How to make enemies...! [by weighing carry-on]

[Pushka]

@nutwood I think it's unlikely that AFFers are the people carrying on the kitchen sink. I'm seriously upset that my single 8kg bag is going to be deemed unsuitable because there are d*cks who are carrying the kitchen sink. And it's not just about avoiding the baggage carousel. As I stated before, the loss of my luggage would completely ruin a holiday for me because it would be almost impossible to find clothing that fits in most destinations.

Sounds silly but maybe could you load up on wearing bulky items?

 

[nutwood]

@nutwood I think it's unlikely that AFFers are the people carrying on the kitchen sink. I'm seriously upset that my single 8kg bag is going to be deemed unsuitable because there are d*cks who are carrying the kitchen sink. And it's not just about avoiding the baggage carousel. As I stated before, the loss of my luggage would completely ruin a holiday for me because it would be almost impossible to find clothing that fits in most destinations.

I must confess I'm inclined to agree with you, and the others, regarding weight versus bulk. If someone wishes to lug 10 kg about in a small bag, that really doesn't impact anyone, unless of course it falls out of the locker. My ire is reserved for those who jam the overhead lockers full, simply because they won't avail themselves of checked baggage, freely offered. I also have a special grudge against those who tow their little convoy straight up the middle of any tight place they come to, little bag out to each side, just when I'm trying to make a tight connection. GRRR!

 

[SeatBackForward]

I can't help feeling that's a bit harsh. It's hardly a myopic world view to point out that the intention of carry-on is in fact carry-on. Wanted on voyage! Especially on Qantas who supply a minimum of 23 kg checked luggage allowance with every flight.
I can understand that there may be some people who need to carry a heavy lap-top and a multitude of paper-work with them, but since this discussion opened I've been surreptitiously spying on my fellow passengers and I've yet to see anyone who trundles two substantial bags into the lounge, availing themselves of the luggage they are travelling with. In some instances, I've been sharing flights and my conclusion is that those passengers with substantial carry-on are travelling HLO, simply to avoid checking bags in. Nice for them, but a bit rough on others who check luggage and then struggle to find room in the over head lockers. Surely the philosophy behind HLO is travelling ultra light, not compressing your normal luggage into a couple of solid wheeled bags that just pass for carry-on?
Perhaps instead of weighing luggage, Qantas should put corrugated flooring everywhere so everyone had to actually carry their carry-on. Bet that'd sort the problem.

I save about 30mins at each destination by not waiting for a bag at a carousel.

Added up, that can end up being a lot of time i get to spend with my kids rather than watching the crew bags roll out first.

If it's within the allowances, what's the issue?

 

[fifo]

Has this insanity spread to qf international flights as yet?

And if it has, those departing overseas or departing aus? Or both?

And re the past comments...i carry over 10kg of stuff that legally cant be checked, i know there are many others.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I check bags but I also tend to struggle with a 7kg limit for carry on. I carry luggage scales to ensure I keep in check (so I'm definitely not belligerent to the requirements) but honestly I carry what I do NOT want to lose. This includes a laptop, laptop charger, hard drive, memory sticks, glasses (spare and sunnies), a travel jumper, various keys and ID's, travel wallet, normal wallet, headphones, essential first aid, essential (but small) hygiene products, phone, pens, cords etc. Add to this the actual weight of the bag (lightweight, small backpack at present) and 7kg is used up very quickly. I've also spent a lot more than I need on a laptop, just to get a light weight model. Some of the heavier ones would easily take half of the allowance!

IMHO, 7kg is a crock. 10kg is a far more doable carry on weight and as many others have pointed out, it has nothing to do with O,H&S and/or liabilities. I do agree with (even encourage) the enforcement of size limitations but for the record, I do travel a reasonable amount and I have never yet seen a bag fall from an overhead locker. I have seen many crew drop drinks (including hot coffee), plates, cutlery, food etc, into pax laps, so will we next see a ban on F&B on board to resolve the "dropping" problem?

 

[sostopher]

I agree with most here that the issue is mostly the absolutely huge bags people bring on. They should enforce the "fit" thing more.

 

[Scott K]

Oh well. You could always threaten to take your business to virgin.

Oh wait... All domestic passengers to have carry-on bags weighed in crackdown

 

[nutwood]

I save about 30mins at each destination by not waiting for a bag at a carousel.

Added up, that can end up being a lot of time i get to spend with my kids rather than watching the crew bags roll out first.

If it's within the allowances, what's the issue?

I'm not sure about your 30 minutes, at least not domestically. I always travel with checked luggage and I allow thirty minutes after the flight lands to collect luggage, collect hire car, connect phone and be leaving the airport. The only times I go over this would be Sydney, when there's delays at the car hire.
I think the issue here is whether it is within the allowance? There has been no change to allowances, they are simply enforcing what is written on the ticket. Surely that's fair? Whether the allowance should be changed is an entirely different question. Reading the comments above, it would seem that most would prefer a greater weight allowance. Perhaps they should limit carry on to one bag and lift the weight allowance. That would cater for heavy laptops, whilst freeing some room in the lockers.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

There has been no change to allowances, they are simply enforcing what is written on the ticket. Surely that's fair? Whether the allowance should be changed is an entirely different question.

On the face of it, you are correct, however the allowance from memory, used to be 10kg and it was altered. When it was altered. there was never any policing of the new limits (generally) until now, so I guess it can be argued they are now enforcing a change.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I'm not sure about your 30 minutes, at least not domestically. I always travel with checked luggage and I allow thirty minutes after the flight lands to collect luggage, collect hire car, connect phone and be leaving the airport. The only times I go over this would be Sydney, when there's delays at the car hire.
I think the issue here is whether it is within the allowance? There has been no change to allowances, they are simply enforcing what is written on the ticket. Surely that's fair? Whether the allowance should be changed is an entirely different question. Reading the comments above, it would seem that most would prefer a greater weight allowance. Perhaps they should limit carry on to one bag and lift the weight allowance. That would cater for heavy laptops, whilst freeing some room in the lockers.

I'm not sure about your 30 minutes, at least not domestically. I always travel with checked luggage and I allow thirty minutes after the flight lands to collect luggage, collect hire car, connect phone and be leaving the airport. The only times I go over this would be Sydney, when there's delays at the car hire.
I think the issue here is whether it is within the allowance? There has been no change to allowances, they are simply enforcing what is written on the ticket. Surely that's fair? Whether the allowance should be changed is an entirely different question. Reading the comments above, it would seem that most would prefer a greater weight allowance. Perhaps they should limit carry on to one bag and lift the weight allowance. That would cater for heavy laptops, whilst freeing some room in the lockers.

Well put it this way, I'm generally seated in the first few rows of the plane, I can often be one of the first to arrive at the baggage carousel, and while I wait and wait and wait..the thought of "I'd be in a car, driving away now" always comes to mind. and Priority baggage is almost as inconsistent as priority boarding so that doesn't help either.

I agree with you and that was what i posted earlier on this thread - the grievances are simply that they are enforcing an established rule. I do believe 7kgs is not consistent with other airlines, but despite this I ensure my bag is within dimensions and weight.

 

[amaroo]

International > Domestic connections should be fun .... particularly with passengers connecting from other airlines with more generous carry on allowances ....eg BA

 

[Pushka]

International > Domestic connections should be fun .... particularly with passengers connecting from other airlines with more generous carry on allowances ....eg BA

The heaviest applies doesn’t it?. Popcorn material and no sympathy from others I’d suggest from those subject to the 7kg limit.

 

[tdimdad]

...my conclusion is that those passengers with substantial carry-on are travelling HLO, simply to avoid checking bags in. Nice for them, but a bit rough on others who check luggage and then struggle to find room in the over head lockers.

The quantity or volume-based approach would make much more sense. In the overhead bin I may have three items but always stacked vertically, on top of each other: trolley, laptop bag and jacket. Or if there's a donut delivery to the offspring , the laptop is under the seat. Essentially, allowing only X cm of width and all you can use in depth & height would make it much more consistent.

A little observation from various flights is that those travelling on business or frequently seem generally be quite compact with their luggage while people travelling for leisure often seem to have multiple bags on them. When you read the reactions (comments) to the recent articles on The Age / Sydney Morning Herald, and the likes, many of them sound like infrequent leisure traveller viewpoints (assuming the theory about the difference holds true). Those bringing multiple bags and spreading them out in the bins in a rather inefficient manner deserve to be guided to better patterns but most travellers can quite easily handle themselves and their bags - even if a tad bit over 7 kg.

 

[Melburnian1]

Given that both major domestic airlines are supposedly strictly enforcing this, how are passengers finding the 'enhanced' experience? Are there any delays when lining up for boarding? Has anyone travelled VA one way and QF the other and noted differences? Is there any apparent reduction in the number of bags being carried on board?

 

[amaroo]

The heaviest applies doesn’t it?. Popcorn material and no sympathy from others I’d suggest from those subject to the 7kg limit.

I know that rule applies for checked luggage, assuming it doesn't for carry on.... maybe someone can post and confirm that for us.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

I know that rule applies for checked luggage, assuming it doesn't for carry on.... maybe someone can post and confirm that for us.

Didn't BA recently introduce a checked luggage rule where the least generous allowance can apply on a mixed cabin itinerary?

 

[Cossie]

I'd be interested to know how others on here that carry a large amount of camera gear cope with a weight restriction of 7kg.
There is no way I would be happy for any of my gear to go into the hold, insured or not! That definitely includes going through the states. no way would I ever trust anyone that works for tsa.

 

[nutwood]

I'd be interested to know how others on here that carry a large amount of camera gear cope with a weight restriction of 7kg.
There is no way I would be happy for any of my gear to go into the hold, insured or not! That definitely includes going through the states. no way would I ever trust anyone that works for tsa.

Pelican case, two padlocks and check it in. Probably travel better than being banged about as carry-on, unless of course, the Pelican case is small enough to carry on.

 

[Cossie]

Pelican case, two padlocks and check it in. Probably travel better than being banged about as carry-on, unless of course, the Pelican case is small enough to carry on.

I have a Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW, but it by itself weighs 3.31kg. It will fit overhead on the Q400 planes, but by the time I add everything it must be up to 14kgs at least, I also downsized my laptop to help reduce weight.

Whistler BP 450 AW

 

[nutwood]

I have a Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW, but it by itself weighs 3.31kg. It will fit overhead on the Q400 planes, but by the time I add everything it must be up to 14kgs at least, I also downsized my laptop to help reduce weight.

Whistler BP 450 AW

3.31 kg is not too bad. My Pelican case comes in at 10.5 kg before I put anything in it.