depends on what "too much" means.
If you are two people with three bags, the driver will make it work even if it takes three minutes of repacking. No big deal.
If you are four people with six bags, the rank supervisor will direct you to the maxi rank (separate, usually 10 metres to the side) and you wait there. The wait is similar to the standard queue.
If you are six people with twelve bags, you will be directed to split across two cabs and each will need to queue separately. Slower. This is when you regret not pre-booking.
If you have a surfboard or a cello and walk up cold to the rank, some drivers will refuse (legitimately) because the item doesn't fit. You wait for a driver who has a maxi or a roof rack. This can take a while.
My rule
For airport pickups, I declare luggage at booking above the "two suitcases and two carry-ons" threshold. Below that, the rank is fine. Above it, pre-book a maxi or a sedan with confirmed boot space.
The reason isn't fairness to the driver. It's that standing at the kerb with an oversized bag while three sedans refuse you is an annoying way to start a trip. A two-minute booking note removes the problem entirely.