Airlines

Airlines are getting tough on ‘personal items,’ and it could cost you

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Airlines are becoming increasingly strict with regard to the dimensions of passengers’ personal belongings, and it may end up costing you much more than you had planned.

The definition of a personal item is typically stated clearly by airlines. A purse or small handbag that must fit under the seat in front of you, for instance, is how Americans interpret it. No more than 18 by 14 by 8 inches should be the bag’s measurements.

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According to a recent analysis by IdeaWorks and CarTrawler, American Airlines, for example, made a record $7.42 per passenger in baggage revenue in 2021, bringing in $1.22 billion systemwide. Many travelers have been informing me that the rules governing carry-on and checked baggage have been more strictly enforced, which would be consistent with the increased income.

A la carte pricing for things like carry-on luggage have helped other airlines, particularly the ultra-low-cost carriers, build their businesses. According to travelers, they are particularly interested in the personal item category of luggage.

How are ‘personal items’ defined by airlines?

It is described as a purse or little handbag that fits beneath the seat in front of you by American Airlines. The bag’s dimensions shouldn’t be larger than 18x14x8 inches.

It can be a briefcase, a small backpack, a camera bag, or a diaper bag, according to Delta Air Lines. Personal items are not charged costs because they are not considered carry-on luggage.

Purses, backpacks, and laptop bags are considered personal items by United Airlines and must fit under the seat in front of you. Maximum dimensions are 17x10x9 inches.

As long as they fit inside the 16.25 by 13.5 by 8-inch space under the seat, Southwest Airlines does not impose size restrictions on passengers’ carry-on luggage. Bags, briefcases, cameras, food containers, and laptop computers in cases are examples of personal things.

The size of personal objects, including handles, wheels, and straps, which measure 14x18x8 inches, is strictly regulated by Frontier Airlines.

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Airlines

Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns

Tensions at Qantas reached new heights as base maintenance workers in Brisbane walked out of a hangar meeting hosted by the airline’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson.

The walkout was a clear display of displeasure and aimed to send a strong message to the company’s management about the growing frustrations within the workforce. The workers, represented by the Qantas Engineers Alliance, have been pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living.

In an open display of displeasure, Qantas Base maintenance workers walked out of a hangar meet hosted by the CEO Vanessa Hudson in Brisbane, also aimed to send a message to the management.

Qantas Engineers Alliance members have been demanding decent wage increases to match with… pic.twitter.com/y9EVjc46VM— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 14, 2024

Despite ongoing discussions, the employees feel that their concerns have been overlooked, leading to this public show of dissent. The hangar meeting, meant to foster dialogue and address employee concerns, instead became the stage for a visible demonstration of dissatisfaction as the workers exited in unison.

For some time, the engineers and maintenance staff have expressed frustration over wage stagnation amid increasing inflation and living costs. Their demand is simple: a decent and fair wage adjustment that keeps pace with economic realities. The walkout underscores the workers’ determination to stand firm on their request for better pay and fair treatment.

As Qantas navigates its recovery post-pandemic, this incident highlights the growing internal challenges the airline faces, especially concerning its workforce. The maintenance staff’s actions have put additional pressure on the company’s leadership to address the wage concerns and avoid further escalation.