An earth-shatteringly important question
Does anyone know what the NZ policy is regarding carrying a full length umbrella (84cm) on the plane - specifically, can I get away with carrying one without it counting towards my carry-on allowance? I’m wondering if it would even fit in the overhead bin (NZ107, AKL-SYD, PE, 787-9) or if they’d have to stick it wherever they hang peoples’ coats. Couldn’t find anything on Air NZ’s website, just a NZ CAA page saying there’s no restriction on them from an avsec point of view. General googling of this suggests it’s particular to the airline. Air NZ’s carry-on baggage page says:

“Carry-on size is calculated by measuring a bag's length, width and height (including any wheels and packed away handles), then adding the three measurements together. The total can be up to 118cm (46.5 inches).”

So from a size perspective I’d think that this would add up to say 2cm x 2cm x 84cm = 88cm total dimensions, so I don’t think it’d get rejected based on that.

Reason for asking - relocating to Sydney, would rather have my nice Blunt umbrella with me than ship it with my household goods and be without it for 8-12 weeks right during the season when it’s needed the most. I’ll have 2 carry-on items plus “small personal item” (tiny laptop bag), so I won’t have any spare carry-on allowance. n Might be able to force it diagonally into one of my bags but it would not be ideal as the angle would mess with the available space.