Airlines weigh handbags in carry-on crackdown Robynne Jeisman and Yvonne Nicolas had their handbags weighed by Tiger. Picture: Mike Keating Source: HeraldSun FEMALE airline passengers are being warned they could face a nasty surprise at the check-in desk as handbags are weighed and spark excess baggage fees. Travellers are being left confused by different carry-on luggage policies across airlines, and have been urged to closely read the individual allowances. Some women have been caught out after budget carriers Tiger and Jetstar weighed their handbags as part of 10kg, two-item domestic carry-on limits. But Virgin, which has a 7kg carry-on limit for economy passengers, allows an additional small item that is not weighed, such as a handbag no more than 30cm long. Consumer body Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey said many people did not immediately consider a handbag as luggage. "Airlines should make it clear to consumers that when they are talking about baggage, they do mean handbags too," he said. Passengers flying with airlines that have self check-in kiosks can go to the gate without their cabin bags being weighed, but may be pulled up by staff if they appear to be carrying too much. Melbourne woman Yvonne Nicolas was shocked to be charged $82.50 in excess baggage fees - more than the cost of her flight - after Tiger said her handbag and suitcase were 5kg over the limit. "Most people may not check what their handbag weighs," she said. Mine just had a purse, make-up kit, glasses case, an umbrella and gloves. It was certainly not a big bag that many women carry. I didn't believe my suitcase was more than 10kg. Why would I risk being overcharged at check-in? Robynne Jeisman was also surprised when her handbag was weighed at Melbourne Airport, with her total baggage coming to 8.5kg. "Luckily I wasn't over the limit," she said. Tiger spokeswoman Vanessa Regan said passengers could add bags or buy extra weight at a lower rate than the check-in counter up to four hours before a flight. Our policies are not in place to be difficult. We believe them to be fair so people only pay for what they need," she said. The carry-on luggage allowance is also in place for safety reasons, to ensure we have the right amount of baggage which is allowed in the cabin. Qantas has a 7kg carry-on limit for domestic passengers, but does not weigh all bags in practice.