Strict enforcement of cabin baggage policy by Qantas on my flight last night

[richie9x]

Last night, on QF632 from MEL to BNE. Qantas were strictly enforcing the cabin bag policy. Which is something I hadn't seen Qantas do before except when cabin bags were obviously way over the limit.

At boarding when the boarding passes were being checked the staff looked closely at everyone's cabin bags and quite a few people (about 1 in 4) had to put their bags in the scale/metal frame measuring thing and several were outside the limit.

Even bags that were just over the limit were tagged and put in the hold. A few passengers were getting upset by this, even though there was no extra charge. Boarding was much slower and the flight finished boarding about 15 minutes late.

I have taken this flight almost once every week this year. And the first time I have seen such a level of checking. It is serviced by a 737 and usually very full. Often the overhead bins fill up quite early. So it probably is warranted in the circumstances.

Not sure if this is a one off or a change in enforcement.

 

[Mal]

Were they caring about weight as well? Or just dimensions?

 

[richie9x]

Were they caring about weight as well? Or just dimensions?

The only ones I noticed when I was close enough to overhear were for dimensions.

 

[serfty]

Of course, on QF632 from MEL to BNE (or any QF domestic Jet service for that matter), one is entitled to have 2 x 105cm rollaboards if one desires.

The 115cm version is OK as well, but you are only permitted one of these.

 

[ozmille]

Have had it on one flight on QF in 4 years and that was on a BNE to MEL fight (with the same bag I had previously travelled SYD-ADL-BNE with) and it was size related. One bag was just over the 105cm and the other within the 105cm limit. Was travelling J on a very lightly loaded 737. Not really an issue but quite inconsistent.

 

[Moopere]

Not sure if this is a one off or a change in enforcement.

I suspect someone in management/supervision got a recent wedgie and is now enforcing properly.

Good on them I say. Really annoys the hell out of me when people abuse cabin baggage. Its gets ridiculous. Filled up lockers, bags stuffed under seats and _more_ bags sitting on laps.

 

[Robert K]

It is very annoying not able to put my stuff away unless I am the first few to get on plane because everyone brings so much on the plane.

 

[straitman]

It is very annoying not able to put my stuff away unless I am the first few to get on plane because everyone brings so much on the plane.

If you think It's a problem here then try flying in the USA.




Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app

 

[Robert K]

That was where I was describing actually . It was so bad. Even in first.

 

[markis10]

Same thing happened for my flight today BNE-CNS, a lady in J was asked to check her 20kg roll on, her excuse was "I thought it was ok if you are in business"!

 

[richie9x]

On the whole I think it is good they enforce it if the plane is full or near full. But what was annoying was how much it delayed the boarding. I guess it might just be an attempt to change people's behaviors.

When the plane is partially full say less than a two thirds there is probably not much point being that strict in the enforcement.

 

[Danger]

There should be more of it.

 

[AV8]

While enforcing this policy so that ALL passengers have their fair share of o/h locker space, why not also get airline staff to remove their stuff (including kitchen items, first aid kits etc) from o/h lockers (especially around 1A on o/s 737).

 

[jimstreet]

I find it depends on the CSM however I always get on early to avoid the problem. In the US it is way way worse. I also hate it when I have a crew bag where my bag should go.

 

[Reggie]

AKL-MEL last Tuesday at Premium checkin, anyone not checking in luggage had their carryon weighed. If you checked in baggage no weighing of carryon.

 

[kpc]

AKL-MEL last Tuesday at Premium checkin, anyone not checking in luggage had their carryon weighed. If you checked in baggage no weighing of carryon.

Interesting.....I used the Akl premium checkin 2 weeks ago, did not check in any luggage, and my carry on was a little on the heavy side!

 

[clifford]

This is all very trivial.

If you want to be serious about size/weight, all pax should be weighed and measured. And anyone over the limit should be denied boarding. Would save heaps in fuel alone.

And who would decide what the limits are. Me, of course.

And you think I'm not serious...

 

[Bundy Bear]

Interesting my last flight on Qantas QF632 there was a message during boarding about asking passengers to put the larger item of carry on in the overhead lockers the correct way, and put the smaller bag under the seat in front of you except if you are in a bulkhead or exit row seat.

I thought, how full is this flight likely to be, it was about 50% full and usually you don't have the carry on luggage problem in Australia.

Maybe it is a test of some new tougher procedures.

If you think It's a problem here then try flying in the USA.

Exactly, you can take on the kitchen sink in America.

 

[anat0l]

I flew QF604 last Wednesday (18 May) and almost every passenger had a rollerboard. I had a backpack and laptop bag. It was quite a full flight, and foolish as I was I turned up with my fellow traveling mate near the end of boarding (or more that "everyone" had decided to move to the gate quite early before the boarding call).

We spent close to 10 minutes at the gate trying to shuffle everyone's bags around to fit all the rollerboards on top. Some space was liberated in the J section, which was not full, but they did have to take out some blankets and pillows. That wasn't enough space, however, to fit all the bags. I think eventually they negotiated some softer bags out of the overheads.

I ended up putting my two bags stuffed under the seat in front of me. Not quite kosher to the rule, but it wasn't noticed. Needless to say, it was a cramped 2 hour trip to BNE.

Airline manufacturers really have to consider modelling how to carry a planeload full of rollerboards, especially on new generation shorthaul aircraft (e.g. 737, A320 or equivalent new generation aircraft). Chances are still, though, that they won't succeed designing such an aircraft with suitable overhead space. Now what will we do?

 

[malmacdowall]

This is all very trivial.

If you want to be serious about size/weight, all pax should be weighed and measured. And anyone over the limit should be denied boarding. Would save heaps in fuel alone.

And who would decide what the limits are. Me, of course.

And you think I'm not serious...

Do you intend to weed out the ugly ones while your at it?