The BA " How Many Bags Can You See Passengers Boarding With " Thread
#1
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The BA " How Many Bags Can You See Passengers Boarding With " Thread
There has always been a lot of complaints on here about passengers boarding with far more than the required amount of bags allowed, taking up more than their fair share of overhead lockers etc and that includes 'roll ons' which are actually suitcases.
So, I thought it might be an idea for members to post their experiences and post
1) what they see whilst waiting to board
or
2) whilst on board waiting to depart.
I'm also interested in seeing if certain routes are flagged up way more than others. Will BA do anything about that? We can live in hope!
Sizes of bags, 'roll ons' are of course important and it goes without saying any stories are very welcome.
You can just make it simple such as:
[LHR - EDI - BA Flight Number]
So, I thought it might be an idea for members to post their experiences and post
1) what they see whilst waiting to board
or
2) whilst on board waiting to depart.
I'm also interested in seeing if certain routes are flagged up way more than others. Will BA do anything about that? We can live in hope!
Sizes of bags, 'roll ons' are of course important and it goes without saying any stories are very welcome.

You can just make it simple such as:
[LHR - EDI - BA Flight Number]
Last edited by PETER01; Oct 9, 15 at 7:53 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
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Flying to MUC ex LHR last week I was amused to see someone trying to fit a suitcase the size of a large fridge/small whale into the overhead compartments. The crew were unfailingly polite and helpful (much more so than I would have been) to help stow it , though I am not sure if they managed in the end. How the hell that bag got past gate staff I will never know!!
#4
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The BA " How Many Bags Can You See Passengers Boarding With " Thread
On my last flight from AMS in ET, there was one guy boarding close to the end with
1. Laptop bag
2. Brief case
3. A large weekend case
4. A man bag
5. 2-bags of duty free
6. A large coat
He then complained to the CC that all the overhead locker space had gone
1. Laptop bag
2. Brief case
3. A large weekend case
4. A man bag
5. 2-bags of duty free
6. A large coat
He then complained to the CC that all the overhead locker space had gone
#6
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From my own experience it is not generally that bad - but sure I have occasionally been guilty of things like:
Laptop bag, Carry-on + suit carrier
Laptop bag, Carry-on + duty free
One thing to remember though is that I sometimes travel with double carry-on's on connecting flights for LH premium cabins, which is allowed.
Laptop bag, Carry-on + suit carrier
Laptop bag, Carry-on + duty free
One thing to remember though is that I sometimes travel with double carry-on's on connecting flights for LH premium cabins, which is allowed.
#7
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I predict this will be a popular thread.
My personal record is spotting a guy with a max-size rollaboard, with a max-size backpack stacked on top of it, held in place on the rollaboard's retractable handle, with another max-size backpack on his back and carrying a middle sized holdall in his other hand! This was on a LHR-AMS sector a year or two ago - so before the new rules, but still way, way over the limits.
He didn't have to check a single thing, people boarding later couldn't find overhead space and the crew had to juggle bags around to fit everyone in. Some people just have no shame.
I wish I'd taken a photo.
My personal record is spotting a guy with a max-size rollaboard, with a max-size backpack stacked on top of it, held in place on the rollaboard's retractable handle, with another max-size backpack on his back and carrying a middle sized holdall in his other hand! This was on a LHR-AMS sector a year or two ago - so before the new rules, but still way, way over the limits.
He didn't have to check a single thing, people boarding later couldn't find overhead space and the crew had to juggle bags around to fit everyone in. Some people just have no shame.
I wish I'd taken a photo.
#8
Join Date: Aug 2015
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I find it incredible just how much stuff people take on board (and get away with it) - typically it seems to be a massive roll on, huge hand bag plus backpack, duty free etc.
Personally I want to carry as little as possible - one backpack with laptop and essentials and perhaps some duty free (I usually get my fags and booze on board as I can't be doing with airport shopping).
Personally I want to carry as little as possible - one backpack with laptop and essentials and perhaps some duty free (I usually get my fags and booze on board as I can't be doing with airport shopping).
#10
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#11
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AMS - LGW Sept 21st ,watched a young man board with such a massive hold-all you could have put a small fridge in it, he had to lift it quite high as it wouldn't fit down the aisle. Oh, and he had a smaller bag and airport shopping bag.
The large bag must have completely filled an overhead locker - he was seated too far back for me to see.
The large bag must have completely filled an overhead locker - he was seated too far back for me to see.
#12
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From my own experience it is not generally that bad - but sure I have occasionally been guilty of things like:
Laptop bag, Carry-on + suit carrier
Laptop bag, Carry-on + duty free
One thing to remember though is that I sometimes travel with double carry-on's on connecting flights for LH premium cabins, which is allowed.
Laptop bag, Carry-on + suit carrier
Laptop bag, Carry-on + duty free
One thing to remember though is that I sometimes travel with double carry-on's on connecting flights for LH premium cabins, which is allowed.
#13
Join Date: Sep 2011
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What I'll never understand is why people still haven't realised that there's a much room under the seat infront than they'll ever find in the overhead bin. Maybe I've just spent too much time on FR! Unless I'm in the Exit row I never attempt to put my rucksack anywhere other than under the seat infront.
#14
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 597
You wouldn't see this kind of behaviour on my flights. Recently, two passengers boarded with a big guitar each, in the kind of case that can also carry 3 week's worth of clothes. Both guitars had been tagged. Full flight. I simply said we'll leave the guitars in the front galley until fully boarded and if there's room at the end they can be stowed in the cabin. Worked a treat
Anyone else who tries to board over the limit I ask them if they're traveling on their own (as in whether they're the family pack-horse or not). If they're on their own, I remind them politely of the allowance and ask them which one they'd like to put in the hold. Not everyone is agreeable to it, but it does work.

Anyone else who tries to board over the limit I ask them if they're traveling on their own (as in whether they're the family pack-horse or not). If they're on their own, I remind them politely of the allowance and ask them which one they'd like to put in the hold. Not everyone is agreeable to it, but it does work.
#15
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You wouldn't see this kind of behaviour on my flights. Recently, two passengers boarded with a big guitar each, in the kind of case that can also carry 3 week's worth of clothes. Both guitars had been tagged. Full flight. I simply said we'll leave the guitars in the front galley until fully boarded and if there's room at the end they can be stowed in the cabin. Worked a treat
Anyone else who tries to board over the limit I ask them if they're traveling on their own (as in whether they're the family pack-horse or not). If they're on their own, I remind them politely of the allowance and ask them which one they'd like to put in the hold. Not everyone is agreeable to it, but it does work.

Anyone else who tries to board over the limit I ask them if they're traveling on their own (as in whether they're the family pack-horse or not). If they're on their own, I remind them politely of the allowance and ask them which one they'd like to put in the hold. Not everyone is agreeable to it, but it does work.