A self-employed Australian businesswoman has issued a stark warning to fellow travellers after being caught out by one of the aviation industry's most stringent carry-on baggage policies. Catherine Cervasio, a skincare CEO, was forced to pay a hefty $75 fee on the spot during a recent domestic flight because her hand luggage exceeded the strict weight allowance.
The Costly Oversight at the Gate
Ms Cervasio's ordeal began when she travelled from Melbourne to Sydney for work. Although she booked her ticket through Qantas, she discovered at the airport that her flight was actually operated by its budget subsidiary, Jetstar. Unaware of the stricter baggage rules, she arrived with her carry-on items, which included heavy electronics essential for her business. Her laptop alone weighed approximately five kilograms, pushing her easily beyond Jetstar's complimentary seven-kilogram combined limit for cabin baggage.
"I booked through Qantas, but it was a Jetstar flight, so I didn't realise the baggage was so low," she explained. "It's seven kilos combined carry-on and my laptop's five kilos." At the boarding gate, Jetstar staff, who are known for routinely weighing bags with scales, identified her overweight luggage. With no alternative, she had to pay the $75 excess charge immediately to board her flight.
A Widespread Problem for Travellers
This incident is far from an isolated case. Ms Cervasio reported she was not alone, with multiple other passengers on her flight facing identical fees. Her experience highlights a broader trend identified by recent research. A study from luggage delivery service Send My Bag found that 41% of Australians have had to repack bags or discard personal items at the airport to avoid charges.
Furthermore, the data reveals the significant financial impact on travellers:
- 37% have paid up to $200 in excess baggage fees on a single trip.
- 31% have been forced to leave gifts behind to reduce weight.
For Ms Cervasio, this was not her first confrontation with the policy. On previous work trips, she has been compelled to discard sample jars of her own moisturisers, each worth up to $40, to comply. Any items surrendered at the terminal are officially forfeited and thrown away, as airports cannot retain them.
Excess Fees: A Major Profit Driver
Adam Ewart, CEO of Send My Bag, has labelled these excess baggage fees a 'major profit driver' for airlines. He warns that what should be a simple journey can quickly descend into "a maze of extra fees, stress, and unwelcome surprises at check-in."
The key takeaway for passengers is clear: always check the specific baggage rules of the operating airline, not just the booking agent. Travellers are strongly urged to weigh their bags at home before heading to the airport to avoid unexpected costs. For those flying with Jetstar or other low-cost carriers known for strict enforcement, extra vigilance is essential to ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey.
