THE Australian domestic aviation sector is cracking down on overweight carry-on, with Qantas, Virgin Australia and CASA participating in a combined push which may see bags weighed either at check-in or boarding.
Changes will be implemented starting today, and from next week there will be additional resources in terminals, supported by CASA, to assist with the refocus on cabin baggage.
A VA spokesperson said the whole industry was facing a huge issue with overweight and oversize cabin baggage, causing injuries to crew and also impacting on time performance.
Virgin Australia allows economy pax 7kg of carry-on – along with a laptop bag, handbag or suit bag in addition to the 7kg limit.
Bags over the allowance will be checked in and carried in the cargo hold, according to VA General Manager Ground Operations, Paul Woosnam.
Qantas also offers a 7kg limit and has ramped up “auditing” of carry-on items at boarding gates to ensure the system is fair to all passengers.
A QF spokesperson said the push was a response to feedback from regular flyers saying all customers need to be reminded about how much luggage they can take on board.
Source: traveldaily