People on planes and overhead bins ...

[DionM]

Hi all,

Been a bit quiet. Time for a vent

I have noticed lately when travelling for work an increase in the amount of overhead bin stuffing going on on planes. I have had my laptop (inside its bag) damaged due to idiots stuffing so much in there and having no regard for my belongings ...

I would have hated to think what would have happened if my camera gear was up there.

Time for a Pelican case for flying methinks!

[Matt. K]

That's why it's called a 'Pelican'.

[Zeeke]

Pelicans are also great for braining pelicans who have no respect for your items


Tim

[glamy]

DionM,
What company was that? I am going to fly Emirates in September and apparently they are strict on the 7kg limit for carry on luggage.

[digitor]

I travel often, and it never ceases to amaze me the way some people jam their stuff into the overhead bins (on internal flights mostly) - my strategy is to get on late, and then keep an eye on the locker where my stuff is. Don't be backward about coming forward about other people doing the wrong thing - just a word and a glance works well - nobody likes to be embarrassed in front of strangers.

Cheers

[DionM]

Glamy - Qantas domestic.

It's my work bag, so I'm not usually overly concerned about it ... but some people are just silly. Not so much the weight, just the trying to fit them into spaces they won't go.

[ozimax]

Try flying US domestic airlines and you will see the weirdest things... the things they try and carry onborrd is amazing. Saw a lady try to fit a fullsize suitcase in overhead locker enroute to Atlanta last month, derrrrr.

[el nino]

Bummer about the laptop screen Dion.

A well padded bags goes a long way, but it adds mass unfortunately. I usually break down my gear and place the flash, less expensive lenses and accessories in the luggage that I check in. I was recently on a Singapore Air flight back to Melb and due to me loitering around the duty free shops for too long, I was late boarding. My bags were behind my head (about 3 rows) and I turned to see the steward trying to jam in a briefcase and force shut the overhead bin - repeatedly. I didnt raise my voice, but like digitor said, just be polite but firm - it normally works. Make sure to immediately check that nothing was damaged. I was lucky, my stuff was fine, but another passenger had his PDA screen busted since it was on the outer pocket of their bag.

What company was that? I am going to fly Emirates in September and apparently they are strict on the 7kg limit for carry on luggage.

Yeah, I've noticed Emirates to be a bit strict on the weights of the bags especially on the London->Melb sector.
To my foggy memory, Singapore Air have always been great. Qantas international used to be tough about 3 years ago, but I've noticed a slackness recently, perhaps too preoccupied with terrorism?

(on internal flights mostly) - my strategy is to get on late, and then keep an eye on the locker where my stuff is. Don't be backward about coming forward about other people doing the wrong thing - just a word and a glance works well - nobody likes to be embarrassed in front of strangers

Most of my flights are international and usually on busy routes. I've found it to be the opposite to our domestic situation, get on early or else I've got to stash my gear away from my seat (and usually out of my line of sight).

[Matt. K]

Military style vests and webbing are best. Pack all your stuff in and don't take it off when you sit down. Wear a turban on your head and jam your memory cards and batteries into it. Sweat profusely and roll your eyes and recite the Koran under your breath. Have a nice flight!

[el nino]

Cliches, gotta love 'em.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vid ... 60623_2200

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/video/default.htm

23 June 2006 - The Chaser returns with Muslims photos...

[Yi-P]

This happens often in domestic flights. Due to the hurry in those always on the run people travelling light on business purpose and visitors. The 737-700 planes they use also have a very tight cargo compartment. They are fully reserved priority for express cargo like express mail shipment (your prefered orderd lens on high express cargo can be inside) and leave the passenger ones on tight standards (due to low cost airfare as well).


Try searching for a second hand used ammo crate around, it should still be good use for cheap and durable equipment transport.

[Steffen]

Try searching for a second hand used ammo crate around, it should still be good use for cheap and durable equipment transport.

Absolutely! A crate like this:



will make you welcome on any flight...

Cheers
Steffen.

[Greg B]

Cliches, gotta love 'em.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vid ... 60623_2200

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/video/default.htm

23 June 2006 - The Chaser returns with Muslims photos...

Just a further comment about this.....

It is right on the money with recent concerns about being prevented from photographing things and the reasons given by security.

So obviously, as long as the potential terrorists where a big sign saying terrorist (or a bad dress-up arab outfit from the fancy dress shop), we are onto them in a flash. But if said terrorists look like a dumbish american tourist, no worries mate!!! Holy moley.

[ozimax]

Qantas international used to be tough about 3 years ago, but I've noticed a slackness recently, perhaps too preoccupied with terrorism?

I caught the prop jet from Sydney to Coffs again last week. I carry a hard sided (expensive) cabin bag which contains my sleep apnea equipment, which the airlines won't usually accept as checked in luggage because of its fragile nature. The small suitcase fits inside the Qantas test frame. However, it won't fit inside the overhead locker of the prop jet aircraft. I usually place it under the seat in front of me, no problems.

However, last week Qantas staff would not let me take it aboard. "No problem," I stated, "Put it in the hold. Just remember that you are personally responsible for my item. It is underweight and within size restrictions, so you are responsible for it's safe carriage!"

She backed off.

The moral of the story is, as long as you are taking stuff within the airlines' guidelines, don't back off. If your gear is above weight and dimensions, you may need to negotiate.

[moggy]

Try searching for a second hand used ammo crate around, it should still be good use for cheap and durable equipment transport.

Absolutely! A crate like this:



will make you welcome on any flight...

Cheers
Steffen.

I cracked up when I saw this, thanks Steffen!

Bob.

.

[LostDingo]

Try searching for a second hand used ammo crate around, it should still be good use for cheap and durable equipment transport.

Absolutely! A crate like this:



will make you welcome on any flight...

Cheers
Steffen.

Very good Shouldn't have any issues lugging this around an Airport

[ozimax]

Anyone know how to pilot this ol' crate?

[Just4AP]

People on planes and overhead bins....

Weight challenged people and short skinny wings....

These are a few of my favorite things...

[ozimax]

People on planes and overhead bins....

Weight challenged people and short skinny wings....

These are a few of my favorite things...

Unfortunately no crisp apple strudle on planes these days....just pre-packaged gump disguised as food!

[Yi-P]

Try searching for a second hand used ammo crate around, it should still be good use for cheap and durable equipment transport.

Absolutely! A crate like this:



will make you welcome on any flight...

Cheers
Steffen.

Make sure you put a key-chain ring on your Giottos Rocket Blower...
They'll have fun screening your crate

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

Emirates are strict on Economy Class Checked lugguage, but not so much on Hand Luggage.

I have been out to Melbourne Airport to see my Brother and some friends off, on different days, and I saw Economy Class passengers having to stand aside while they removed excess weight items from their suitcases, and Emirates gave them plastic bags to carry the excess in.

A friend who was also flight EK in Economy, carried on his Computekker Bag, full off Camera Gear and a 17" Screen Notebook.

His bagged weight approx 17kgs. They let him on with that.

Stuart

[tasadam]

When we flew back from Italy, we brought back 19 bottles of wine. My backpack weighed 40KG's. No problems with Emirates (though they did leave one in Dubai without us for an extra 24 hours). Got back to Melbourne then to fly to Tassie we had to unpack in the airport to bring it down to 32KG's and put the rest in a box as extra baggage.
Oh, and the customs lady nearly had a fit when I told her we had 19 bottles - NINETEEEEEEN she goes...

[glamy]

I do have a problem with people taking on too much or too heavy carry on luggage. This only shows no consideration for other peolple luggage and the safety of passengers.

[Mundi]

The main reason for people carrying excess luggage on board is because some o/s airlines now charge if you want to check baggage e.g. ryanair. It wont be long before our local domestic follow suit

[glamy]

We know the rules, I am in favor of a bit of flexibility but not complete contempt of these rules. Some do push it too far, it is really "cattle class" in some ways.