Qantas Cabin Baggage Survey Results Email

[Tiki]

If weight is an issue for the bins, then why don't USA based airlines have weight restrictions. The majors just care about the size. And the USA is the most litigious country in the world, so logically if it was becoming a problem they would start weighing bags.

 

[Rembrandt]

Yes, and they should also send the ticketing system while they're at it!

Well the original Myki system in Melbourne was developed by Japanese company NTT Data, so they're not always perfect. Anyway each public transport in system in Japan uses a different technology some still rely on ancient manually operated ticket machines to ones that allow credit cards payments.

Airlines need to send people to Japan to learn how to board planes.

If JAL and ANA can board 400 seat domestic A350s in 15 mins, anyone taking 20+ mins to board a 737/A320 needs to have a think about their process.

Yes I've witnessed this on a number of domestic Japanese flights. I often feel based on the time they board people the flight will depart late, but they somehow get everyone onboard in time. That being said I can't help but think if it were a plane fall of foreigners this process wouldn't work as well.

 

[BenP]

I'm sure there is a reason why they haven't already, but why don't Qantas just put dividers in the overhead bins at 37cm (just wide enough to meet their own width requirements). That way it either fits in the overhead/goes under the seat or it gets checked
As for the weight restrictions they shouldn't be a problem generally, if you can
a) get the extra weight to fit the required size and lift it yourself. If you can't do this it gets checked

 

[Vic]

I wanted to pick up on the last point in the email.

• Lastly, providing free check-in of bags at the gate for those that don't fit in the cabin is seen as helpful

Don't Qantas already have free checked luggage on all fares? So what is the benefit of free check in at gate? Are they wanting to charge for checked luggage?

I'm sure there is a reason why they haven't already, but why don't Qantas just put dividers in the overhead bins at 37cm (just wide enough to meet their own width requirements). That way it either fits in the overhead/goes under the seat or it gets checked
As for the weight restrictions they shouldn't be a problem generally, if you can
a) get the extra weight to fit the required size and lift it yourself. If you can't do this it gets checked

That would take a heap of overhead space in total across the whole aircraft. Also removes flexibilty to fit things in.

 

[drron]

Well the original Myki system in Melbourne was developed by Japanese company NTT Data, so they're not always perfect. Anyway each public transport in system in Japan uses a different technology some still rely on ancient manually operated ticket machines to ones that allow credit cards payments.



Yes I've witnessed this on a number of domestic Japanese flights. I often feel based on the time they board people the flight will depart late, but they somehow get everyone onboard in time. That being said I can't help but think if it were a plane fall of foreigners this process wouldn't work as well.

Well I have boarded JAL planes in SYD, BNE and LHR and only slightly slower.
In SIN on one occasion they were trying to fix the IFE so boarding was 10 to 15 minutes late but we still got away on time. Without IFE. They obviously really do want to be on time. Didn't worry me as they made the wifi free with another free wifi coupon for a future JAL flight plus a 20000 yen visa gift card.

 

[BenP]

I wanted to pick up on the last point in the email.


Don't Qantas already have free checked luggage on all fares? So what is the benefit of free check in at gate? Are they wanting to charge for checked luggage?


That would take a heap of overhead space in total across the whole aircraft. Also removes flexibilty to fit things in.

With the space I'm not sure what you mean by 'heap' but I'm thinking a divider that is 1-2mm think so two in each bin 2-4mm lost space per bin but I concede it most likely require a re-design of the bin overall so probably won't happen. Which means we have to use the current system and either rely on people not being d*** and exploiting the rules or having the inconsistent process some bags get checked and others don't
As for the flexibility to fit things in there is already a max by default length for how long and deep an item can be. By having a fixed width it just fully enforces the measurements which I'm pretty sure are in the terms of carriage

 

[Lynda2475]

but why don't Qantas just put dividers in the overhead bins at 37cm (just wide enough to meet their own width requirements). That way it either fits in the overhead/goes under the seat or it gets checked

I have been suggesting this for years 9and up thread) along with assigning specific slot per seat. The slots for the exit rows will need to be a it bigger since all items have to go up; but it would then make it very obvious what your space is.

Someone else puts their cough in your space remove it, then FA can have it sent below. it makes it very clear what your space entitlement is.

As for the weight restrictions they shouldn't be a problem generally, if you can
a) get the extra weight to fit the required size and lift it yourself. If you can't do this it gets checked

There is still a maximum weight the bins can support - it can be a free for all (although possibly could be higher than 10kg). But in the event a passenger has bin open and turbulence strikes I dnt want to be killed or seriously injured if hit by a 23kg bag falling out.

 

[kpro]

If weight is an issue for the bins, then why don't USA based airlines have weight restrictions.

There is still a maximum weight the bins can support - it can be a free for all (although possibly could be higher than 10kg).

Not saying it doesn't happen, but I've never heard of any issues with overhead bins failing due to weight. I've also had no legacy carriers short or long haul pay any attention to weight of passengers carry on - with the exception of Qatar.

Cabin bag can easily exceed 10kg if you consider computer, shoes, toiletries and clothes. I generally take my laptop out before approaching the security line now so it doesn't get included.
23kg for a bag is ridiculous though, what would you packing in there? Lots of liquid bottles?

 

[Per_Travels]

I have been suggesting this for years 9and up thread) along with assigning specific slot per seat. The slots for the exit rows will need to be a it bigger since all items have to go up; but it would then make it very obvious what your space is.

Someone else puts their cough in your space remove it, then FA can have it sent below. it makes it very clear what your space entitlement is.


There is still a maximum weight the bins can support - it can be a free for all (although possibly could be higher than 10kg). But in the event a passenger has bin open and turbulence strikes I dnt want to be killed or seriously injured if hit by a 23kg bag falling out.

Isn't the whole problem that there isn't enough space in the overhead lockers for everyone to be allocated a space allowance that's equivalent to their carry on allowance

 

[Lynda2475]

Not saying it doesn't happen, but I've never heard of any issues with overhead bins failing due to weight. I've also had no legacy carriers short or long haul pay any attention to weight of passengers carry on - with the exception of Qatar.

Diasagree. Singapore Airlines weighed my carry-on when i was checking bags at international check in at LHR back 20+ years ago. I had to redistribute clothes between my checked and hand language at check in because carry-on was over by 300g.

Noting I had weighed at hotel but clearly airport scales calibrated differently.

Cabin bag can easily exceed 10kg if you consider computer, shoes, toiletries and clothes. I generally take my laptop out before approaching the security line now so it doesn't get included.
23kg for a bag is ridiculous though, what would you packing in there? Lots of liquid bottles?

But it's 14kg, 4kg under seat 10kg above. Did many a business trip with laptop and was able to stay within that.

 

[kpro]

Diasagree. Singapore Airlines weigh carry-on at international check in.

I don't fly SQ much, but I don't recall them weighing my hand luggage a couple of years back on a SYD > SIN return. I would've had both a duffel and a backpack for that trip.
Having said that I primarily fly J internationally so maybe airlines are more lenient for premium cabins.

But it's 14kg, 4 kg under seat 10kg above. Did many a business trip with laptop and was able to stay within that.

I was referring to the 10kg per bag in your post I quoted. Having said that, I did mention in this thread that at one point an agent asked me to put the laptop case together with the bag to be weighed.

 

[milehighclub]

If weight is an issue for the bins, then why don't USA based airlines have weight restrictions

They should though. I saw in a 777 bin the other day, the placarded weight was only 36kg - 3 bags at 20 would exceed that recommended weight. I think the new 737 max have a placarded weight of 56kg - but they can hold 6 bags, meaning each bag should only be at most 9.3kg. The 787 has a placarded weight of 50kg. A320 are at 43kg (approximately, image was hard to see, but first digit was a 4). A380 varies but tare around 50kg on the main deck.

 

[jastel]

Ever picked up a lawyers "hand luggage only" sized case?
Easily exceed 20kgs full of papers.
They are not always full of socks and jocks.

Ever been in a lift and read the max weight and divided it by the max people?
The average is always set way to low.
Thats how we get such small economy class seats as "average" sized.

 

[Vic]

With the space I'm not sure what you mean by 'heap' but I'm thinking a divider that is 1-2mm think so two in each bin 2-4mm lost space per bin but I concede it most likely require a re-design of the bin overall so probably won't happen. Which means we have to use the current system and either rely on people not being d*** and exploiting the rules or having the inconsistent process some bags get checked and others don't
As for the flexibility to fit things in there is already a max by default length for how long and deep an item can be. By having a fixed width it just fully enforces the measurements which I'm pretty sure are in the terms of carriage

I would've thought more like 4-5 mm for strength and rigidity per divider, 2 -3 per locker more likely 3. there are maybe about 10 lockers per side on a 737, so upto about 300 mm of divider per plane? One Bag?
I'm really not sure what this would gain. we now have 3 or 4 sections per locker to be shared between 6 seats?
I've seen someone bring on a wedding dress. Obviously has to be carry on, cannot risk being lost or wreck under the plane. The wedding dress when in nicely on top of the bags in the overhead. So dividers would have killed that flexibility.

 

[clifford]

They should though. I saw in a 777 bin the other day, the placarded weight was only 36kg - 3 bags at 20 would exceed that recommended weight. I think the new 737 max have a placarded weight of 56kg - but they can hold 6 bags, meaning each bag should only be at most 9.3kg. The 787 has a placarded weight of 50kg. A320 are at 43kg (approximately, image was hard to see, but first digit was a 4). A380 varies but tare around 50kg on the main deck.

OK, that's all fine, but how do you square it with BA's carry-on allowance of 23Kg. I guess they must fly different aircraft.

 

[mrsterryn]

OK, that's all fine, but how do you square it with BA's carry-on allowance of 23Kg. I guess they must fly different aircraft.

My husband has flown BA on occasions (business ) And we have always found their carry on really odd , when considering most other carriers

 

[drron]

Ever picked up a lawyers "hand luggage only" sized case?
Easily exceed 20kgs full of papers.
They are not always full of socks and jocks.

Ever been in a lift and read the max weight and divided it by the max people?
The average is always set way to low.
Thats how we get such small economy class seats as "average" sized.

Last trip to Thailand and in a rather ricketty lift. Said maximum 4 people or 100KG. Obviously not going to happen. There were 3 of us in the lift when a 4th person got the doors to open again. She was obviously a good deal heavier than 100Kg. The lift alarmed and wouldn't move. She wanted one of us to get out. She was out voted. Didn't worry the lift to be carrying over twice the maximum rate. The 3 of us were roughly the same size and I weigh 80Kg.

 

[Laptop Jockey]

It's quite a low hanging fruit item for extracting more money from passengers. Honestly surprised that QF haven't done this also - especially when they already include baggage with their tickets.

I think you kind of answered your own question quite well there; there's no financial upside to policing it, yet there is a reputational downside to p*ssing off customers before the flight, especially when it is the flight crew that will be stuck in a metal tube with them for the next few hours.
That said, I think practicality is probably a greater factor; because Jetstar charge for check in luggage, a lot more people try get away with saving a few dollars by going check in only. Especially the demographic that fly Jetstar by choice are much more likely to be sensitive to an extra $20 on a $150 ticket.
Honestly, from a business point of view they should give free check in and charge for anything bigger than a handbag/laptop bag/small backpack in carry on.

 

[RooFlyer]

Here we go again

4Kg for a personal item (handbag, small backpack, laptop) to go under seat is imo quite generous. 10kg in overhead bin in a carry-on case/duffel is ample for 4 nights (more in warm climates)

As you say in your opinion the first bit and I agree. The second sentence is an absolute statement and is nonsense as such. Again it might suit yourself but not as a general statement. Different people have different things they need or wish to carry on their carry on. For instance a leisure photographer might take up half their carry on with photographic gear. Someone with Medicines and a camera and such again wouldn’t have much more room. It’s their choice and they have to compromise but I’m just pointing out your second, absolute statement is not the case.

On a leisure trip or in retirement you I can afford to wait 10mins (even 30 mins) for your my bags at the carousel rather than being the person who thinks rules don't apply to them and carrying on way too much inconveniencing others.

i’ve corrected that for you as again you were speaking only for yourself and shouldn’t generalise onto others.

It’s pretty simple to imagine a flight is being greatly delayed and someone is being picked up or have some arrangement after arrival - 30 minutes and it’s no doubt going to be maybe hours for Int’l, will make all a great difference for me.

If you need to be lugging more stuff check a bag in and be smart don't book crazy tight connections so your extra stuff will make it.

MCT is the legal minimum time and you’re not allowed to book under that.

Never said they were but the person threatening to flout the rules is retired and now only a leisure traveller.

Another absolute statement which is utter nonsense. Speak for yourself not for others.

In my observation those carrying the kitchen sink tend to be leisure travellers and those for shoo at the airport (including Krispy Kreme brigade).

Well, your “observation“ but in reality not correct by mine. It is the road warriors and the Sydney Melbourne Brisbane business travellers who ‘tend’ to take their overnight bag, another rollaboard, their laptop, jacket and everything else they will need for business for a few days.

I would have less disagreement with what you’re saying if you kept statements to what you think or in your opinion rather than making a number of statements which anre absolute, as I’ve pointed out here.

 

[serfty]

4Kg for a personal item (handbag, small backpack, laptop) to go under seat is imo quite generous. 10kg in overhead bin in a carry-on case/duffel is ample for 4 nights (more in warm climates)

It is not 4Kg for a personal item. There is no weight restriction for personal item.

You can have 2 bags with a total weight of 14Kg plus a personal item.