Air New Zealand Air Points - Warning about carry-on AKL Intl departures

Apologies for cross-posting (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3574990)

AKL international now has scales (and the carry-on size check thing) just before immigration to turn folk back they (airport official) think have too much/heavy a carry-on.

Thanks for the heads up.

Do they know about higher allowance for elite pax? I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't...

Does this apply to NZ C and F pax too, as they 'bypass' immigration?

There was a sign saying 1 carry-on bag only unless first or business. But no mention of elites. Supposedly limited to 7kg max (or 10kg first or business).

Of course I often have far more than this.

The sign, size check and scales is at the main entrance to immigration, not the NZ premium check-in/immigration short-cut.

Thanks for the heads up.

Do they know about higher allowance for elite pax? I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't...

Does this apply to NZ C and F pax too, as they 'bypass' immigration?

CX have special tags you can get at checkin (presumably if you are elite/F/J pax) like in HKG to attach to your hand luggage, to bypass the guards.

Of course, being absolutely clueless, said guards have no idea what the tags are for and you usually end up showing your boarding pass (if in F or J) which will get you past them.

Although with different airlines having different carryon rules I wonder what exactly is the point of AKL being the handcarry police and not the airline?

So where does the weight of duty free fit into this little exercise? With the New Zealand allowance of 3x bottles of spirits and 6x wine that's another 10-15kg which no-one seems to factor into their calculations.

I've also noticed that if you put your surplus carry-on into a duty free bag it always seems to escape inspection... ;)

Sush. Dont want to give them any ideas. I always get/collect duty free airside (ie after this checkpoint).

I've also noticed that if you put your surplus carry-on into a duty free bag it always seems to escape inspection... ;)

An old trick but a good one. However they do check duty free bags if you have 3 or more (as well as carry-on bag).

Although with different airlines having different carryon rules I wonder what exactly is the point of AKL being the handcarry police and not the airline?

I dont like it either. As mentioned above I often have more than the rules and waved through by check-in.

Thanks for the advance warning. I agree that it is not up to AKL to police carry on policies as different airlines have different policies.

I have always liked the option to be able to gate check my carry on if deemed to many but this might not be possible now at AKL with the new "carry on police". I think they are over extending their jurisdiction and will probably bet that no US carrier will allow them to do that. Then again, no US carrier fly to AKL, so it doesn't matter :)

I will be home in AKL in 3 weeks time so I'll see if I can work the system or if I get sent back to Check In (detention) like a bad school boy!

FWIW they didnt weigh my carry-on or ask me to return - it weighed about 12kg but is quite small.

Kiwi Flyer,

When I flew on NZ on paid C AKL-HNL on Dec 11, I was told by AC beforehand that I should have 4 checked pieces which I was happy about since I was returning to Canada. When I checked in at the air NZ Elite desk and rather than the checked pieces 2+1 for C+ 1 for *A G , I was told by the agent that I had only 2 pieces which I was able to rebutt on the paid C but she held firm that paid C is 3, *A G is 3, both is still 3 pieces :( . With my flight taking off in 45 mins, I was forced to repack my bags by trying to put what was my smaller carry on into the other bags and take one of the smaller to be checked bag as carry on. :td:

After the 3 checked bags went through, she played carryon nazi with each of my 2 carryon bags were 9-10kg and she made me disgard things till I was 7kg each! :( :td: With my flight leaving in less than 30 mins, I had to leave my bottled water, a couple of san pellegrino orange drinks, then a rather decent bottle of Wolf Blass behind to get one down to 7kg and the other to 7.7kg at which she relented since I was getting very pissed off by that point. I think it was very poor service to make me almost miss my flight on a paid C ticket that is probably 2-3K NZD AKL-HNL because of a measly 5kg :mad: :td:. This was not immigration but the NZ agent before I was pointed to the Premium check-in short cut...

I think next time I fly to NZ, I would probably take QF instead... NZ is not having great batting average with me since I had my main bag arriving a day late in June LAX-AKL with no true explaination nor offer of compensation (on paid C), a mechanical in Nov LAX-AKL where the supervisor at LAX was not very nice and I spent 2 hours to make sure I get a direct flight LAX-AKL (on QF since NZ 1 was full) rather than the stop and deplane in wee hours via NAN which would get me in late for work Monday morning and then this weight experience... This is 3 sub-par experience with 5/6 international legs.. After the cattle experience in early July on NZ on domestic Y with no FF points since I booked the supersaver, I did all my domestic NZ flights and trans-tasman flights with QF... I think my preference for QF will now extend to NZ-US as well...

Mary

I think next time I fly to NZ, I would probably take QF instead... NZ is not having great batting average with me [...]What? And miss out on the "World's Warmest Welcome"? [I've wondered why Air NZ has de-emphasized that branding. Perhaps we have a hint here]

In general the easiest ways to stop getting hassled by (any) airline check-in personnel about carry-on bag weight is 1) don't pack too much or 2) don't let them see the carry on. When you use approach "2" oftentimes counter agents cut you some slack on the weight of your checked in baggage since they think you don't have any carry on items.

As for Air NZ agents specifically, I find it somewhat amusing that they are most lax and lenient about baggage weights when they are doing contract check-in for Qantas international flights such as CHC-SYD. The Air NZ staff working the QF positions reliably tag the mountains of bags checked-in of those flights with "heavy" tags, but rarely have I seen the Air NZ staff hit up the QF pax for excess baggage fees.

As for the AKL international carry-on bag checker before the exit immigration area, they only seemed to stop people who look to be struggling with their carry-ons. So the trick there is to buck-up and act like your carry-on is no problem at all. Once past, you can go back to straining with the thing :)

Snoopyo, sorry to hear about your check-in experience. I have never had any problem with NZ check-in, even when it is blindingly obvious that I have more carry-on than I should (although most times I try to be discreet). The only issues I have had with carry-ons on any airline is Qantas, and then only occassionally.

As for the AKL international carry-on bag checker before the exit immigration area, they only seemed to stop people who look to be struggling with their carry-ons. So the trick there is to buck-up and act like your carry-on is no problem at all. Once past, you can go back to straining with the thing :)

That's how I got past with my 12kgs :D

I think next time I fly to NZ, I would probably take QF instead... NZ is not having great batting average with me since I had my main bag arriving a day late in June LAX-AKL with no true explaination nor offer of compensation (on paid C), a mechanical in Nov LAX-AKL where the supervisor at LAX was not very nice and I spent 2 hours to make sure I get a direct flight LAX-AKL (on QF since NZ 1 was full) rather than the stop and deplane in wee hours via NAN which would get me in late for work Monday morning and then this weight experience... This is 3 sub-par experience with 5/6 international legs.. After the cattle experience in early July on NZ on domestic Y with no FF points since I booked the supersaver, I did all my domestic NZ flights and trans-tasman flights with QF... I think my preference for QF will now extend to NZ-US as well...

Mary

I have flown both NZ and QF C/J. My prefernce is NZ, seating appeared to be no better in the QF 747. NZ service was better IMO.
However, given the bad luck you have had with NZ, I think you need to try another carrier just to break the cycle ;)

Good tip Quokka - I do the same. In some cases (e.g. when travelling alone and when I expect counter agens to cause grief) I even leave my carry-on at left-luggage.

In AKL this will now not solve the problem. :td:

Remember folks, this (currently) only applies to those not using NZ premium check-in facility (which bypasses main immigration desk).

Remember folks, this (currently) only applies to those not using NZ premium check-in facility (which bypasses main immigration desk).

*rub rub rub*...

The QF premium immigration desk is unstaffed half the time :td:

*rub rub rub*...

The QF premium immigration desk is unstaffed half the time :td:

Quantas? Isn't that the funny airline with the big rat on its tail? ;)

QF premium pax have to go past the new carry-on police regardless of whether the immigration official is in the check-in area.

<moved>

Realised it was a little too off-topic for a AirNZ forum :)

Sounds like NZ is really trying very hard to deter visitors, what with its grossly overvalued Pacific Peso and the Nazi-trained staff at AKL.

:)

Sounds like NZ is really trying very hard to deter visitors, what with its grossly overvalued Pacific Peso and the Nazi-trained staff at AKL.

:)
A bit rich Clifford. I assume you live in the US. I travel to the US 6 or 7 times a year on business and I have the same view of the Immigration Staff and Aviation Security staff in US. As to the Pacific Peso, it has been impacted in the past by a grossly overvalued US dollar. Interestingly, I can remember when the the NZ $1 was worth US$1.20.

It is all a matter of perspective.

Woodie, to be fair I think Clifford was being tongue in cheek - note the smiley :) - and he does actually have a point that AKL is becoming a hassle, which probably will start acting as a deterrent to some visitors soon (just as LAX has for years).

MEL int'l is also checking carry-ons for size and weight. Very poorly signposted and saw some unhappy folks sent back to check-in who may miss their flight (they were running late).

In cases like these I wonder how happy the airline would be to have a delay (presumably), due to needing to offload bags? All for the sake of a few kgs.

Off topic but has the refurbishment to the AKL arrival and departure levels finished yet?
Ozflier

I think MEL was first. I was checked back in 1999 when departing through MEL Int. Was an airport security droid just through the sliding doors entering the queue for outbound immigration processing. Made Mrs NM and I put our wheely carry-ons onto the scales. But were ok - just!

The immigration and customs area has been finished, but the pier separation of arrivals and departures is a long way off complete.

Looks like the extended apron is nearly finished. The new check-ins and new layout for drop-offs (coach area) are open.

You can get more info from the AKL airport website (http://www.auckland-airport.co.nz/NewsHistory/airport_times.php)

I think MEL was first. I was checked back in 1999 when departing through MEL Int. Was an airport security droid just through the sliding doors entering the queue for outbound immigration processing. Made Mrs NM and I put our wheely carry-ons onto the scales. But were ok - just!

OK. Just I had never seen it before in many trips through MEL int.

Anything you can put in your pockets does not count in your carry on weight.

It was quite a few years ago; but once I was about 1½ Kg over. To reduce weight I removed the battery from my laptop as well as the spare from my carryon bag, then placed them in my pockets. Also, I carried a rather large book under my arm (as you are allowed reading matter for the flight).

Obviously, the batteries and book became weightless once removed from my carryon bag. :rolleyes:

I have flown both NZ and QF C/J. My prefernce is NZ, seating appeared to be no better in the QF 747. NZ service was better IMO.
However, given the bad luck you have had with NZ, I think you need to try another carrier just to break the cycle ;)

Hi Taupo,

Missed this thread earlier.

I like the service of the actual flight and F/A on NZ more but it seems that NZ seems to be more logistically challenge where I was concerned with temporarily lost baggage, flight going machanical and not being informed, and luggage police on premium line. The check in agent was trying to tell me that I can only have 2 piece of check in luggage despite being *A G and paid C then do the thing with the carryons once I proved that I am allowed minimal 3 pieces if not 4.

In general the easiest ways to stop getting hassled by (any) airline check-in personnel about carry-on bag weight is 1) don't pack too much or 2) don't let them see the carry on. When you use approach "2" oftentimes counter agents cut you some slack on the weight of your checked in baggage since they think you don't have any carry on items.

As for Air NZ agents specifically, I find it somewhat amusing that they are most lax and lenient about baggage weights when they are doing contract check-in for Qantas international flights such as CHC-SYD. The Air NZ staff working the QF positions reliably tag the mountains of bags checked-in of those flights with "heavy" tags, but rarely have I seen the Air NZ staff hit up the QF pax for excess baggage fees.

As for the AKL international carry-on bag checker before the exit immigration area, they only seemed to stop people who look to be struggling with their carry-ons. So the trick there is to buck-up and act like your carry-on is no problem at all. Once past, you can go back to straining with the thing :)

Quokka,

I was moving back to Canada after 6 months in NZ and since I was working till 10pm on Friday and flying at 12:xx afternoon Sat and most of my packing was done between those times, I may not be the most space efficient packer. I checked with AC and they told me I have 2+1 for C+1 for Elite so I was expecting to be able to check 2 large pieces and 2 smaller pieces and then I would have been fine with the carryons. At checkin, I was originally told incorrectly that I have only 2 pieces which I proved that I have at least a pieces for elite or paid C but the checkin held firm at 3 even though AC told me 4 pieces.

dupl..

Remember folks, this (currently) only applies to those not using NZ premium check-in facility (which bypasses main immigration desk).

Kiwi flyer,

My runin with NZ checkin was with the NZ premium check-in facility but I think the person is not very versed in premium/Elite rules since she tried to tell me I only had 2 pieces of luggage. When I move back from the project(s) I tend to use my extra piece of luggage allowance.

Kiwi flyer,

My runin with NZ checkin was with the NZ premium check-in facility but I think the person is not very versed in premium/Elite rules since she tried to tell me I only had 2 pieces of luggage. When I move back from the project(s) I tend to use my extra piece of luggage allowance.

Not good when you have to correct staff on elite entitlements :td:

Current Baggage Rules for *G pax to/from/through USA - All Classes

3x 62" 32kg pieces checked and a carry on with a maximum weight of 7kg and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45").

Not good when you have to correct staff on elite entitlements :td:

Current Baggage Rules for *G pax to/from/through USA - All Classes

3x 62" 32kg pieces checked and a carry on with a maximum weight of 7kg and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45").

I was always under the impression that *G were allowed 2 pieces of cabin luggage. Am I mistaken?

I was always under the impression that *G were allowed 2 pieces of cabin luggage. Am I mistaken?

They are, but not to/from or through the United States of America due to Federal regulations.

They are, but not to/from or through the United States of America due to Federal regulations.

Huh? I have had 2 carry-ons the last several times through US and no-one commented. Heck during 7 crazy days (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=388543) I had 2 carry-on bags plus two large pewter thingmybobs through US at EWR and again at LAX/SFO - no one mentioned any restrictions.

I think the usual rule is one carry one and a personal item such as laptop, etc. If you are Elite, they may be loser on the check in but I have been asked to check my rollabord when I had that, my computer bag and a small shopping bag.

If you are connecting or doing a turn around without exiting security, they don't really check or enforce it since they may assume the 2 thingmagigs are duty free shopping :-D

As we are talking about US there is no such thing as entering, even in transit, and not clearing immigration and security. The screeners were well aware of the large thingmybobs as I had to open them every time due to strange profile in the xray.

Sorry to hear of your poor check-in experience. They should be well used to *G benefits.

Here's the offical word on NZ Cabin Baggage

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/travelinfo/baggageinformation/cabin_baggage.htm

Here's the offical word on NZ Cabin Baggage

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/travelinfo/baggageinformation/cabin_baggage.htm
If you click the Checked in Baggage (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/travelinfo/baggageinformation/check_in_baggage.htm) link you get the good oil on that as well.

As Kiwi Flyer posted, I saw at AKL the officials checking peoples' carryons, anything obviously large or heavy was being put into the "frame'. (There were two)

As I had "pre cleared" at QF premium I walked down a special aisle to the left. No one was checking carry-on in this aisle. I went straight through to Xray from there.

Sorry for the bump, but I didn't want to start a new thread!
As Kiwi Flyer posted, I saw at AKL the officials checking peoples' carryons, anything obviously large or heavy was being put into the "frame'. (There were two)
Does CHC Int'l departure have a similar enforcement policy too?

And P.S.: Is the procedure for paying departure tax the same. i.e. at check-in for premium pax?

CHC doesnt have a separate premium check-in lobby but you can also pay departure tax at the premium check in lines.

As for enforcement of carry-ons, they dont seem to be as strict lately.

Thank You. ^

Here's the offical word on NZ Cabin Baggage

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/travelinfo/baggageinformation/cabin_baggage.htm

Big thanks ^^^. I'll remember to bring my smallest laptop bag with me (more than adequate enough for laptop+power+a couple of additional electrical items).