Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Carry-on baggage now strictly enforced (sometimes)

Just to report that at some airports CX is strictly enforcing the new carry-on limits, while other airports don't care. JNB has strict enforcement, including weight, and you will have a long argument if you are 1kg over (I was under the limit so it went smoothly). NRT has no limits as long as you are within reason. When strictly enforced the exceptions are only to things like fine art works, so be prepared. Now if only CX would publish a list of which cities it is enforcing.

No enforcement in AKL for F or C at check in or the gate. Can't tell about Y check in but none at the gate that I could see. The CX check in is handled by a QF contractor so they may not be tuned in yet.

I'm about to board in HKG to LHR and I didn't see any scales at any of the 20 odd gates I walked by getting to The Wing. As I am in transit, I didn't go through check in here but I did go through transit security with two bags and they didn't blink an eye.

The CX in flight magazine is quite emphatic about the 7kg limit and weighing all "untagged" luggage at the gate. Of course, it's only been 10 days since they started so they may just be slow in getting the program rolling.

At HKG on 4/6, on CX 838 to YVR, I saw passengers carrying two medium-sized bags onto the plane.

7 kg's is so unrealistic when I like many carry a notebook that takes up to between 2 and4 kgs including spare batteries because the planes don't all have chargers or maybe the chargers are slightly costly.

I wonder if they willl ever introduce a penalty for people over a certain weight? Same logic since like the cabin bags it is not just a size issue.

I don't like being told one day I can and the next day I cannot.

I desrve to be told ahead of time as does each and every passenger. I get some baggage waiver yesterday and wow big deal, am I suppose to be greatful? I don't like the stress before a flight so I show up early, check in, go to the lounge, order a drink and read a book or check some emails, prepare some final meeting notes etc I don't want to be accosted by the checkin staff.

I calmly asked why we were not told, I could see that this was not the first person to ask and I told her I know she is just the one stuck in the middle, please get the manager who can do something about this and without hessitation I was given an apology and a waiver. I guess there are some issues with this new initiative CX have imposed.

Good question, CX please list which ports you will impose this 7kg rule, that way before I waste the young lady or gentlemans time I will ask for the manager to get a cabin bag waiver.

Returned from a lightning stop to New Zealand and Brisbane and I have to say that the Brisbane handling of this by their ground staff at check in is to very simply put it "disorganized."

There were several of us traveling together and most of us had heard of this new 7kg rule and were ready to hand over the excess for checkin, the manager I believe it was allowed said it was ok to take the cabin bags in excess of 7kg's on board as this was a warm up stage to the strict enforcement of the rules. As we continued checkin another staff spotted that we had not checked in these what seemed to be heavier than 7kg bags and insisted they be weighed and checked in if over 7kgs.

We explained what we had just been told and this was ignored.

This thread talks about consistency at different ports, how about some consistency at Brisbane airport? This incompetence at Brisbane airport is the worse I have seen for a while, two seperate messages within the space of about 6 minutes.

Get your act together Cathay Pacific, it may also help to explain how this 7kg figure was arrived at.

I've flown 5 CX segments this week and enformcement was strict on 1, normal on 1, and ignored on the other 3. Rather interestingly on one flight I was tagged as 10kg without any mention (but it was written on the sticker at the ticket counter), and there was no problem taking this 10kg bag as carry-on (I had no checked luggage for that flight). So even though there was no enforcement, they took the trouble to properly monitor it (and undoubtedly it is in the database somewhere ... maybe they are doing fuel load analysis with this data).
I fear that the leniency will evaporate over time and checked baggage becomes mandatory. I have mixed feelings about that, if the airlines provided good checked baggage service it wouldn't be a problem.

This becoming stricter in future is a concern, I do have tight connections and meetings to attend shortly after arrival as do many of you no doubt. The time I save waiting for my bags at the arrival end isn't always fluid with my schedule.

If CX does enforce this in a strict way I may have to fly other airlines when my schedule doesn't permit delays.

What reasons could there be for a waiver of this rule be granted?

Just flew 4 segments on CX within last 6 days in FC and BC. Was carrying a 22" roller @13 kgs approx

LAX- no problem
TPE - no problem

HKG- No problem connecting in HKG from TPE on my return to USA

HKG- broke my trip on outbound- was denied entry into departure area by airport staff- looked like they were not CX staff ( since other airlines also operated from same terminal area. Was told to go back to the checkin area and discuss with CX.
They had me weigh the bag (13 kgs) and then they did the size test. It make no difference when I told they that I had just arrived in FC and was travelling out in BC

*****ed for a short while and in the end they offered me a waiver and told me that in future to keep it under 10 kgs and smaller. They put a small orange sticker on my bag and I proceeded back to entrance to dept area and was waived through.

That is inconsistency for you.

If they said keep it below 10kg's that is wrong according to their own policy of 7kg's.

I wonder if they would have tagged your bag if you arrived in Y?

CX needs to sort this issue out and soon. The lack of consistency only makes this pathetic 7kg rule worse.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Stars&Stripes:
[B]This becoming stricter in future is a concern, I do have tight connections and meetings to attend shortly after arrival as do many of you no doubt. The time I save waiting for my bags at the arrival end isn't always fluid with my schedule.

If CX does enforce this in a strict way I may have to fly other airlines when my schedule doesn't permit delays.
</font>

My hubby totally seconds Star&Stripes comments here. He travels 100% for work when flying CX (all in J/D fare) and he usually has tight schedule packed in his usual 4-5 days oversea trip. And, he always travel w/ his 20" roll-on and laptop (no check in).. His carry-on is prob 10-12 kg (honestly, I still think that's pretty reasonable if you look at US airlines' limits.) So, while he will still use CX next month, he def. will start going somewhere else if they start asking him to check in a 12 kg carryon!! CX, please work on the consistency of the new carry-on rule, and start rethink the carryon requirement for its revenue C&F passengers? This 7-kg carryon limit just doesn't make good business sense... just weight my 18" carryon empty, and it's already 5kg even w/o anything in it!

The rule as I understand it is 10kgs for FC and BC and 7kgs for Y

Note that this was actually promulgated by AAPA ( the Asian airlines association) However, only CX has so far publicised it. It isn’t been driven by a hatred of business passengers, but by the fact that in the region there is a tendency by many to try and take the kitchen sink on board (check out a Middle East – Jakarta flight sometime) Many Asians have a strong culture of gift giving, but for some going to visit relatives this can be taken to extremes… And some times just straight forward smuggling (best I’ve seen was 45 kg of gold in a carry on)

But at HK airport it is being enforced by the airport staff, not airline staff (the people in different uniforms just before immigration) So which ever airline you fly with ex HK, they will stop you. Of course, some airlines may be more generous than others in handing out the orange exemption tags..

The reason it is being enforced at immigration is that many people will just hide a heavy hand carry at check in. This way, the airline can still waive the bag on, but at least they will know you have got it and how much it weighs (and ask you to check it in if need be) This may well be inconsistent – depending on what class you are in, the loading of the flight, and the duration (needing an accurate weight statement is much more important on a transpacific flight than to BKK)

AFAIK, the orange tags have a cost to the airlines that hand them out – this is to pay the airport for the fact they have to deploy more staff.

As usual, everyone has to suffer for the stupidity of a few (those who think it clever to hide a 20+ kg hand carry from airlines on a critical payload flight)

MPC just emailed a form letter warning of this new police in place.

Invitation and Diamond members are given 15 kg allowance. Gold/Silver 10kg and others 7 kg.

This applies to 1 cabin bag or backpack with overall dimensions not larger than 22 x 14 x 9 in

(Laptops and other exempted items are excluded from this weight restriction. See below)

Invitation/Diamond/Gold/Siver is also allowed to take on board 1 garment or soft bag (maximum 8 inches thick when folded in half).

Exempted items:
An overcoat or shawl A small handbag A briefcase that weighs max 4 kg A notebook or laptop computer (max 4 kg) A small camera or a pair of binoculars An umbrella or walking stick or crutches A forward facing infant car safety seat for ticketed child (aged between 6 months and 3 years) or infant bassinet or cot (that can fit on fold down shelves and can be properly secured) Infant food and nappies (for consumption in flight) An infant collapsible pushchair (if cabin stowage is available)


No mention of oneworld elite status.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I'm afraid that there simply is not sufficient stowage space in Economy Class to extend the same entitlement to our Green Card members or other customers.</font>

Of course, regardless of elite status, F passengers are treated the same as Invitation/Diamond members.

This policy has also been implemented at SINGAPORE Changi Airport. CX actually took this example and decided to totally enforce it at all their stations but notably at HKG airport.

Taking CX or other asian airlines around asia with tight connections isn't really the same as having 'tight' connections in the US. Flights are generally on time and baggage are delivered efficiently by the carriers.

For people who threaten to take their business elsewhere just because of this simple ruling... well, so long, farewell. If the FAA came up with this ruling in the USA, well, we won't be hearing this sort of whining here. Just because it's in Asia, and it's on a non-american carrier, that means we have to all protest and take our business elsewhere?

Get on with it.

I guess "Cabin Baggage Extra Allowance" is the newest benefit of being a elite MPC member!

But sometimes I don't understand why those F/C passengers are trying to carry 3 towable suitcases into the cabin just so that they can avoid collecting baggage and rush out of the customs area... What's wrong with extra 10 minutes of wait at the baggage area, and have less things to carry around in the airport and be more mobile? (Well, assuming no baggage has been lost enroute...)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fakecd:
But sometimes I don't understand why those F/C passengers are trying to carry 3 towable suitcases into the cabin just so that they can avoid collecting baggage and rush out of the customs area... What's wrong with extra 10 minutes of wait at the baggage area, and have less things to carry around in the airport and be more mobile? (Well, assuming no baggage has been lost enroute...)</font>


Because one wants to feel "important" ?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fakecd:

What's wrong with extra 10 minutes of wait at the baggage area, and have less things to carry around in the airport and be more mobile? (Well, assuming no baggage has been lost enroute...)</font>
10 minutes? At HKG I have never waited longer than 2 minutes ... and that was with no waiting at immigration. I don't know when the C class baggage arrived (it was only F at first), but the baggage delivery time at CX is fantastic! SQ by contrast mixes F and C bags together, so it is much slower to get your bag.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fakecd:
I guess "Cabin Baggage Extra Allowance" is the newest benefit of being a elite MPC member!

But sometimes I don't understand why those F/C passengers are trying to carry 3 towable suitcases into the cabin just so that they can avoid collecting baggage and rush out of the customs area... What's wrong with extra 10 minutes of wait at the baggage area, and have less things to carry around in the airport and be more mobile? (Well, assuming no baggage has been lost enroute...)</font>

All you need is one of those experiences where you have to make a tight connection due to delay. That's when the wisdom of having no check-in luggage really hits you.

Just yesterday, I was connecting in NRT from an AA flight to a CX flight. The inbound was delayed by a bit over 1.5hrs, which means arriving at the airport in the middle of boarding. There's no way that my check-in luggage could be transferred in time to make the flight. It was also the last direct flight for NRT-TPE.

That's the reason I always pack lightly and carry everything with me whenever possible.

Baggage delivery time is fantastic unless you are in Y.

Bringing this topic forward. Any more news as to how strict the cabin baggage rules are being enforced. I will be in 1st later this year and have a 20" roll aboard (just outside of the limits) and I pack it lightly 8-9 kgs.

i can say that from a personal stand point CX have lost some business already, I for this reason of bags chose another carrier thhat I knew would not give me a hard time on one of those busy business schedules.

My choice is still to fly with CX, but given certain circumstances I would not want to wait to check in and wait to retrieve my luggage which I can happily bring on board.

As reported in CX World in March 2002 edition:

"Cathay Pacific is joing other carriers in Asia in stricter enforcement of cabin baggage regulations - a move that will boost both safety and security".

New baggage measuring devices are being introduced at all airports in the CX network to ensure passengers' bag weigh no more than 7 kilograms and confirm to the maximum size specification of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.

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It is not only CX that is enforcing this new rule but other regional Asian airlines so I don't think passengers have much as this rule was established for all AAPA carriers.
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by headinclouds:
Bringing this topic forward. Any more news as to how strict the cabin baggage rules are being enforced. I will be in 1st later this year and have a 20" roll aboard (just outside of the limits) and I pack it lightly 8-9 kgs.</font>
I think I have the definitive answer for this question. Anything (un)reasonable is allowed for paid F (and considerable leeway above the limits for non-paid F and J). The CX ticket counter must tag your offending cabin baggage and this tag alerts security to let it through. It is a reasonably fair system and keeps CX in compliance with the agreement without impairing service to F passengers. You would have no problem with that rollaboard (even if packed not so lightly). I am basing this on my experience at HKG airport today and discussion with CX on this very topic. All CX stations are supposed to be familiar with this policy. You do have to get the tag at the (mine says "BX T").

oneworld fan you arenot correct in your statement. The AAPA carriers were given an option of following the recommendation to restrict cabin baggage or not to.

CX has chosen to do so and as you can see this has a negative affect on those who wish to travel without check in baggage.

I will try to find some literature on this what I was told by a senior CX manager whom I sat next to recently. He also feels the policy CX has chosen to adopt is an inconvenience

there was a report of this recently in the AAPA magazine. i'll post it if i can find it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by headinclouds:
Bringing this topic forward. Any more news as to how strict the cabin baggage rules are being enforced. I will be in 1st later this year and have a 20" roll aboard (just outside of the limits) and I pack it lightly 8-9 kgs.</font>

Hubby just got back from HKG/Manila trip on CX. And, the carryon policy w/ a 20 carryon and a laptop are being enforced as following airports:

LAX - no problem, no weight nor size check
Manila - no check
HKG - on the way to Manila, the gate agent weighted the bag: 10 kg. Told him it will be ok to go thru w/o tag. He got to the security and the lady there measure the bag, and it's over 1/2 inch (the wheels). Sent back to gate to get a tag. So, def. get your tag is your bag size is even 1/2 inch over.

Update on the carry-on policy: it has settled down and sanity rules....anything reasonable can be carried on (in F and C for sure, often in Y). Official limit in F is now something huge (I think 2 bags of 33 pounds each, far more than you would ever take). It is much looser than a month ago. Rather interestingly the overhead bins have been half-empty on my last few CX flights, people are not carrying a lot on board. I've taken more than the US legal limit on board with no problems at all; this issue can be laid to rest.

number_ http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif
Thanks for the update

Is this the case also at HKG whre it seemed like it was the screeners at the entrance to immigration area that were making the decisions?

Or does CX staff give you one of those stickers to give you a pass.

The only problem I ever had was at HKG

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by eireman:
number_ &lt;IMG SRC="http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif"&gt;
Thanks for the update

Is this the case also at HKG whre it seemed like it was the screeners at the entrance to immigration area that were making the decisions?

Or does CX staff give you one of those stickers to give you a pass.

The only problem I ever had was at HKG</font>

If you have more than 1 bag and are in F you will have no problem geeting one of the orange tags for overage - I assume the same applies to C

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by B Watson:
If you have more than 1 bag and are in F you will have no problem geeting one of the orange tags for overage - I assume the same applies to C</font>

Yes. And also to Diamond Marco Polo members who can have orange tags on demand even if travelling in economy (IME).

I flew out of HKG twice last week. This does not affect transit passengers, only passengers originating travel at HKG.

The carry-on baggage inspection occurred when entering the security inspection area and was conducted by one of the security inspectors who checks your boarding pass before admitting you to security.

I was told I was allowed a bag 22 inches in length, which mine was. Exactly. However, they also count the wheels, so I ended up at 22 1/2. She was insisting I return to the check-in counter when I showed her my boarding pass, which showed my flight just about to leave (I was on Thai and had been standing by to get on an earlier flight than scheduled so I was right at the last minute). She then made an entry in a ledger book and allowed me to pass.

Advantage that day for being late through security.

When flying out of HKG, i always ask for the luggage tag. The check in agent is always willing to give it since i am a Diamond but before i made Diamond, they will also give it to you if you are on F or C. All you need to do is ask. But this was from the days before they change the cabin policy and it might be different now.

I was recently flying in J and F on CX from DEL-KHG and HKG-LON and they did not even look at the carry-ons. The carryon and laptop looked small but weighed a ton. On HKG-LON the flt was full (First completely sold out or upgraded, J completely sold out or upgraded and one seat available in Economy). Yet, no one checked weights or sizes for Biz/First in HKG.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Stars&Stripes:
Baggage delivery time is fantastic unless you are in Y. </font>

unless u have no status and in Y http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
but not in every airport (mainly works at HKG)

Bringing this topic forward. I am leaving this Sat, 23-Nov from JFK. Flying 1st class. How strict are the carry-on checks? When I flew JFK-HKG last Jan in Biz class, no one worried about my rolling carryon. I will be taking a small backpack to carry water and important stuff (3KGs). Still OK?

You will have no problem. The strict enforcement was rather brief and seems to have died away. For F they always allowed waivers up to a reasonable amount (worst case you had to get the CX supervisor to clear you, and "reasonable" was almost unlimited, for example I saw someone bring a huge 3 foot painting onboard as carryon in F -- no doubt it was priceless, and CX found someplace to stow it). The measuring templates and scales still exist at some airport but seem to be rarely used.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by number_6:
The measuring templates and scales still exist at some airport but seem to be rarely used.</font>

Not at HKG where they are still used rigourously. However, as a premium class or Marco Polo Elite member you simply have to ask the CX check-in for an "orange tag" on your bag which is an instruction to the bag measuring people to let you through regardless - they detach and keep part of the tag.

My carry on bags have not been weighed in HKG for months.

In HKG, it is the airport security that is enforcing the carry on policy for all passengers, not CX. I've even seen some economy passengers with some large carry ons.

Even in SIN, CX have not been strictly enforcing the new carry on rules.