How Qantas’s new 10kg carry-on limit actually works
Qantas's already generous luggage allowance is now more flexible.
Earlier this month, Qantas made an announcement that had frequent travellers gushing with excitement: it was loosening its rules around carry-on baggage limits for domestic flights.
Qantas already has the most generous allowances for Australian flights, with customers permitted to board with two 7kg bags. Every other domestic airline limits passengers to 7kg in total.
From 25 March, the Qantas rules will change slightly. While you're still entitled to 14kg in total, your first bag is able to weigh up to 10kg. That might seem like a minor difference, but being able to take 10kg can often mean you can travel with just a single bag, rather than two.
More than once I've divided my baggage for a Qantas flight purely so that there isn't more than 7kg in either item of luggage. I can definitely see myself taking advantage of this flexibility when I'm flying Qantas.
But how strictly will the rules be enforced? Since that announcement was made, I've taken two pairs of Qantas flights, during which the old rules were still in force. On just one of those flights have I actually seen someone pulled up at the gate and told that their hand baggage was overweight and would need to be checked.
That's consistent with my general experience ever since Qantas first began its serious hand luggage crackdown back in December last year. It's not the case that you'll always get checked, but it's dangerous to assume you won't be.
If I'm taking bargain flights with Jetstar or Tigerair, I'll continue to weigh my bags carefully (and pack my luggage scale). That will also be the case with Qantas, but I'll feel more relaxed about taking a wheeled case if I need one. How about you?
Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more. It appears regularly on Finder.
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