Qantas increases carry-on baggage allowance

Interior of commercial airliner cabin with people sitting on seats. Passengers travelling by flight.

By Christian Fleetwood

Qantas domestic customers will be able to bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 10kg onboard flights, in a change to the airline’s domestic cabin baggage policy.

Changes come following clear feedback from Qantas customers that the 7kg limit on individual bags was too low, after the company conducted a trial over the summer that included weighing passengers’ carry-on bags at the boarding gate and interviewing hundreds of customers across all tiers of frequent flyers.

While the maximum weight of one item has increased from 7kg to 10kg, the total allowable weight (14kg) and number of baggage or items (2 + small personal item) remain unchanged from the current limits.

The new cabin baggage policy took effect yesterday on all Qantas domestic flights, applying to all customers regardless of their cabin or frequent flyer status.

Qantas Domestic CEO Andrew David said that while the flexible allowance of 14kg remained unchanged, the shift in weight for individual items would offer customers “more choice [in] how they use their 14kg carry on allowance, by having one bag that weighs up to 10kg.”

David also reiterated the importance of maintaining flight crew safety, by having customers ensure that they can personally lift their own baggage.

“We need customers to check their bags before security to make sure they don’t exceed the allowance and can safely lift their bag,” David said. “Focusing on the amount of baggage customers are bringing onboard helps flights to depart on time and allows everyone to have their fair share of space in the overhead compartments.

“As always, if customers need assistance they can talk to one of the Qantas team.”

The Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA) had won the assurance from Qantas that cabin crew would not be expected to help passengers lift baggage, The Australian report, following concerns about injuries to members as a result of the higher weight limit.

“Qantas has worked closely with the FAAA’s workplace, health and safety committee to ensure the safety of cabin crew is protected,” FAAA president Teri O’Toole said.

“We hope that the transition to the changes are respected and our customers continue to respect that we need to work in a safe environment.”

Qantas also confirmed that, as a general rule, cabin crew are not expected to help passengers lift bags into overhead lockers.

As of yesterday, passengers that cannot find room for their bag on board will have to take their baggage to the front of the plane for stowage in the cargo hold.

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Latest comments

John McDonald says:

March 26, 2019 at 1:37 pm

was 7kg + 7kg

now 10kg + 4kg

BIG difference, NOT !!!!!

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