Regional Express flights and airline information

Regional Express Airlines, widely known under the commercial brand Rex Airlines, stands as Australia's largest independent regional carrier. The company provides reliable air links between state capitals and many remote towns, fulfilling a vital social and economic mission. The carrier's main operating base and headquarters are located in Sydney, from where an extensive network of routes across the country is coordinated.

The airline is focused on providing reliable service and maintaining high safety standards, making it the preferred choice for travelers exploring the Australian Outback or the coast. Rex is not part of any global aviation alliances; however, its deep integration into Australia's domestic transportation system provides passengers with convenient connections and access to the continent's most remote corners.

The Rex Airlines fleet is characterized by its efficiency: Saab 340 turboprop aircraft are operated on short regional distances, while jet Boeing 737-800s are used for trunk routes between major cities. This combination of aircraft types allows the company to respond flexibly to demand and ensure comfortable flights on both short and medium-haul routes.

One of the carrier's main advantages is its punctuality and focus on the needs of local communities. The airline has been repeatedly recognized for its contribution to the development of regional tourism and business, offering competitive fares and quality service on board, which favorably distinguishes it from major network players.

• Official website: rex.com.au
• Hotline phone: +61 2 6393 5550
• Email: sales@rex.com.au
• Social media: Official Rex Airlines pages are represented on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter).
• Mobile app: Availability and functionality of the branded app for booking management should be checked in the App Store and Google Play.
• Emergency support: For inquiries regarding flight delays or baggage claims, please use the contacts listed in the "Contact Us" section of the official website.

We recommend always checking for the most current contact information directly on the airline's official resource before your trip.

For Regional Express Airlines passengers, clear baggage rules are established based on the route type and selected fare. As carry-on baggage, one item weighing up to 7 kg is allowed in the cabin. The maximum bag dimensions must not exceed 36 x 23 x 56 cm so that it can easily be placed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

The standard checked baggage allowance for domestic flights is typically 15 kg per person. It is important to note that some economy fares may not include free baggage, so the terms of a specific ticket should be checked at the booking stage. The total dimensions of a single piece must not exceed 158 cm (sum of three dimensions).

In case of overweight or the need for additional bags, special rates apply. It is more cost-effective to pay for excess baggage in advance via the Rex website, as fees at the airport can be significantly higher. The company also regulates the transport of sports equipment and musical instruments, which are often processed as special oversized cargo.

The transportation of dangerous substances, flammable materials, and high-power lithium batteries is strictly prohibited. To ensure the safety of your belongings, we recommend using high-quality packaging and labeling your baggage with your contact details in English.

In-Cabin Transport

Rex Airlines has strict restrictions on pets in the passenger cabin. Generally, most domestic pets are transported via specialized services; however, exceptions may be made for certain categories, such as service dogs, provided there is prior coordination and all necessary documents are available.

Transport in the Cargo Hold

• Container: Animals must be in rigid carriers that comply with IATA standards.
• Conditions: The cargo holds of Saab 340 and Boeing 737 aircraft provide the necessary ventilation and temperature control.
• Restrictions: The weight of the animal together with the crate must not exceed the limits established for the specific aircraft type.

Required Documents

For travel, a pet will need an international-standard veterinary passport, proof of rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. When planning an interstate flight within Australia, local quarantine rules should also be considered, as they may vary depending on the destination region.

Cost and Preparation

Transport rates are calculated individually based on the weight and dimensions of the container. Before the flight, it is recommended not to feed the animal for 4–6 hours prior to departure and to provide its usual water supply. Please note that the airline may introduce seasonal transport restrictions during periods of extreme heat or cold for the safety of the pets. To clarify current rules, be sure to contact Rex support in advance.

Loyalty Program

At this time, Regional Express Airlines does not offer a traditional mileage-based bonus program common among global carriers. Instead, the company focuses on providing the most affordable fares for all passenger categories and offers special conditions for corporate clients and residents of remote regions through separate initiatives.

• Corporate Offers: Business travelers can take advantage of programs that optimize costs for frequent flights.
• Promotions: The airline regularly holds sales and offers discounts on specific routes, which serves as an alternative to traditional bonus points.
• Partnership: The lack of alliance membership is compensated for by direct agreements with local partners and a flexible pricing system.

For those who fly frequently, it is recommended to follow updates in the special offers section of the official website, as the company periodically introduces incentive schemes for regular customers on specific routes.

Onboard service at Regional Express Airlines is designed to ensure comfort on flights of various durations. On most regional routes served by Saab 340 aircraft, standard economy class with ergonomic seats is offered. On longer flights operated by Boeing 737-800s, passengers may have access to various fare plans that vary in the set of included services, such as baggage and seat selection.

Meals on board include light snacks and drinks, the selection of which depends on the flight duration. On short regional branches, the service is simplified to help keep ticket prices low. If you require special meals (e.g., vegetarian), it is recommended to check the possibility of ordering them when booking a ticket for trunk routes.

For passengers with children and persons with disabilities, Rex provides necessary support. Flight attendants are always ready to help with seating, and the aircraft infrastructure allows for comfortable travel. Unaccompanied minor services are also available and must be booked in advance through the airline's support service.

The Regional Express Airlines route network covers a significant part of the country, connecting key transport hubs with regional centers. The main link for most flights is Sydney, from where the company's planes depart for various regions of Australia. In addition to the state capital, regular flights connect cities such as Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, and Coffs Harbour.

To purchase Rex Airlines tickets at the best prices, it is recommended to plan your purchase 4–6 weeks before departure. Peak loads usually occur on weekends and holidays, so mid-week flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) are often cheaper. Using the official website allows you to avoid additional agency fees and see all available fare grids.

Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure, and we strongly advise using this option to save time at the airport and choose your preferred seat in the cabin. For domestic flights, terminal check-in usually begins 90 minutes before departure, but it is better to arrive early, especially if you have checked baggage.

When choosing a fare, pay attention to the refund and exchange conditions: the most budget-friendly offers are often non-refundable. Also, check if baggage is included in your ticket, as purchasing an extra bag right before departure will be significantly more expensive. For maximum convenience, you can download the mobile app, which allows you to receive timely notifications about flight status changes and store electronic boarding passes.

The history of Regional Express Airlines began in 2002, during one of the most challenging periods for Australian aviation. The company was officially formed on August 1, 2002, as a result of the merger of two bankrupt regional carriers — Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines. This union helped preserve vital transport links for residents of the Australian heartland and created the foundation for a powerful new player in the market.

Since its founding, Rex has consistently expanded its presence, growing from a small operator into the country's largest regional airline. A major milestone was the development of a hub network in cities such as Adelaide, Melbourne, and Townsville, which allowed for the connection of disparate routes into a single efficient system. For a long time, the backbone of the fleet consisted of reliable Saab 340 turboprop aircraft, which became a symbol of the carrier.

A new era in the company's development began with its entry into trunk routes between Australia's largest metropolises. For these purposes, the fleet was augmented with Boeing 737-800 jetliners, allowing Rex to compete directly with the largest national airlines. This expansion marked the transformation of the brand from a purely regional one into a full-fledged domestic carrier of national scale.

Today, Regional Express Airlines continues to follow its philosophy of affordability and reliability. The company actively implements modern booking and service technologies while maintaining a focus on supporting local communities. The history of Rex is an example of successful recovery and growth based on an understanding of the unique needs of the Australian continent.