ORDnHKG

I was checking in at HKG the other day for my OZ flights to ORD, one of my bag is 34kg instead of 32kg, I am *G and travelling in F, the rule is maximum 32kg = 70lbs for each bag. I told her I could pay for the extras, she keep insisting I couldn't pay for that, and I have to take something off and put it in the other bag, and told me there is a rule in HKG about baggage handlers cannot handle anything more than 32kg. Anyone heard about this ?

I have done many flights on UA and NH in the past in HKG, as recent as last June, never recall this policy. Is this a policy about HKG or OZ ?

graraps

The 32kg limit has nothing to do with baggage allowance (that's why you can't pay extra to go around it). It's the internationally-recommended maximum for health and safety in loading a/c. Has been in force throughout the EU for a while (3 yrs?), and it looks like it's now being enacted by HKG authorities.
It may sometimes be inconvenient, but I'm grateful to the people who take care of my stuff and, in hundreds of flights, I've only had things damaged once, and that was as a result of mediocre packing by my friend. So I'm in full support of it. ^

christep

Nothing new about this - 32kg per bag has been the limit in many places for years unless you make special arrangements in advance. From the Cathay website, for example,
Or from the BA website:On the Singapore Air website it is country specific:

ORDnHKG

Personally am a UA*G for many years, so not sure about other carriers. And as I mentioned in the first post, my last time in HKG in June of last year also have no problem with NH and UA. The OZ agent in HKG may indeed not a true OZ agent, probably from third party from previous experience.

I also know that US and Canada does not have this policy at all. Whatever is over the limit, you pay by the kilo, airlines also earn big bucks from that, isn't that is what airlines nowadays want ? Charging for everything ?

christep

United has a limit - it's 100lb / 45kg for North America and for other countries where there isn't a lower limit.

graraps

This has to do with HEALTH AND SAFETY.

Do you fancy manually lifting 50kg suitcases? Thought not.

ORDnHKG

Good to know, I doubt anyone would have bags that much over weight.

Btw, as I was telling the lady there is no way I can take out anything from my heavy bag to the other bag, both bags are full to the limit, the heavy bag is a 29" and the lighter bag is a 25" weighted 24kg, my mother came to join with me for the explanation, at the end, she called for her supervisor, and let me go without a word. I think this lady is just a bit stinky about weight issue, given I am only 2kg over and travel in F, most airlines would not give a damn about it at all. They care about business rather than this tiny issue.

ORDnHKG

For the fact, my bag is 34kg, not 50kg, that is a big difference, I am only 2kg over the limit. Airlines will charge an extra seat for a 300lb overweight person, but not to refuse the person to board.

graraps

Yes, but you understand that a line needs to be drawn somewhere below 50kg, and, TBH, 32kg definitely sounds like a reasonable limit to me. 32kg is definitely more than what I am prepared to lift!
If your suitcase is 32.00001kg, it's still over the limit. A check-in supervisor may be authorised to grant the odd exception, but I'm sure you realise that they can't be regular.

IncyWincy

I have had this 32-kg limit while travelling in F in many destinations.

The rule is imposed by the Govt/Airport authorities and have nothing to do with airlines or what they earn. The rule is above the airline's authority, unless you qualify for exceptions. Just like baggage must be x-rayed and all travellers must go through security etc.

One higher risk the traveller faces with baggage over the limit (even if supervisor nodded) is that somewhere along the line between HKG and wherever else you may be travelling, the bag goes astray.

You can expect compensation from insurance and/or airline of course.

ORDnHKG

This is a copy from www.staralliance.com

Star Alliance Gold Benefits
Priority Reservations Waitlisting1 - when there aren't any seats left on your preferred flight, gives you priority should a seat become available.
Priority Airport Standby - gives you top priority when standing-by a flight at the airport.1
Priority Airport Check-in - allows you to check-in at the Business and/or First Class counter
Priority Baggage Handling - like you, your bags get priority treatment and are among the first to be unloaded.
Extra Baggage Allowance - an additional 20kg (44 pounds) or one additional piece of luggage2 which means you can check in three bags instead of two.
Priority Boarding3 - enjoy the freedom of boarding at your convenience along with First and Business Class passengers.
Airport Lounge Access - available worldwide for you and a friend4 when you travel with any Star Alliance member airline, regardless of your class of travel.

christep

Indeed, and most FF schemes have something similar. But your overall baggage allowance says nothing about the weight of any individual item within that allowance.

Fly2LAX

I just know that certain destinations are notorious for overweight bags.

DTW is one of them with many travellers visiting the Arabic and African countries you wouldnt believe how much stuff people carry with them.

But LH charges alot of money for weight beyond 32KG I think to a limit of 25 KG (1 extra piece of Baggage, charge varies from 123 -200 USD depending on destination).

That said I doubt they would charge someone travelling F !