Your handbag or laptop could be included in your carry-on limit
A shocked Jetstar passenger has recently complained that they have been hit with a fee for going over the airline’s carry-on weight restrictions after their handbag was weighed.
The passenger received a $50 fee for going over the limit and took to Jetstar’s Facebook page to complain about the situation.
However, handbags aren’t excluded from the carry-on weight limit and airlines are beginning to crack down.
Jetstar’s policy regarding cabin baggage allows one main item per person and one small personal item, with a combined weight of 7kg or under.
A small personal item includes a handbag, a small camera, a laptop in a thin case, duty-free goods and other things.
A Jetstar spokesman said that the policy “always included a combination of a main bag and small bag, such as a handbag or laptop case”.
In 2014, the airline cut its weight allowance from 10kg to 7kg, which might have added to the confusion of carry-on baggage.
When the change was announced, a spokesman said that the airline was eager to keep customers happy and speed up the boarding process.
“We know many customers get frustrated when there is not enough room for their bags in overhead lockers. To address this we are reducing the amount of baggage that customers can bring on board, which will align us with other carriers in Australia and across the Asia Pacific region,” the spokesman said.
“This change will help speed up the boarding process, enable more flights to depart on time and ensure all customers get their fair share of overhead locker space.”
Tigerair Australia has the same policy as Jetstar which allows customers 7kg carry-on free of charge.
A Tigerair spokesman said, “The 7kg carry-on allowance may be spread across up to two separate pieces of cabin baggage, including handbags and purses.”
“Tigerair’s model is all about providing the lowest fare for the seat, then allowing the customer to pick and choose what optional extras, if any, they wish to pay for,” the spokesman added.
“As we are a low cost carrier, we allow you the choice to choose the travel options you want rather than lump you with a one fare fits all — many of our passengers like the fact they are able to tailor their travel to meet their needs and save money on their flight to have more in their pocket to spend when they get there.”
Virgin Australian and Qantas allow passengers to have one personal item in addition to the 7kg allowance.