Air New Zealand has revealed it is taking a “closer look” at passengers' carry-on luggage to prevent overhead locker space from being filled with oversized bags.
In a statement to 1News, Air NZ general manager airports Kate Boyer said that while most passengers followed the rules “some customers’ carry-on baggage has been pushing the upper limits of weight, size, and the number of items allowed”.
She said this “poses challenges including limited space onboard the aircraft, slower boarding and disembarking of the aircraft, and reduced overhead locker capacity for all customers”.
The airline is now starting to take a “closer look” at carry-on baggage while at the airport.
It will ask people with bags exceeding limits to check them in as stored luggage.
“If you end up with more weight than expected after packing, we recommend you add a checked bag to your booking before you fly,” Boyer said.
Air NZ's rules state economy passengers can carry on one bag that has dimensions no more than 118cm and weighing up to 7kg, as well as one other small item such as slim laptop or handbag.
Premium economy, business premier, connecting business premier, and airpoints gold, elite and star alliance gold members get two bags plus one small item.
The new approach hasn’t gone unnoticed by travellers either.
One Reddit user said staff patrolled the seats and checked for oversized bags last week.
“No more trying to cram your fridge in the overhead locker,” they said.
Other users appeared to react positively to what Air NZ was doing.
“I was on a flight yesterday, and some people are utterly taking the p***,” one commented.
“Delays everyone boarding while they stand in the aisle and try and force their suitcase into the lockers.”
Another joked: “Yay, space for my laptop bag.”
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