Carry on Luggage for Tigerair & Jetstar

Thenarrator on 01/12/2015 - 21:49
Last edited 02/12/2015 - 07:50

Hi

I only took the carry on luggage 7kg to Cairns (Jetstar) and back (tigerair) for 3 days 2 nights.

The carry on for tiger is a bit weird. It says you can only carry a main one and a secondary one and the secondary one may be one of the following:
1. Handbag/purse
2. Coat
3. Book
4. Tablet or similar size device
5. Umbrella

I mean does it have to be a handbag or a book? seems pedantic.

I'm planning to get 2 similar sized backpacks and pack them up to a combined 7kg. Anyone forsee any problems with this or tested and tried this method? who would bring a book as a secondary when you can just fit the book inside the primary carry on?

First time travelling so for 3 days, im guessing 7kg 'should' be enough. Welcome ideas

EDIT: I just realise tiger says secondary item "may be" the following and Jetstar says secondary item "Could be".. this is telling me it doesnt strictly have to be a book etc?

Travel

Comments

  • eatwell365 on 01/12/2015 - 22:05
    +1

    Read this on tips to pack.
    What a shame I haven't had the luxury to fly with Tiger yet.
    But when they mean main carry and secondary, basically is one piece luggage + an item you can have in your hand.
    Besides 7 kg, there must be a size measurement.
    Lesson learnt, don't be the last in the flight if you have a carry on luggage, usually not enough head space for carry on luggages if it is a full flight. Air hostess in Qantas will help you look after the luggage and find a space somewhere. For other no frills airlines, air hostess will look at you and see how you sort it out.

    • Thenarrator on 01/12/2015 - 22:11

      i can always carry a backpack on my back and hand carry another similar sized backpack. This ok?

      • eatwell365 on 01/12/2015 - 22:12
        +1

        No. That count as 2 primary.

        • Thenarrator on 01/12/2015 - 22:13
          -1

          whys that.. I can call one primary and the other one secondary..

        • eatwell365 on 01/12/2015 - 22:16

          @Thenarrator: Budget airline. No one wants to pay for check in. If every one has 2 bags, the flight will be over weighed and can become a safety concern on take off/landing.

        • andyholloway on 02/12/2015 - 16:20

          @eatwell365: Yes, but as OP states they would pack them to be a combined weight of 7kg.

        • dbun1 on 04/12/2015 - 09:05
          +1

          @Thenarrator:

          You can call them whatever you want - what matters is what definition they fall into as defined by the airline.

        • hayne on 04/12/2015 - 17:19

          @eatwell365: The safety concern is BS. If US domestic airlines allow an 18 kg carry-on allowance in one of the most litigious countries in the world, I can't see a legitimate policy reason to limit passengers to a combined 7 kg.

          The real reason is two-fold 1) baggage fees provide an excellent source of ancillary revenue for budget airlines - so they can force you to pay more for luggage, especially if they can sting you at the airport where it's usually more expensive; 2) if they can reduce the amount of luggage people take, they save on fuel costs which are a much higher portion of the cost bar than you would expect.

      • imtahir7 on 04/12/2015 - 10:09
        +1

        i just flew tiger with my family couple days back.

        my brother took a suitcase and a backpack/schoolbag and combined were 7kgs and fit in the required dimensions.

        no issues at all coming or going.

    • johninmelb on 02/12/2015 - 13:02

      We don't have "air hostess" any more. I think the term you were looking for is "Flight Attendant"

      May be some time since you have flown in a plane. No longer exclusively a female job.

      • Bystander on 02/12/2015 - 21:46
        +1

        What, what, what! No more air hostesses?

        But this is what I'm used to.
        http://viewpure.com/XawRcZWgBPw

      • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2015 - 16:00

        I shared a hotel with the BA crew and we met in the lounge area. They have the coooooooooolest stories.

        The official name for BA is "cabin crew". I think it's because "flight attendant" does not cover all their roles and "air hostess" is not accepted any longer.

  • cypher67 on 01/12/2015 - 22:05
    +1

    A bag inside a bag, seems legit. Provided its under weight and within the size limit. 7kg adds up pretty quick though

    • eatwell365 on 01/12/2015 - 22:11
      +3

      Used to travel often. Had a samsolite lightest weight carry on.
      The 7 kg normally means one pant, 2 shirts, socks and undies, a lap top, toiletries, a wallet and a book.

      • noyesmaybeok on 02/12/2015 - 01:46
        +1

        It's not that bad; I have 2 pairs of shoes, 2 shorts, jeans, 6 shirts, toiletries, laptop, phone, hard drive, camera, power adapters, headphones & some other bits and pieces; 7kg carryon when wearing one outfit (normal, not layered).

      • gringo on 02/12/2015 - 07:15
        +3

        given up taking wheeled bags - you lose a kg due to the weight of the frame.

        gym bag is the lightest way of doing it (though a pain to lug)

        • eatwell365 on 02/12/2015 - 07:19

          may i suggest to use Space Bag as this

        • gringo on 02/12/2015 - 07:39

          @eatwell365:

          Well it's a fine balance between lightness and attracting attention. An excessively bulky jacket I'd simply wear.

        • macrocephalic on 02/12/2015 - 18:59

          I maintain that if you can't carry it through the terminal and onto the plane then it's not carry on.

    • Thenarrator on 01/12/2015 - 22:13
      -1

      not a bag within a bag.. 2 separate backpacks.. both hand carry..

      • eatwell365 on 01/12/2015 - 22:17

        some people may sneak in with 2 bags. In full flight, they may be strict. Others can confirm as I do not have Tiger's experience.

      • eatwell365 on 01/12/2015 - 22:44

        secondary one may be one of the following:
        1. Handbag/purse
        2. Coat
        3. Book
        4. Tablet or similar size device
        5. Umbrella

        Hence airline specifies what could be a secondary item.

  • Randxyz123 on 01/12/2015 - 23:05
    +3

    2 backpacks is likely to be an issue. That would count as 2 items UNLESS you are female where you could claim one is a handbag replacement and the other contains clothes.

    • Thenarrator on 02/12/2015 - 07:48
      -3

      For Jetstar though, they only mentioned primary and a secondary smaller item.. as long as one backpack is smaller than the other backpack, this is fine?

    • Lysander on 03/12/2015 - 12:47

      Now that would be a money maker. Clear cut discrimination.

  • djmatt24 on 02/12/2015 - 01:22
    +3

    Don't try to take 2 backpacks. Guaranteed not to work and you'll get hit up for baggage fees.
    The conditions are very clear and actually are there for a reason. The second piece of luggage needs to fit under the seat in front or the seat pocket, not in overhead compartments. Even if your backpack could squeeze in, don't do it. It's clear.

  • noyesmaybeok on 02/12/2015 - 01:35

    Not sure you could even fill 2 backpacks of stuff yet stay under 7kg?
    I have a 46L backpack (pretty much the max dimensions) and full is about 12kg. When it's 7kg there's lots of empty room. Would need to be some pretty small bags to need 2 of them. I can't think of what would take up so much volume yet weigh so little.

    Don't try to take 2 backpacks. Guaranteed not to work and you'll get hit up for baggage fees.

    Meh, I've seen people take 5 bags on! BUT, say 10% of the time the staff will do their job, and you have absolutely no excuses and will have to cough up. Ultimately you could look at it that if you have to pay every now & then it still works out cheaper than paying for baggage every time.

  • ozhunter on 02/12/2015 - 01:48
    +2

    http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2014/09/jetstar-is-now-checking…

    Jetstar has gotten strict with carry-on luggage. I wouldn't risk it.

  • slewis69au on 02/12/2015 - 07:44
    +8

    Besides whether they would check or not don't be a "Two bag tosser" preventing other people from fitting their luggage in and delaying the flight. The conditions are clear and if you need more than them just buy a checked bag FFS, sorry if this sounds harsh but i am totally sick of my flights being delayed by people trying to "push" the rules.

    • Thenarrator on 02/12/2015 - 07:57
      -6

      I just realise tiger says secondary item "may be" the following and Jetstar says secondary item "Could be".. this is telling me it doesnt strictly have to be a book etc? I mean a smaller backpack is still a smaller backpack under the rules

    • DirtyBoots on 04/12/2015 - 02:06
      +3

      Everyone's challenge for the weekend is to use the term 'two bag tosser' in casual conversation.

  • buzymum20 on 02/12/2015 - 08:16
    +1

    I've even had my handbag weighed with my bag and then they said it was 1kg over the 7kg. Put my purse in my pocket and OK then. So yes, both are very strict now. Suggest you wear as much as you can and your heaviest items. Otherwise buy some check in baggage before you reach the airport

  • shaybisc on 02/12/2015 - 08:49
    +6

    I don't get the whole 2 backpacks to carry 7kg concept. The problem with even smallish backpacks- 30 litres- is keeping weight down to 7kg. If you distribute 7kg over 2 backpacks you have 2 sparsely packed bags. What's the point?

  • mightyfes on 02/12/2015 - 10:20

    Let us know when you find when you're boarding. We fly Tiger in a fortnight, our first time with them. Very excited!

    • Thenarrator on 02/12/2015 - 12:40
      -1

      haha im flying in 3 weeks. You let me know how you go! btw did u get check in or carry on only?

      • mightyfes on 03/12/2015 - 19:20

        We're just doing carry on. Only going interstate for 3 nights.

  • cupcake on 02/12/2015 - 15:50
    +2

    One medium sized backpack OR weekend bag PLUS your man bag will do.

    You only get a TOTAL of 7kg.

    OTHERWISE purchase checked in baggage.

    It's pretty SIMPLE.

    • Randxyz123 on 02/12/2015 - 17:14

      This. The second item is mainly for ladies who have a hand bag. I've gotten away with a cabin rolling bag and a shoulder bag. My shoulder bag JUST had my laptop and charger in it. This was before they decided to start fining people…

  • BargainCowboy on 02/12/2015 - 16:27

    We flew the other day from Adelaide and they actually weighed our carry-on bags after check-in, just before boarding. We had a baby so they were nice about it, but other passengers paid for extra luggage. When we asked the attendant if this is a new practice she said "no, but we are more vigilant now". Anyway, be careful, you don't want to regret flying cheapo because you got "fined" 30$ just before boarding.

    • Thenarrator on 02/12/2015 - 18:10

      yea ic.. well it costs around $30 to get extra 15kg check in luggage anyway.. which sucks

  • Excelsior on 02/12/2015 - 17:09

    The last time I flew with Jetstar I had no problems bringing on a duffle bag as my primary carry on luggage that I stored in the overhead compartment, and a small backpack under my seat. Both had a combined weight of less than 7kg of course.

    • Randxyz123 on 02/12/2015 - 17:14
      +1

      This combination is fine as well.

    • Thenarrator on 02/12/2015 - 18:12
      +2

      well yeah this is what I was saying before.. 2 similar sized backpacks yet i got negged.. if they can let us do this then we dont "have" to have
      1. Handbag/purse
      2. Coat
      3. Book
      4. Tablet or similar size device
      5. Umbrella

      right

  • Talonparty on 02/12/2015 - 19:25
    +2

    If you are really stuck for extra carry on I had some great tips explained from a photographer who knew all the tricks. Get yourself a fishing vest (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/graphics/product_images/pD…) and pack it to buggery, wear it under a jacket or something. When you get on the plane take it off and put it in the overhead.

  • Mrgreenz on 02/12/2015 - 21:04

    Strap the bags together with one of the bags shoulder straps. Ensure its not over 7kg and not oversize. Would be all good i imagine. Or buy a duffle bag and put them both in.

  • Giraffe on 02/12/2015 - 21:29
    +2

    OP, I think the term "backpack" conjures images of bags of varying sizes in people's minds, hence why you are getting mixed responses.

    I don't fly Tiger, but I always fly Jetstar with a very light carry-on suitcase, plus my small backpack which keeps a slim profile because I only put my laptop and water bottle for convenience. I think they won't care if second bag looks like it will EASILY fit under the seat.

    Not sure the size of your bags, but if you really are under 7kg I think you will be fine unless you have packed balloons full of air.

    • Thenarrator on 02/12/2015 - 22:27

      yeah cool.. i guess the real challenge as per comment above is fitting under 7kg rather than number of "backpacks"…

  • mrham on 02/12/2015 - 23:46
    +3

    The secondary items they describe can all go under seats, in seat pockets or on a hook, they don't take up extra space in the overhead bins. So as long as the secondary bag fits safely under the seat it should be fine. Problems start when people try to stuff all their carry on in the overheads so nobody else can fit their primary bags in. It's poor form.

  • Hirolol on 03/12/2015 - 00:52

    Wtf.
    Secondary can only be something similar to the items you listen?
    Cant you carry a normal bag + laptop bag?
    Seriously what a joke, next they will charge you to use the toilet.
    Prob get downvoted but whatever.
    These budget airlines try and cut costs but dont even pass the saving onto the customers, they just try and get every cent out of eveyone.
    Sorry we are going to have to charge you because you are carrying a second book

    • eatwell365 on 03/12/2015 - 04:47

      Welcome to the new budget airlines.
      Toilet fee charge - announcement was made in 2011.
      Rip the toilet out and put more seats.
      Charge for printing boarding pass.
      Charge for overweight people.
      Standing room only.
      What's next?

  • trustnoone on 03/12/2015 - 02:00
    +3

    My understanding was that one bag fitted in the luggage compartment on the top, while the second bag should fit under the seat in front of you (thus should be smaller). I honestly believe they care more about it being 2 items, and under 7kg, and both fit within the rectangular box they make you weigh it in more then anything else.
    Or at least when I've flown jetstar they haven't cared in terms of whether both were the same size or not (they are pedantic in terms of weight+total size though)

    If I had the choice though I would definitely go backpack+laptop bag or side bag since it looks more normal like one is big and other is small even though I'd imagine they would pack similar..

    • Thenarrator on 03/12/2015 - 14:22

      cool, as long as both are under the dimensions and combined weight is under 7kg, im good to go, doesnt matter if I had 2 luggages to carry on..

  • TailsK on 03/12/2015 - 11:30

    You're travelling on a budget airline. Two backpacks is two backpacks, just because one is slightly smaller, doesn't mean that one is a secondary item. Ring them if you're not sure, but I would expect you have some trouble.

    • Thenarrator on 03/12/2015 - 14:22
      -1

      then what IS considered a secondary item?

      • TailsK on 03/12/2015 - 16:10
        +2

        They have told you, and given you examples. What don't you understand about it? If you took two "small" suitcases on board, would you consider one of them a secondary item, just because it's a little bit smaller than the other one? Common sense.

        Generally speaking, you don't have a "primary" backpack and a "secondary" backpack (unless you having a hiking backpack, in which case, the larger bag would be checked-in). A camera bag, or a laptop bag, you might be able to get away with, but two backpacks? Just call them if you're not sure.

      • fefris on 03/12/2015 - 18:34
        -1
        1. Handbag/purse
        2. Coat
        3. Book
        4. Tablet or similar size device
        5. Umbrella
  • MrFunSocks on 03/12/2015 - 15:32

    I only ever do carry-on when I fly, even overseas, and I take a carry-on luggage suitcase (which goes overhead) and a small backpack which goes under the seat in front. Have never been pulled up on it. Last time I even took a small messenger style bag with my Surface Pro and accessories in it too, on Tiger, and had no dramas.

  • gimme on 03/12/2015 - 15:34

    I carried a 25kg 'small' bag onto a tiger flight once. It had some bloody concrete garden ornament that my Mrs coerced me into buying. Had to carry the damn thing like it was a normal bag so as not to attract attention. Killed my back and shoulder at the end but at least I got it through.

    Also before the outrage brigade neg me about safety etc - I stored it under the front seat.

    • juventino on 04/12/2015 - 03:08
      +1

      you should harden up, eat some of that concrete and show your Mrs where the door is :)

  • dbun1 on 04/12/2015 - 09:09

    I only take one bag. I've travelled on most carriers now.

    Yes, a lot of people take more than one bag and most of the time get away with it, but I've also seen people stopped at the gate and forced to check in a bag, so I don't take the gamble.

  • Spending2Much on 19/08/2017 - 18:30

    Whats the general consensus? Keep to the strict 7kg carry on limit or is 8 going to get you a hefty excess charge?

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