QF cough about cabin bags

[mviy]

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.

The ideal time for new bins is with the new aircraft. A lot of the domestic fleet needs replacing in the not too distant future anyway.

 

[jpp42]

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?

I meant no discretion in the weight of the larger carry-on suitcase, which is the one that can fall on my head (as I explained has in fact happened to me). There are workarounds such as packing items into the "personal item." Your theoretical mum travelling alone is certainly in a difficult position, but the discretion could be extended to multiple smaller diaper bags or whatever , not one huge carryon that's going to injure someone when it falls.

 

[RooFlyer]

I meant no discretion in the weight of the larger carry-on suitcase, which is the one that can fall on my head (as I explained has in fact happened to me).

Yes, sorry, I see your comment was particular, not general.

Bags being lost or not being on flights is down to pre-covid levels and pre-outsourcing levels.

Most bags that mis-connect are actually from international to international services and some domestic to international services. Not point to point and when bags from the gate go directly down to the aircraft.

I also forgot to acknowledge this. Good stuff, great to hear. But I think my comment remains valid even with the 'normal' checked bag delay/loss rate and I think Qantas will have a hard time undoing the passenger mindset that has been created during that horror period.

As a separate comment - maybe an e-mail, or something appended to the App check-ig reminding pax about the carry-on limits might have been a good idea? I mean if they really want people to carry-on less and check bags more, giving them pax fair warning and opportunity would be the best way, wouldn't it? Rather than pinging them at the gate (which, I'm guessing is not good for on-time departure! ).

 

[SeatBackForward]

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.

But there is discretion because the QF staff determine when to enforce these rules. This may well be when the flight is full, or randomly. And I'm sure as part of this discretion, they will select someone over the mother to offload a bag too. Again, not upto you or I about that discretion, but we all know and fall into the same category if and when those rules are applied.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I meant no discretion in the weight of the larger carry-on suitcase, which is the one that can fall on my head (as I explained has in fact happened to me). There are workarounds such as packing items into the "personal item." Your theoretical mum travelling alone is certainly in a difficult position, but the discretion could be extended to multiple smaller diaper bags or whatever , not one huge carryon that's going to injure someone when it falls.

It is unfortunate this has happened to you But I dare say it is a rare occurrence. Making sure the overhead bins are packed properly should prevent this happening, for example not trying to cram another bag on top of an already badly-placed bag! The actuaries have probably done the numbers on this one.

 

[jpp42]

But I dare say it is a rare occurrence. Making sure the overhead bins are packed properly should prevent this happening, for example not trying to cram another bag on top of an already badly-placed bag!

In my case, it was a widebody plane and the passenger was fairly short, and trying to unload their bag from the bins in the middle, which can be fairly high up for a short passenger. I was in the aisle seat in the middle section, so directly under this bin area. The bin wasn't over-full, just it was hard for her to reach the bag and I guess it slipped out of her hands. This was during cruise and I wasn't paying attention, so needless to say it was a shock.

 

[Airbumps]

If it fits overhead and under the seat then it’s Kosher. It’s this whole pahlava around weight that is neither here nor there.

The rules are the rules mate. If you don't like the rules (and good on QF for enforcing them) then take your business over the road

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The rules are the rules mate. If you don't like the rules (and good on QF for enforcing them) then take your business over the road

Yes, but when people perceive rules as ‘silly’ or without sound evidence there can be a lack of desire to comply.

The ‘rules’ say economy passengers can’t use the forward lavatory on 737s. Or that you can’t take advantage of throw-away or hidden-city ticketing. But if a rule doesn’t intuitively make sense compliance is likely to be lower.

 

[Airbumps]

Yes, but when people perceive rules as ‘silly’ or without sound evidence there can be a lack of desire to comply.

The ‘rules’ say economy passengers can’t use the forward lavatory on 737s. Or that you can’t take advantage of throw-away or hidden-city ticketing. But if a rule doesn’t intuitively make sense compliance is likely to be lower.

Right. So we just follow the rules we agree with don't follow rules we think are 'silly'? And its up to each individual to decide what rules they think are "silly"? So everybody just does what they want? Awesome. I look forward to anarchy.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Right. So we just follow the rules we agree with don't follow rules we think are 'silly'? And its up to each individual to decide what rules they think are "silly"? So everybody just does what they want? Awesome. I look forward to anarchy.

It was just an observation, not a recommendation!

 

[marks]

I've seen so many row 4 clowns trying to push (hard) an expanded bag wheeled bag into overhead storage. I want to see them be asked to check in the bag as I'm waiting behind them.
Then there is the person who asks for help for their bag and when I do, I comment on the 6 bricks they have packed.

QF have this issue on themselves with the baggage issues they have had. It will take a while for people to trust them again.

 

[transpactraveller]

I often do and I take the exact same thing. No dramas there. AA staff gives you a wide berth if you’re Business/Emerald.

Agree. I travel in the US a lot on AA and never had an issue with cabin bags. However it may happen to the lower (or do we say higher?) boarding groups.

 

[Danger]

If it fits overhead and under the seat then it’s Kosher. It’s this whole pahlava around weight that is neither here nor there.

Um, no.

And if the reason really is about ensuring an on time departure, perhaps QF needs the group boarding method. If it’s a full flight Groups 5 - 8 can be engaged proactively by gate agents to check in cabin bags.
Sorry Insider the weight rule is just silly, harder to enforce fairly and unfortunately not quite as simple as you’d imagine. The fact that you’re guessing the reason also suggests the rationale by Qantas is not well articulated.

Boarding by group creates problems for the priority boarding benefit. So, no.

To be honest, a crackdown on carryon is well overdue. So many flights are getting delayed by too much carryon for the available space on the plane.

Agreed. Qantas has made a rod for its own back by not policing it years ago.

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.

I thought it was better to put a wheelie board sideways as it occupies less room.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I thought it was better to put a wheelie board sideways as it occupies less room.

Should go wheels in first, top handle pointing to the aisle. Sideways - wheels pointing to one end and handle to the other - will only allow two bags instead of three.

New bins allow bags vertically on their narrow sides and can accommodate many more.

 

[drron]

The point about a heavier bag doing more damage than a lighter one is not necessarily true.
Physics should tell you that if a 5Kg bag hits you on the head via one corner it will do more damage that a 10Kg bag ariving flat on your noggin. That spreads the pressure more evenly so less damage.

 

[AIRwin]

Meanwhile:

Qantas to outsource ground handling across Australia

Wonder what contingency arrangements airlines will have if the threatened industrial action strike, particularly to baggage handling, goes ahead. Based on experience and observation the last 6 months, none of any use.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Matt_01]

I carry a little portable scale and always pack to or under the limit....

I always take a small hand held scale when travelling with Mrs&MissM to keep them honest.

I've seen so many row 4 clowns trying to push (hard) an expanded bag wheeled bag into overhead storage. I want to see them be asked to check in the bag as I'm waiting behind them....

Most of those R4 clowns are most likely the same same clowns that set their alarms for the T-80 opening and get up at all hours to secure seats. The R4 clowns I know are normally more annoyed to find bags in the R4 OH bins and no PAX seated in R4/5 but PAX in R6 and further back. Just my observation.

 

[AIRwin]

Most of those R4 clowns are most likely the same same clowns that set their alarms for the T-80 opening and get up at all hours to secure seats.

Guilty!

The R4 clowns I know are normally more annoyed to find bags in the R4 OH bins and no PAX seated in R4/5 but PAX in R6 and further back. Just my observation.

Plead not guilty!

 

[Matt_01]

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.

It also depends on the bin size, it has been a couple of years for obvious reasons but from memory the QF a330 and a320 OH bin space cannot fit cabin size bags with the wheels at the back, they only fit sideways.

 

[draper]

R4 has a massive amount of room under the J seat in front.
As a side note next time you view a Qantas lounge add note the size of the bag usually being wheeled into the lounge entrance. They are massive.