Qatar business class hand luggage – How strict are they?

[Holidayguy]

We’re travelling to Perth next January, using a 241 voucher Belfast to Singapore and then to Perth via Jetstar. We’re returning with Qatar Perth to Dublin. We won’t be using the full baggage allowance, just a checked case and an overhead case each. We have 55cm cabin bags which are fine for BA and Jetstar but I see on Qatar’s site that they only allow 50 cm cabin bags.

If I have to buy new bags then so be it, but i’ ve watched numerous YouTube videos where Qatar business passengers seem to be bringing on bags that look significantly bigger than 55cm with no problems.

If anyone has experience of this could you offer some guidance?

[Lady London]

Take smaller luggage on board.

Qatar are ruthless in Y (recent experience no give on any of several flights) and very, very expensive if you transgress 0 tolerance. Never got hassle in J on them but you never know.

[Holidayguy]

Lady London wrote:

Take smaller luggage on board.

Qatar are ruthless in Y (recent experience no give on any of several flights) and very, very expensive if you transgress 0 tolerance. Never got hassle in J on them but you never know.

Thanks for the prompt reply! Not sure what Y or J signify but the tone of your post suggests it would be wise to take no chances.

[aq.1988]

Y = Economy, J = Business

[Aston100]

Holidayguy wrote:

Lady London wrote:

Take smaller luggage on board.

Qatar are ruthless in Y (recent experience no give on any of several flights) and very, very expensive if you transgress 0 tolerance. Never got hassle in J on them but you never know.

Thanks for the prompt reply! Not sure what Y or J signify but the tone of your post suggests it would be wise to take no chances.

People often use the following letters:
Y Economy
J Business
F First

Qatar are inconsistent in Economy.
Many people travelling to the Indian subcontinent seem to bring bags that are too large. They usually get away with it. I think Middle Eastern carriers are resigned to this.
Never noticed anyone having their carry-on bags scrutinised in business though. May happen but not seen it myself.

[memesweeper]

Aston100 wrote:

Never noticed anyone having their carry-on bags scrutinised in business though. May happen but not seen it myself.

I’ve taken an oversized hard shell cabin bag on Qatar business and economy four times without issue, or seeing anyone else being checked. But that was by accident, and if I fly with them in future, I won’t be risking it again.