Passengers Typically Commit These Errors Soon After Boarding, Cautions Flight Crew Member
In the bustling world of air travel, Lufthansa flight attendants often encounter common mistakes made by passengers when it comes to carry-on luggage. These blunders, which include exceeding size and weight limits, carrying more than the permitted number of bags, and improper packing of liquids, can lead to delays and inconvenience for both passengers and crew.
One of the most frequent issues passengers face is overweight or oversized carry-ons. Lufthansa enforces strict size limits for standard carry-on bags, not exceeding 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Bags that surpass these dimensions or weight limits can be rejected or required to be checked.
Another common mistake is bringing more carry-on bags than allowed. Passengers are permitted one personal item plus one standard carry-on bag in Economy and Premium Economy, and two carry-on pieces in Business and First Class. Exceeding this allowance can lead to disputes or forced gate checks.
Incorrect packing of liquids is another issue that frequently arises. Passengers often bring multiple small liquid containers not consolidated in the single authorized 1-liter plastic bag.
Flight attendants address these issues by checking carry-on bags at the gate or boarding, measuring and weighing bags to ensure compliance with Lufthansa’s policies. They may also request passengers to gate-check oversized or excess bags, sometimes incurring fees.
Attendants remind and inform passengers about liquid restrictions, size limits, and allowances during boarding. They may help passengers repack or place items to meet safety requirements, particularly for carry-on liquids or hazardous materials.
Enforcing airline policy fairly and consistently ensures safety and comfort in the cabin while minimizing delays caused by baggage issues.
Anger about delays and an unsteady gait with an alcohol smell are warning signs for potential problems. Small carry-on items can usually fit under the seat, but many passengers do not realize this. This mistake leads to everything being full and larger carry-on suitcases having to go in the cargo hold.
Flight attendants observe passengers during boarding for potential issues. Occasional travelers are recognized after landing by their impatience and getting up before the fasten seatbelt sign turns off. They often put their small backpacks and handbags in the overhead compartments when they board the plane.
Maike Herder, a Lufthansa flight attendant who has flown over 100 short and long-haul flights, prefers to remain anonymous. She stated that flight attendants discreetly exchange information about potential problem cases without raising direct alarm, referred to as "loud wondering."
The interview with Maike Herder was conducted by BuzzFeed News Germany and published by Ippen.Media. It would be better for passengers to stow their small carry-on luggage under their seats, according to the flight attendant.
In summary, common passenger errors are related to carry-on luggage size, weight, quantity, and liquid restrictions. Lufthansa flight attendants manage these by gate checks, enforcement of policy, and passenger guidance to ensure compliance before boarding and during the flight.
Travelers should be mindful of the size and weight limits for carry-on luggage, as exceeding these can lead to delays and forced checks. It's also important to adhere to the number of bags allowed, as exceeding this can cause disputes at the gate. Lastly, proper packing of liquids is crucial to avoid delays and ensuring safety during the flight.
