Qantas cracking down on carry-on luggage loophole

Qantas is set to crackdown on carry-on luggage to stop passengers using an online check-in loophole and avoiding having their bags weighed.

The airline has a seven-kilogram allowance for carry-on luggage on domestic and international flights. Anything not meeting the requirements might have to be checked in.

However, a Qantas spokesman told Yahoo7 in a statement the airline plans to ramp up efforts in policing carry-on luggage.

It means passengers who check-in online without having their carry-on checked at the desk will be more closely policed to ensure whatever is taken on board fulfils sizing requirements.

“Qantas offers the most generous amount of cabin baggage of any Australian airline and we know customers like the convenience of not having to check in luggage,” he said.

“But we’re getting feedback from regular flyers who say all customers need to be reminded about how much luggage they can take onboard.

Qantas allows passengers to take on board a 7kg carry-on bag and one small personal item such as a handbag or a laptop computer.

He added ensuring the luggage requirements are followed by passengers will also help to reduce delays during boarding.

“Cabin bins that are too full or bags that are too heavy can cause a safety risk for both customers and crew,” he said.

A Qantas spokeswoman said anyone exceeding the limit won’t be charged extra but will just have their luggage moved to check-in.

“The process will remain as it is,” she said.

In March, the airline launched its first direct flight from Britain to Perth on a 17-hour trip.

The 17-hour flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, touched down in London at 5.05 am, having covered a distance of more than 14,484 km.

It is the world’s second-longest flight after a Qatar Airways service between Doha and Auckland that covers 14,529 km, or just 31 km more than the stretch from Perth to London.

With Reuters