This is a niche thing......but something that's good to know if you don't know...so I'm sharing. 

I've been Star Alliance Gold or Air NZ Elite for the past several years. We took some trips, flew some business class.....liked it...flew some more...and there you are. 

One of the perks was you get an extra bag. I've never used it, but thought ok...it's there if I need it. 

Friday, I was made aware of a business meeting in Melbourne on Monday and Tuesday....so I booked a flight. It wasn't customer-related so I was thinking I'll fly as cheapy as possible to keep costs down for all concerned....so I booked "Seat only".

I packed a bag and headed for the airport. I'm Gold, right? So I have a bag up my sleeve. 

I found out that's not how it works. It an *extra* bag......your fare has to already include one. Oooohhhh.....didn't know that. 

No big deal. I paid the $120 for the "excess" bag and the resulting cost was still $150 cheaper than the next cheapest ticket on some other flight today. My base ticket was only $261. 

Anyway.....that bag entitlement for Gold and Elite is only for extra bags....not thr first bag. No first bag.....no extra bag either.