Anyone who’s boarded a busy flight knows the pain - you reach your seat only to find the overhead lockers already jammed.
Too much carry-on slows boarding, force crew to shuffle bags around, or to send luggage down to the hold at the last minute, and even risks the safety of passengers and crew.
As airlines across Australasia increasingly clamp down on oversized cabin bags, travellers are asking: what are the rules for carry-on, and how do they vary between airlines?
To find out, 1News asked New Zealand’s two biggest carriers what their rules are, and why they enforce them.
Air New Zealand allows one carry-on bag up to 7kg, plus a small personal items such as a handbag or laptop case.
"Our economy allowance of one carry-on bag up to 7kg plus a small personal item reflects the space and weight limits in overhead lockers across our fleet, helps reduce injury risk to customers and crew, and supports smoother boarding and on time departures," said Rachel Lilley, the airline’s head of regional airports.
The national carrier said oversized or overweight bags caused real problems at boarding.
"Customers who arrive with oversized or overweight cabin bags can create pressure on limited locker space, increase the risk of injury, and slow boarding when bags need to be rechecked or rearranged."
Lilley said the airline was "consistently applying" its policy to make the experience fair for everyone.
"That’s why we are consistently applying our policy and encouraging customers to check the requirements before travelling, so customers know what to expect and the experience is fair for everyone."
Jetstar's current carry-on allowance allows for two carry-on items with a combined weight of up to 7kg, with the option to purchase an additional carry-on allowance of 7kg, providing up to 14kg if required.
The budget airline said its rules were there to keep flights safe and on time.
"Cabin baggage limits are applied across our network, including on New Zealand routes, to support safe, on-time operations," a spokesperson said.
However, the airline acknowledges the current system can be stressful for travellers.
"We know our current cabin baggage rules - particularly weight limits and gate weighing – can be a source of stress for our customers, which is why Jetstar is currently reviewing its cabin baggage policy.
"The focus of this review is looking at how we could reduce frustration at the gate and improve the boarding experience."
Any changes, the airline says, would be made in consultation with staff and would aim to improve the experience for travellers and frontline teams while protecting safety and punctuality. No changes have been finalised.
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