QF cough about cabin bags

[jpp42]

I have also been hit by a falling cabin bag and much appreciate the 7kg limit for this reason.

On a recent JQ trip, embarrassingly my cabin bag was over 7kg, we had tried to weigh it with a bathroom scale but I guess it wasn't precise enough. It measured 7.6kg, I took some things out and it came to 7.1, was politely rebuffed until we got it down to 6.9. I didn't see a problem with that - the limit is published at 7kg not 7.1 kg - this seriously isn't hard and I see no reason for discretion.

 

[SeatBackForward]

The carry on limits are quite explicit and if you get caught out with more, there is really no argument to be had.

 

[Ade]

I mean I have seen the FAs having to assist people putting in their bags in overhead lockers ?

I'd say that, for a reasonably physically fit individual - if a FA has to assist people putting in and taking out bags from overhead lockers - for your benefit and the benefit of those around you, please pack light.

 

[mrsterryn]

In economy (international flights ) I have noticed that sometimes there isn't a place to store under the seat in front as the the alignment of the seat in front gives an obstruction, so the bag needs to go overhead. So people saying " it will go underneath " doesn't always work .
Easier all round to keep to the limits

 

[muppet]

I have also been hit by a falling cabin bag and much appreciate the 7kg limit for this reason.

On a recent JQ trip, embarrassingly my cabin bag was over 7kg, we had tried to weigh it with a bathroom scale but I guess it wasn't precise enough. It measured 7.6kg, I took some things out and it came to 7.1, was politely rebuffed until we got it down to 6.9. I didn't see a problem with that - the limit is published at 7kg not 7.1 kg - this seriously isn't hard and I see no reason for discretion.

Not sure how this 7kg limit started, but unless you’re flying a Dash 8 the limit for carryon on Qantas is 14kg with no single item to exceed 10kg.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.html

Edit:
Virgin has a 7kg per item limit.

Carry-on baggage allowance | Virgin Australia

All guests travelling on Virgin Australia operated flights are permitted a carry-on baggage allowance based on cabin class and Velocity Tier.

www.virginaustralia.com

 

[mviy]

The reason a lot of people fly HLO is concerns about baggage getting lost. For high status travellers flying domestically, making good use of arrivals lounge access would be more difficult if checking things in.

Having said that the leg room is bad enough without putting a bag under the seat in front. Priority boarding when it works can help with getting everything into the locker. If there's not enough space in the lockers maybe they should get bigger lockers installed in the new aircraft that will replace the 737, 717 etc.

One of the main reasons I prefer to fly QF over the cheap carriers is that they very rarely weigh carry-on and complain about it. If they start weighing bags all the time that would take away from the premium experience and push people to the low cost carriers.

 

[RichardMEL]

I almost always only have one carry on bag and it goes under the seat in front (unless in a bulkhead). it does amaze me some of the large items some bring on (fully understanding the reluctance to check bags)...

I do agree a crackdown is in order so some get the message... but of course they may do it for a few weeks (and probably inconsistently because "This Is The Way") but then relax again and it will go back to usual.

 

[Lynda2475]

Sounds like great news for me. Responsible flyers who stick to the limits (size and weight) have nothing to be concerned about. No sympathy for those that over step, simply no excuse.

I put my within regulation size case in the overhead bin (wheels to the back) irks me when selfish people put their cases sideways or stow items which are clearly over the max size dimensions or put more than 1 item above unless in exit row. And handbag goes under the seat in front. I specifically avoid exit rows so handbag doesn't need to go above.

I've said it before but I would love to see individual bins per seat so you are guaranteed your bag is within eyesight and the abusers can't steal your allocated bin space.

 

[mviy]

I typically bring two bags, but only because I need to bring my laptop with me. The laptop bag is smaller and fits on top of the other bag minimising the locker space used.

 

[Ade]

I've said it before but I would love to see individual bins per seat so you are guaranteed your bag is within eyesight and the abusers can't steal your allocated bin space.

Overhead bins with seat numbers marked on them, like the ones between J and Y ... an easy way to identify those that take others' space in the overhead bins

 

[mviy]

Overhead bins with seat numbers marked on them ... an easy way to identify those that take others' space in the overhead bins

If they did that they would either have to increase the overhead bin sizes or reduce the carry on baggage limit or still have the ability to use others space if they decline to fill it (i.e. use it or lose it). It would probably slow down boarding and be impractical.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Not sure how this 7kg limit started, but unless you’re flying a Dash 8 the limit for carryon on Qantas is 14kg with no single item to exceed 10kg.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.html

Edit:
Virgin has a 7kg per item limit.

Carry-on baggage allowance | Virgin Australia

All guests travelling on Virgin Australia operated flights are permitted a carry-on baggage allowance based on cabin class and Velocity Tier.

www.virginaustralia.com

The increase to 10kgs is relatively recent.

 

[oz_mark]

The increase to 10kgs is relatively recent.

March 2019 - so getting on to four years ago.

 

[SeatBackForward]

March 2019 - so getting on to four years ago.

2 of which was dud flying years..

 

[jpp42]

Not sure how this 7kg limit started, but unless you’re flying a Dash 8 the limit for carryon on Qantas is 14kg with no single item to exceed 10kg.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.html

Thanks for clarifying that, got JQ and QF limits mixed up. 10 kg on your head if it falls out doesn't sound fun. Luckily the person who beaned me with their bag had packed relatively lightly.

 

[drron]

And what if it is 7.75kg? How far is far enough? Please read comment #4

But if the problem is the size of the bag not fitting into the overheads the weight really doesn't come into it.
Experience flying in Asia on lesser known airlines. large Chinese bags full of light weight material is never going to fit overhead where a properly sized carryon will easily fit your 10Kg of gold bars you really don't want to check.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Crew should be prohibited from handling or placing cabin bags in the overhead unless there are safety-related reasons such as small bags at bulkheads or exit rows which passengers have failed to stow before taxi. Or perhaps a passenger in need of special assistance.

I do not see how weight, rather than size, is an issue in terms of on time performance. If the bag meets the required dimensions for the overhead lockers the weight shouldn’t matter. BA has a limit of 23kg per piece of cabin baggage, even on economy fares. It obviously hasn’t been deemed a significant health and safety issue. (AA doesn’t specify a maximum weight as far as I can see but research suggests it could be 40lbs, or just under 20kg per piece… in one of the most litigious countries on the planet!)

Perhaps there are separate Australian OH&S rules on this?

US airlines have an ongoing problem with the amount of cabin baggage but have responded to market demands by installing new, larger bins capable of storing bags on their side, vertically. This utilises all available space in the bin.

Installing new bins is probably expensive, and would be time consuming. But enforcing size, and a ban on crew assistance to lift bags should be cheaper and quicker. I also think we as passengers need a fair bit of education on how to properly fill overhead bins… both in there of maximising space, and doing it safely so items don’t fall out.

 

[Brissy1]

I have also been hit by a falling cabin bag and much appreciate the 7kg limit for this reason.

On a recent JQ trip, embarrassingly my cabin bag was over 7kg, we had tried to weigh it with a bathroom scale but I guess it wasn't precise enough. It measured 7.6kg, I took some things out and it came to 7.1, was politely rebuffed until we got it down to 6.9. I didn't see a problem with that - the limit is published at 7kg not 7.1 kg - this seriously isn't hard and I see no reason for discretion.

You were "rebuffed" with 7.1kg!
100g, (or possibly 50g if they're rounding, a pair of sunglasses)
I think they've lost the plot.

 

[clifford]

But a cabin bag at 7.5kg (for example) isn't delaying anyone compared with the same bag at 7kg as long as it fits and you can lift it, I don't see the issue.

Many airlines around the world allow greater than 7 kg for Y cabin baggage, and don't have a problem.

For example, on an AirAsia flight HKT-BKK I've paid for an extra 7 kg allowance because I sometimes have a problem keeping the weight below 7 kg on a long trip, and that doesn't seem to cause delays or other problems. In this case all flights on the trip are in J, bar this one, so what else was to be done. Pity QF doesn't provide this option (to make money).

It's QF's money-grabbing enthusiasm and certain staff's attitude that's part of the problem IMO. Yes, I've heard all the safety concerns, but generally this is just a smokescreen to justify what's being enforced in a generally unpleasant way.

 

[RooFlyer]

I see no reason for discretion.

The carry on limits are quite explicit and if you get caught out with more, there is really no argument to be had.

No sympathy for those that over step, simply no excuse.

I carry a little portable scale and always pack to or under the limit, but as recounted above, sometimes it goes over and I think some discretion (which is not auto permission) is just sensible.

As carry-on rules also cover dimensions, I'd ask all three of you where or not there should be discretion exercised to a mum travelling alone with an infant in arms and carry bags of nappies, food, pillow, toys etc plus a carry on. We've all seen it - very obviously over the dimension limits. Should she just be told to leave the bag of nappies behind, or the toys, or what? OR should the FA exercise a bit of kindness and discretion and allow mum to carry on?

Saying there should be NO discretion - ever - rules are rules, too bad, so sad, no excuse, no argument, no reason is just, well, silly and can be - heartless. Hope none of you are ever arrive at the gate 1 minute after boarding time. "But..but..but people have just gone through the gate lounge door and are still in the airbridge!". Sorry, sir/madam. Rules are rules. No excuses. See the sign says gate closed.