Carry on Luggage: MEL -> SYD -> PVG

theBestBastion on 11/08/2018 - 00:05
Last edited 11/08/2018 - 00:06

I am going to fly from Melbourne to Shanghai transit in Sydney. QANTAS J class both segments. I guess my check-in luggage is OK (I have 2 PCs, 42Kg in total), the allowance is 32KG * 2 PCs (MEL -> SYD) and 40KG (SYD -> PVG).

My worry is the carry-on, the allowance is 7Kg * 2 PCs + carry bag, and I have 1 PC (12KG) + carry bag. From my experience, it should be fine. But I had a bad experience in Melbourne when I was on my trip from MEL -> HKG 2 years ago (J class, Cathay), I was stopped by the security at the departure gate and I had to check-in my carry-on as it weighted around 12KG. One of my friend had a similar issue earlier this year.

I don't really want to carry two half-full carry-on cases plus my backpack, but I am also worried if I will be stopped at the Sydney airport. Is that safe to move 4KG to my check-in?

Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

Travel

Comments

  • Melb69 on 11/08/2018 - 04:09

    Maybe if you check in early. I believe its all related to total load on plane. Or take out the illegal stuff and strap onto your body or ingest it. If that helps. SIC

    • theBestBastion on 11/08/2018 - 10:41

      I use Qantas all the way, so I suppose the luggage will be checked in at MEL and all the way to PVG. The domestic segment allows more luggage, I am hoping they will let my check-ins through …

  • nxllson on 11/08/2018 - 09:36

    Purely based on luck to be honest. I've never been checked for carry-on except for T4 Jetstar / Tiger Air departures. The only time I'm checked are at International T2 Departures @ Check-In, however I just bring it through anyways and it's fine. I usually fly around school holidays so plane load wouldn't be an issue as they're designed to withstand a lot of overweight baggage.

    • theBestBastion on 11/08/2018 - 10:45

      Yeah, I know … I was able to check-in 15kg more on my trip from Taipei to Melbourne last year. They didn't say anything …

  • BenDoverson on 11/08/2018 - 10:13

    Are you a regular traveler to china? been before to PVG? just asking because I didn't have a good experience and wanted to warn first timers going there! :)

    • aragornelessar on 11/08/2018 - 14:03

      Is that where you got your username from?

      • BenDoverson on 12/08/2018 - 08:50

        No, Life in general gave me this username.

    • theBestBastion on 12/08/2018 - 13:59

      I was born in Shanghai, but I spent most of my life overseas … I think I can handle it :)

  • dizzle on 11/08/2018 - 11:08

    I think carry on weight limits are supposed to be more about safety. 15kg moving in an overhead locker (unlikely to be able to fit in under the seat) or lifting it up/taking it down in the first place are considered a hazard. If it's moved in flight, someone opens the locker and it falls out it can be an issue.
    As for whether they'll pull you up on it. Less likely, but having been on a couple of international flights recently I have seen more carry-on bags being weighed than I have before, even at the transit points. If your luggage is checked in the whole way to PVG, then you won't be able to move items from your carry on at Sydney. If they deem it overweight they would just check the whole bag.

    • theBestBastion on 12/08/2018 - 14:01

      I can carry 2 PCs of 7Kg, so the total weight is still under. I guess I will take TimeWaster's advise.

  • Eeples on 11/08/2018 - 11:14

    What about the size of your carry-on? Will it fit in the overhead compartment? Can you lift it in if it fits…. or do you expect the flight attendant to lift 12kg above their heads for you?

    • theBestBastion on 12/08/2018 - 13:58

      It is just a small cabin case, I can easily lift it myself.

  • Randxyz123 on 11/08/2018 - 11:37

    I had to check-in my carry-on as it weighted around 12KG. One of my friends had a similar issue earlier this year.

    (J class, Cathay)

    That's a very odd thing to happen. Was it a Cathay employee or airport security? Normally they leave business class passengers alone.

  • TimeWaster on 11/08/2018 - 12:22
    +2

    Maybe pack a big plastic bag or a compact duffel bag in with your carry on, and if they stop you, simply decant ~7kg into the bag and carry it onboard that way and then pack it back in. That way you can easily make 2 bags, if needed, or keep it as one if they allow it.

  • theBestBastion on 12/08/2018 - 14:03

    Just packed a Coles reusable bag in the carry-on, all sorted. Thanks, guys.

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