Qantas Frequent Flyer - CPAP and Photo Equipment carry on

In October, I will flying Qantas on three flights, 2 domestic (PER-MEL, MEL-SYD) and one international (SYD-DFW) - all in business class. As I understand, I am allowed 2 carry-ons with a limit of 7kg each. The CPAP will not be a problem, but the photography equipment could exceed the weight limit (two camera bodies, 2-3 lenses, other items). I might be able to shift a few items to the CPAP bag.

Must each bag be under 7 kg, or am I allowed 14 kg total? Obviously, I would be very hesitant to have either bag checked.

Thanks.

In my experience the weight limit of hand luggage is not strictly enforced. So I don't think you will have any problems on those flights. YMMV of course. Enjoy the flights.

If the bags LOOK big, they will attract attention with associated risks of weight and sizing.

To add to og's "Look Big" post, while the limit is stated at 7kg, in practice it can be that you could do 9kg/5kg or even a fraction more. (Items you can carry in your pockets of course have "no weight".)

It does help being in business ...

Providing the CPAP bag only contains your CPAP as medical equipment it is exempt based on experience with QF. You will have more trouble with the cameras. I also find it depends on the equipment. The 767 has a lot more space and the crew are more relaxed while the 737 has little space and the crew are more strict on all PAX in these instances.

To add to og's "Look Big" post, while the limit is stated at 7kg, in practice it can be that you could do 9kg/5kg or even a fraction more. (Items you can carry in your pockets of course have "no weight".)

It does help being in business ...

Amusing side line, next to my previous posting has appeared an advertisement for a luggage forwarding agency. Maybe there are more FT lurkers than we think :D

Amusing side line, next to my previous posting has appeared an advertisement for a luggage forwarding agency. Maybe there are more FT lurkers than we think :D

What advertisement? :D

If the bags LOOK big, they will attract attention with associated risks of weight and sizing.

The photography bag is 42 inches total but packs very efficiently. Thus the weight.

Providing the CPAP bag only contains your CPAP as medical equipment it is exempt based on experience with QF. You will have more trouble with the cameras. I also find it depends on the equipment. The 767 has a lot more space and the crew are more relaxed while the 737 has little space and the crew are more strict on all PAX in these instances.

Interesting. I thought I read that medical devices are included in the carryon limit on QF. Was surprised to see that, since on most US airlines, they are exempt. Perhaps it was Cathay, the carrier I am flying SFO-HKG-PER.

The MEL-SYD flight appears to be a 737. PER-MEL is Airbus.

.... the photography equipment could exceed the weight limit (two camera bodies, 2-3 lenses, other items)....

Thanks.

Hi SeAAttle,
I have previously done lots of flights around Australia and have never had a problem carrying more camera equipment that you are planning to carry. I have it all in a photography backpack and as long as it looks ok (not overly huge), you should be fine.
The one time I did have a problem with the weight, they just told me to remove a camera and lens and then carry it onto the plane out of the carryon bag. So I had my laptop bag, my camera bag and one camera body and my heaviest lens and then they had no issues with it.
Good luck and let us all know how it goes,
Thanks.

Thanks, 'moose! I can always shift a heavy lens to my CPAP bag and put batteries in my pocket.

Providing the CPAP bag only contains your CPAP as medical equipment it is exempt based on experience with QF. You will have more trouble with the cameras. I also find it depends on the equipment. The 767 has a lot more space and the crew are more relaxed while the 737 has little space and the crew are more strict on all PAX in these instances.

Interesting. I thought I read that medical devices are included in the carryon limit on QF. Was surprised to see that, since on most US airlines, they are exempt. Perhaps it was Cathay, the carrier I am flying SFO-HKG-PER.

The MEL-SYD flight appears to be a 737. PER-MEL is Airbus.

Found this statement on the QF website

Inspection prior to your flight: Medical equipment to be used on board must be made available for inspection a few hours before departure and approved for use on board. Normal carry on baggage regulations apply to any medical support equipment to be used in flight.

My CPAP is not on the list so doubt I will be able to use it on board.

Normally, I pack my laptop, etc in my photo roll on but that will put it significantly over the weight limit. I can take a separate laptop bag but if the CPAP is not excluded, that makes 3 items. Frankly, this very limited weight restriction strikes me as ridiculous. Splitting items into two carryons that fit easily into one takes up more room, is harder to manage and does nothing to reduce the total weight.