Personal item carry on for Y+ to USA on QF

[TimB]

I'm going to be attempting my first carryon only trip in a couple of days, and I'm looking for some confirmation that my camera/laptop backpack will be okay as my "personal item" on my QF flight in Y+ (premium economy) to the US. I've read the threads I could find on this topic, but none seemed to cover the particular questions I have.

From Qantas Carry on Baggage based on Country Specific requirements

Passengers may only carry on one bag plus a personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, backpack or similar, per passenger. [...] These limits are strictly enforced at all airport security checkpoints and on board departing Qantas flights. Note: this new limitation only impacts on the allowance for First and Business Class customers. Economy Class limits are unaffected.

My understanding on the final note is that the general rule is economy is only allowed the one bag (and no personal item), so that rule stands, while Y+/J/F are generally allowed two bags, and so the US-specific rule overrides the general rule.

However, the quote above doesn't mention Y+. I assume that's an oversight, rather than intending Y+ to be lumped in with Y. Any thoughts on that point?

Also, my backpack isn't small, although it does usually fit under the seat in front. (That point is actually moot for my flight, as I have 34A on the A380, with no seat in front. However I assume there's plenty of overhead space there.) Is there any reason to fear that they won't accept it as my personal item? And am I likely to get more lenient treatment as a WP?

Thanks.

 

[serfty]

Up to a 115cm Rollaboard and laptop bag are fine. (Be aware of the Rollaboard weight restriction)

I have made over 20 transpacific trips in economy with this configuration.

 

[TimB]

Up to a 115cm Rollaboard and laptop bag are fine. (Be aware of the Rollaboard weight restriction)

Except it's not a laptop bag, but camera/laptop bag, one of these: Lowepro - Fastpack 250

At 46x32x24cm, it's considerably chunkier than laptop bags I've taken in the past, and at 40" overall, it's even bigger than AA's stated personal item size limit of 36". (Although I doubt AA enforce their limit, given the size of bags I've seen taken on their planes.)

 

[serfty]

Then I think you are being too ambitious.

In reality a Laptop bag is not really as personal an item as a woman's hand bag may be but airlines find it convenient make allowances.

AA certainly define the maximum size for a Laptop bag.

While you would be fine on Qantas domestic Jet services which allow two 105cm bags; you could easily find trouble in economy on Qantas international flights.

 

[TimB]

Then I think you are being too ambitious.

In reality a Laptop bag is not really as personal an item as a woman's hand bag may be but airlines find it convenient make allowances.

Qantas says (as in the quote in the first post): "a personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, backpack or similar". So while we're all used to seeing laptop bags and briefcases as personal items, Qantas specifically includes a backpack as an example.

I value your opinion on this, serfty, but you're not giving me the answer I want to hear, which is why I'm arguing the point.

The other thing that I'm hoping is that the First Class checkin suite at MEL will be more likely to allow it.

While you would be fine on Qantas domestic Jet services which allow two 105cm bags; you could easily find trouble in economy on Qantas international flights.

In economy certainly, given that they specifically exclude the personal item for economy class to the US. But I'm in Y+, which is allowed the personal item.

 

[serfty]

...
In economy certainly, given that they specifically exclude the personal item for economy class to the US. But I'm in Y+, which is allowed the personal item.

NO, you are permitted the "personal Item" (such as a standard size laptop bag) in economy.

There IS NO DIFFERENCE in the carry on allowance between any of the classes when flying to/from/within the USA. This is due to US Federal regulations; other than defining max size and weight, Qantas have no say in it.

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/country-specific-carry-on-baggage/global/en#jump6

The United States Department of Homeland Security has instructed all airlines to apply new security measures for flights from the United States and into the United States from Australia and New Zealand.

Passengers may only carry on one bag plus a personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, backpack or similar, per passenger. Medical assistance items (crutches, wheelchairs etc) are exempt from this requirement. These limits are strictly enforced at all airport security checkpoints and on board departing Qantas flights. Note: this new limitation only impacts on the allowance for First and Business Class customers. Economy Class limits are unaffected.

As a Backpack, you may indeed get away with it, especially as a WP using F check-in. This may not always be the case should an agent decided to enforce the rules.

 

[jamesatfish]

As a Backpack, you may indeed get away with it, especially as a WP using F check-in. This may not always be the case should an agent decided to enforce the rules.

Keep in mind that whilst you may make it through check-in, it seems that QF are being more strict with carry-on baggage allowances at the gate, at least on domestic flights.

Boarding a CBR-SYD flight this morning a female passenger with a roll-a-board, laptop bag and handbag was stopped and told to consolidate the items to meet the requirements. Although this was a case of too many items rather than an issue with the definition of an item, I'd still be wary that of late there's a higher chance of having issues at the gate if you're travelling with carry-on items that don't precisely meet the restrictions.

Edit: I should add that this was a 737 service not a turboprop for which strict carry-on requirements have been in place for ages.

 

[serfty]

...
Boarding a CBR-SYD flight this morning a female passenger with a roll-a-board, laptop bag and handbag was stopped and told to consolidate the items to meet the requirements. Although this was a case of too many items rather than an issue with the definition of an item, I'd still be wary that of late there's a higher chance of having issues at the gate if you're travelling with carry-on items that don't precisely meet the restrictions. ...

Being a Domestic 737, the agent would have been incorrect in recent years. However, the reference to personal items in addition to the other allowance has been removed.

As for the carry-on allowance for USA flights, if a backpack will fit under the seat in front of you in economy then it could probably be regarded as a "personal item".