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"A little bit steep": Jetstar passenger hit with "wild" excess baggage fee

A Jetstar passenger has been slapped with a "wild" excess baggage fee after her luggage was less than just one kilogram overweight. Monique McCreanor was flying from Melbourne to Sydney after competing in a fitness competition when she was hit with the unexpected fees. Travelling with only carry-on luggage, Ms. McCreanor said she made a mad dash to the airport to catch her flight, only to be stopped at the gate due to the weight of her bag. Because of the prizes she won at the competition, her bag was just 900g over the 7kg limit, and she was issued a $75 fine. Ms. McCreanor took to TikTok to share a warning with other travellers to triple check the weight of your bag, as even being over the limit by mere grams will set you back. “This isn’t a complaint, this is merely just warning you guys,” she said in the clip. “If you do fly with Jetstar on a domestic flight, and your bag is even 100g overweight, you’re going to get charged $75 at the gate for that excess luggage." “Now, this kind of sucks, because I’m like damn, I could have had 15kg in this bag to really make it worthwhile." “I got hit with $75, so just make sure are booking the extra checked baggage, it is better to be safe than sorry, because $75 is a little bit steep for just 900g overweight.” While her video quickly garnered thousands of views, many were left divided in the comments about her complaints. One person sided with the airline, saying, “No sorry, it clearly gives a weight allowance. You went over, you pay.” “Seriously it doesn’t matter who you are with, you will have to pay any way, they are the rules,” another added. Others were quick to empathise, sharing their own experience of encountering excess baggage fees. “They did this to me on my honeymoon... I was p****d,” one person said. Image credits: TikTok

Travel Trouble

"No empathy": Grandmother kicked off flight over unpaid fee

An outraged father has unleashed over Jetstar's decision to remove his mother-in-law and children from a flight over an unpaid fee. Father of three Jay Tee took to social media to slam the airline over their treatment of his family on their flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne. Tee's kids were being accompanied on the flight by their grandmother, who was informed she needed to pay a $35 fee to check in a bag. The woman forgot to pay the fee before boarding, on what was her second time ever on a plane. Tee was then contacted by the airline after his family had boarded and was told they would not be allowed to travel if the charge wasn’t paid for within 10 minutes. “They informed me I had 10 minutes to pay $35 or else they would be removed from the flight extra fees would accur (sic) for holding up the flight,” he said. “I hung up transferred funds and rang back within four minutes. Jetstar did not take payment and had removed my mother-in-law from the flight altogether leaving her and 3 kids stranded at Gold Coast airport no water no food.” The father slammed the airline for “disgusting service” that was “the worst I have ever been treated” by a company. “My anger is not with the payment for luggage, it is how my mother-in-law and three kids under 10 were treated.” The airline confirmed the family were removed from the flight, with a spokesperson saying the airline was trying to contact Mr Tee for more information. “We’re really sorry to hear about the customers’ experience and are reaching out to get a better understanding about what happened,” the spokesperson said. The airline went on to say they had no record of any payment being made, while also clarifying they asked the elderly woman to move to the service desk multiple times to pay the fee, but she didn't. Mr Tee says he was then forced to pay another $600 to book the group on the next flight to Melbourne with discount airline Bonza. The situation stirred up debate on social media, with some blaming the woman for the mishap. “I don’t understand how this is anybody but the mother in laws fault, She would have checked bags in then should have walked over and paid for the excess, not boarded the plane,” one person wrote. But others defended her, and the fact the charge was paid by Mr Tee. “Would have thought Jetstar could have helped in some way, but that sums up Jetstar’s customer service for you. No empathy what so ever.” Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images

Travel Trouble

The real reason your luggage is lost in transit

There’s nothing worse than that moment of realisation you get when, standing at an empty luggage carousel, you realise your bags are anywhere in the world but here. SITA, a company specialising in air transport, has published a study revealing the most common reasons bags are misplaced in transit and tips on how to avoid it. 2015 it turns out was a historically good year for luggage retention, with the total number of mishandled bags diminishing about 50 per cent from 2007 to 2015. Worldwide, out of every 1000 passengers only around six bags are being misplaced. But it still wasn’t perfect, and 23 million bags were still misplaced. SITA has outlined the top reasons luggage doesn’t make it to where it’s supposed to be, as well as some tips to help make sure your bags makes the trip safely. Reasons for lost luggage: <ul> <li>Lost during a transfer – This was the major reason for luggage being misplaced and the cause of over half the reported misplaced luggage occurrences.</li> <li>Ticketing errors, bag switches or security issues – Around 19 per cent of lost bags fell into this category, suggesting that human error still plays a role.</li> <li>Delayed due to airport, customs, and weather or space/weight restrictions – This broad category accounted for almost 16 per cent of the lost luggage.</li> <li>Failure to load the bag or mishandling at arrival station – This was the reason behind four per cent of the bags that were mishandled.</li> <li>Tagging Error – With significant advancements in bag handling technology tagging errors accounted for only four per cent of lost luggage.</li> </ul> SITA also offered some advice for making sure your bag makes it all the way to the desired destination, suggesting air passengers take the following precautions: <ul> <li>Avoid short connections.</li> <li>Put a form of identification on the bag.</li> <li>Double check the destination tag.</li> <li>Pack luggage carefully avoiding restricted items.</li> <li>Consider purchasing a personal luggage tracking device.</li> </ul> Images: Getty

Travel Trouble

How to pack like a pro

Whether you’re journeying overseas or enjoying a staycation, you’re likely to leave packing until the last minute. It is the one essential task that must be taken care of before any of the fun can begin! Here’s how to make the most out of your suitcase and be prepared for anything. 1. Check the weather Before you start packing, check the upcoming weather forecast for your destination. This way it’ll be easier for you to decide what kind of clothes you need to bring. It will also help to eliminate over-packing and save unnecessary weight in your luggage, and it'll leave some room for you to bring things home without another bag. 2. Pack based on your itinerary Depending on the kind of activities you have planned, there will be certain clothing items you must bring. Make sure you check your itinerary and bring the appropriate clothing. 3. Roll your clothes If you’re on a longer holiday and need to maximise the space in your bag, roll your clothes. Roll each clothing item separately and you’ll discover just how much more you can fit into your suitcase. 4. Limit your toiletries Toiletries can be heavy and space consuming, so only include what you will really need. You can buy reusable, travel-sized containers and fill them with your own products to save space. If you're flying, do not fill the containers completely to the top as changes in air pressure during flights can cause the contents to expand and leak. 5. Make a list and check it twice A list can help you see if you’re over or under-packing. Make sure you tick off all of your essentials as you go along. Make packing hassle-free and focus on the fun that's ahead of you. Image credit: Shuterstock

Travel Tips

Bring your furry friend’s face along on your next big trip

Devoted pet lovers around the world are no stranger to the struggle of setting out on their next adventure without their faithful companions at their side. And while it can help to set a paw-fect portrait as a phone wallpaper to check in everytime the distance feels too much, it isn’t always enough - especially when you’re used to seeing their sweet little faces every single day. Luckily, the people over at July have come up with a solution in ‘Petsonalisation’. It’s something sure to set tails wagging, offering pet parents the exciting opportunity to have their best friend’s face on their suitcase and travel accessories. Forget limiting yourself to lettered monograms, all customers have to do is upload their desired pet pic, and then July will do the hard part for them - illustrating the image, and personalising the luggage, tags, bottles, kits, and notebooks on offer with the friendliest of faces. “People love their pets, and often pets are the ones you leave behind when you’re off travelling. We wanted to create a way for all travellers to be able to take their pets with them, no matter the journey,” July’s Richard Li explained. “Our personalisation offering has always been unique,” July’s Athan Didaskalou added. “We know that for something to be truly personal the offering needed to be diverse and inclusive. Multiple fonts, colours, emojis, and languages. In a world-first, I am excited to extend our personalisation service once more to include the most loveable beings in people’s lives: their pets. “We’re a customer-centric business and our products are derived from what people want, with over 50% of orders already opting for personalisation. Your suitcase stands out even more on a luggage carousel and is less likely to be mistaken for someone else’s bag when it’s got your initials on it. “A lot of people would love to be able to take their dog or cat on holiday with them, but with cost and customs, that’s just not an option. We like to think this is our way of enabling our customers to bring their pets on their travel adventures.” Since launching in 2019 with their Carry On suitcase, July have progressed in leaps and bounds, now offering <a href="https://july.com/au/shop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an entire suite of travel products</a> - from luggage to backpacks, bottles, phone cases, notebooks, and various other travel accessories. And now, the code ‘Petsonalisation’ can be applied for up to two pets per product on all of July’s luggage and accessories until April 25th - at $25 for accessories, and $65 for luggage. While dates are limited for July’s pet offering, they’re no stranger to personalisation, and have been offering enthusiastic customers the chance to create truly unique items since 2019. Their efforts are no small feat either, with shoppers able to “personalise up to five characters with 11 different font styles and 28 colours to choose from, even adding emojis”. And for those worried that they may not be limited in what they can write, July have an answer - they’re one of a limited number of companies worldwide, and the only one in Australia, to offer “personalised Chinese characters and additional Latin based languages such as French and Spanish for monogramming.” There’s no stress when it comes to having it sent your way either - as anyone in Australia or New Zealand is aware, postage costs can be half the battle - as with orders over $100, July offer free shipping. So, if you want to show the world your best pet friend, it’s time to hop on over to check out July’s range before April 25th, and <a href="https://july.com/au/pet-personalisation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get their face put front and centre</a>! Images: July [supplied]

International Travel

Cruise passenger left without a single change of clothes in a lost luggage nightmare

When Australian grandmother Cheryl Stuchbery and her husband, John, set sail with Royal Caribbean cruises from Sydney to New Zealand, they thought they were embarking on their dream holiday. But some dreams are destined to turn into nightmares, as Cheryl soon learned, when it was revealed that staff aboard the cruise liner had lost her suitcase. For the next 11 days, Cheryl was left without so much as a change of clothes, forced to wear the same outfit time and time again. John helped as much as he could, offering his own underwear so that his wife wasn’t entirely going without. Speaking to Australia’s A Current Affair, Cheryl admitted that the entire experience had left her “very depressed. I was in tears a lot at the time.” “Cheryl ended up wearing my knickers,” John explained, adding that it only made sense, because his clothes had actually been available. "I've put a pair on, but the only thing is, I couldn't fill out the little pouch in the front," Cheryl added. When the staff were unable to locate her bag on the second day of the trip, they offered to wash her one outfit for her. Every morning, they would drop by, collect her things, and take them off to wash and dry. While this ensured Cheryl had clean clothes to wear each day, it also meant she started them with three hours sitting in her cabin and waiting. “They [would] give Cheryl a t-shirt and a dressing gown,” John explained, “so for the first sort of three hours each day, we're sitting in the room waiting for the clothes to come back.” In the time since, Cheryl has tried to find humour in the whole situation, though she certainly hadn’t even been able to consider it at the time. It wasn’t the first time the couple had set out on a cruise, it was just the first that their belongings hadn’t made it along with them. “They did say it was very unusual for a suitcase not to turn up at all,” Cheryl noted. “For quite a bit of time we felt that it had been stolen because they'd searched the ship," John said. And, in timing that came as no help to the cruising couple, Cheryl’s bag turned up the very day after they’d arrived back in Sydney. To make matters even worse, it had been onboard the whole time. As John put it, “it had been on [the] boat all the time and they say, 'well, that's okay, you've got your case back'.” Royal Caribbean have since issued a statement in apology, writing that they “sincerely apologise for misplacing Mr and Mrs Stuchbery's luggage. During their cruise, Mr and Mrs Stuchbery were provided with complimentary express laundry, an onboard credit to assist with purchasing incidental items, and specialty dining. “The luggage was located on return to Sydney and Mr and Mrs Stuchbery have been offered additional compensation and documentation to support a claim via their travel insurance.” But it hasn’t done anything to help the sour taste of the whole ordeal left in the Stuchbery’s mouths, with Cheryl declaring that she still “feel[s] very angry.” Images: A Current Affair / Nine

Cruising

10 things that are always a waste to pack

All travellers know the hardships of packing the necessities for the trip ahead. And everyone knows how many things you haven’t actually used by the time you get home again – what a waste of precious space in your luggage. Here is a list of 10 things to not bother packing in your suitcase. 1. Shampoo and conditioner You can purchase these items at the places you travel. If the locals have easy access to hair products then so will you. Hotels should provide little travel-sized minis which will last a few days. Travelling with liquids can also lead to delays at security check points. 2. Shoes Don’t pack more than two pairs of shoes – they take up unnecessary weight and space. Ensure you have a comfortable pair of walking shoes and some shoes that are nice enough to go out in at restaurants and other events. 3. Jewellery Don’t bring your favourite expensive jewellery, you are only human and can accidentally leave items behind in hotels or apartments. You could also increase your risk of becoming a target for pickpockets. Try swapping out your diamond earrings for some cheaper substitute studs while you’re away. 4. Laptop Don’t bring your laptop. Unless you’re travelling for work, you probably don’t need to bring a computer on your holiday. You could also become a target for thieves while travelling if they notice you have an expensive technological device with you. 5. Swimming costume Don’t bring more than two swimming costumes. They are easy to wash and having two on hand always ensures you have a dry one to wear for the next day. Just put the swimmers in the sink filled with cool water and add some mild detergent before rinsing and wringing out to dry. 6. Hair dryer Hair dryers are heavy and bulky, so they aren’t the easiest thing to try and squeeze into your suitcase. Hairdryers are usually provided by hotels and although yours may be nicer, they both do the same job in the end. 7. Out of season clothing Avoid packing out of season clothing – if you’re going on a summer holiday in Europe, you probably don’t need that heavy winter coat. The excuse for packing these unnecessary items is always “just in case,” but if the situation does arise where there is an uncharacteristic change in weather, you can always buy what you need to face the day. 8. Books Turn to paperback books or electronic tablets instead of hardcover novels. The electronic tablets are most helpful as they can contain a whole library of book options without adding the weight of a library in your suitcase. Paperback books are good when you don’t have an electronic tablet, but maybe avoid packing seven books! 9. Traveller’s checks Traveller’s checks aren’t used anymore. Although they were once the safeguard of money while on holidays, the traveller’s checks have gone out of style. It’s unlikely you will come across a place that will accept the checks, as these have been replaced by the use of ATMs for cash and the ability to use your debit and credit cards that don’t charge an international transaction fee. 10. Double-ups Finally, don’t bring anything your travel partner is also packing. For instance, don’t pack more than one thing that can be shared. You don’t need two tubes of toothpaste, for instance! Images: Getty

Travel Tips

Airline sends woman 13 brand new suitcases as compensation

A woman has been left shocked and confused after being sent 13 brand new suitcases as compensation. Giséle Rochefort was flying with Delta Airlines in the US when her luggage was badly damaged on her flight. "Delta destroyed my suitcase. I filed a claim, they agreed to replace it," Rochefort explained in a now-viral TikTok video. Giséle’s suitcase had some of the fabric ripped off the cover, while one of the wheels had been completely knocked off. Soon after filing her claim with the airline, Rochefort received a notification that she had been issued a replacement for her luggage and it was ready to be picked up. However, she was greeted with 13 boxes, each one containing a new suitcase in varying sizes and designs: all the same brand of her destroyed luggage. <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 610px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7205751910886837547&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40gisele_rochefort%2Fvideo%2F7205751910886837547%3Fq%3DGis%25C3%25A9le%2520Rochefort%26t%3D1678421013573&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F0c0dca39b4c14fafa59759c9312e38ad%3Fx-expires%3D1678442400%26x-signature%3DnoEZd10erItVG8BuGildr1uEaAk%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> "I was crying laughing, It felt like an April Fools' prank. I thought I was done, only to realise 3 of the large bags had small ones inside them," she added in the comments section of her video. "I think they made a mistake," she added. Rochefort said the bags, which retail for as much as $300 (AUD) each, are currently stacked up on a wall at her home. "It's called interior design sweetie, look it up," she joked, adding, "Thanks Delta!" Her video has been viewed one million times, with many of her followers wondering how they can get their hands on such a haul. "I think I know what everyone is getting for their bday or the holidays," one commented. "Keep two and sell the rest," another suggested. "And here's an extra 12 Incase we break anymore," another joked. Image credits: TikTok

Travel Tips

Take your pet wherever you go with pet-sonalised luggage

With the world opening up again and more of us making travel plans, it’s the prime time to exchange your long-serving luggage for something new. To make it stand out from the hundreds of other suitcases and bags your fellow travellers are using, getting your belongings personalised is a smart idea - and now you can do so with the help of your pet. July, which creates sustainable suitcases, bags, and other accessories that can withstand the sometimes rough and tumble nature of travel, now offers a world-first service that allows you to personalise your luggage with your pet’s face. Since travelling often means leaving our furry friends at home or in a kennel, July’s service enables you to bring them with you on your next holiday. Having trialled the service on July’s water bottle and the Carry Me mini case, the process of getting pet-sonalised items is easy - and the results couldn’t be cuter. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/12/july-pets1.png" alt="" width="847" height="434" /> You can add up to two pets to your item, requiring a high-resolution, bright image of them (preferably a full frontal showing their face). Once you have submitted your photo and order, the July team’s illustrator will transform your photo into the design to be featured on your item. The final result is a high-quality artistic rendition of your beloved pet, featured on the corner of items such as the Carry Me case and in the centre of the water bottle. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/12/toby-july.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The image I sent of my cat Toby (left) was transformed into a cute design featured on the case and water bottle. Images: Author As for the items themselves, the water bottle boasts a soft, matte exterior, the capacity to keep liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, and even fits in cup holders. Meanwhile, the Carry Me case is quite robust and stain resistant (even after I spilled coffee on it while commuting), with pockets on each side and the option to have it open completely flat or more like a purse thanks to a detachable lining. The option to carry it on its own or with a strap offers nice flexibility, and it’s large enough to fit a phone and notebook (or your sunglasses, wallet or purse) and other miscellaneous items that you’ll need on the go. While I have yet to travel with my Carry Me case, it has become my go-to purse for day trips and going out. Not only is the pet personalisation an adorable option for your own luggage, it can make for a sweet, personal gift for the pet parents in your life. Until December 11, July is offering free personalisation of its range of luggage and accessories - a service usually costing $25 - with orders guaranteed to arrive just in time for Christmas. To see the full range of July’s products, head <a href="https://july.com/au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Supplied

Family & Pets

Hard vs soft luggage – which is better?

Your suitcase will be your most faithful travel partner, so make sure you choose the right one. 1. How are you travelling? When you’re checking your luggage in for a standard flight, it makes very little difference whether it’s hard or soft. But other modes of transport can be difficult with a hard suitcase. It’s much harder to fit in the back of a taxi or car, and it can be trickier to stow on a bus or train. If you’re taking flights on very small planes your luggage might be restricted even further and hard sided bags can even be banned, so read the fine print. 2. What are you taking? Hard suitcases can provide more protection if you travel with a lot of breakables, like glass cosmetic bottles or electronics. It’s also good for flimsy souvenirs that you might pick up along the way. If you like to keep all your breakables in your carry on, then soft luggage should suit you fine. 3. Are you an organised packer (and unpacker)? Soft suitcases will generally come with a few more internal pockets or dividers, allowing you to separate out your items. Hard suitcases tend to be a big empty space. If you like things to be organised, soft luggage is the best bet. Hard suitcases also take up more room than soft, so if you like to live out of your case on the floor of your hotel room (rather than hanging things up) you could find it gets in the way. 4. How often do you travel? Hard luggage is more durable than soft and will usually stand up to the rough treatment of time in the cargo hold or being dragged around cobblestone streets. If you travel frequently, you’ll want your luggage to be able to survive multiple journeys without showing too much wear and tear. 5. Do you worry about security? It can be easier to break into a soft suitcase, if only because thieves can simply slash the fabric sides. It’s not usually possible to do this to a hard suitcase, so you are giving yourself an extra layer of protection. However, keep in mind that a good travel lock will usually deter most opportunistic thieves, so most types of suitcase are relatively safe. Image: Getty

Travel Tips

Hotel worker busted going through traveller’s luggage

A traveller has shared a hotel story from hell, revealing he secretly filmed a hotel worker going through his possessions after he checked in and unpacked. The guest captured the footage of a housekeeper appearing to sift through his belongings and look in his safe, after he utilised the hidden webcam on his laptop. Sharing the video on TikTok, the traveller issued a warning to his followers, with the caption, “Pro travel tip: you can turn your laptop into a security camera.” The video then shows the housekeeper helping himself to a beverage out of the mini fridge, before starting to rummage through the wardrobe. “Be careful when you’re travelling. This was the first time I set up a camera and caught this.” Luckily, the housekeeper didn’t take any belongings from the savvy traveller, although they still reported the incident to hotel management. They said the hotel “managed the situation professionally”, and the housekeeper was fired “on the spot”. The guest said when booking the hotel, they noticed a series of reviews mentioning thefts but weren’t able to find any proof, hence they felt the need to set up the camera. The video has racked up over 170,000 likes, with many people in the comment section saying they rely on similar technology to keep their belongings secure. One nervous traveller commented, “This is exactly why I barely take anything out of my suitcase, always keep my lock on it and always travel with the keys.” Image credits: TikTok

Travel Tips

Lizard in your luggage? We’re using artificial intelligence to detect wildlife trafficking

Blue-tongue lizards and sulphur-crested cockatoos are among the native animals <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/apr/04/australia-adds-127-reptiles-to-global-treaty-in-crackdown-on-cruel-and-abhorrent-smuggling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">frequently smuggled</a> overseas. While the number of live animals seized by the Australian Government has <a href="https://taronga.org.au/donate/illegal-wildlife-trade-appeal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tripled since 2017</a>, the full scale of the problem eludes us as authorities don’t often know where and how wildlife is trafficked. Now, we can add a new technology to Australia’s arsenal against this cruel and inhumane industry. <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2022.757950/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our research</a> shows the potential for new technology to detect illegal wildlife in luggage or mail. This technology uses artificial intelligence to recognise the shapes of animals when scanned at international frontlines such as airports and mail centres. Exotic species are also smuggled into the country, such as snakes, turtles and fish. This could disrupt Australia’s multi-billion dollar agricultural industries by introducing pests and diseases, and could also threaten fragile native ecosystems. <h2>An animal welfare problem</h2> Wildlife trafficking is driven by several factors, including purported medicinal purposes, animals having ornamental value or for the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2664.14138" target="_blank" rel="noopener">illegal pet trade</a>. It can have fatal consequences, as it usually involves transporting individual animals in tight or cramped environments. This often results in the animals becoming stressed, dehydrated and dying. Some people have even tried to use <a href="https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/media/pressrel/7859664/upload_binary/7859664.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22media/pressrel/7859664%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chip packets</a> to smuggle Australian wildlife. <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/crime-news/2021/02/21/lizard-smuggler-sentenced-nsw/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Traffickers often transport several individuals</a> in one go, in the hope one animal makes it alive. We don’t know the complete picture of which animals are being trafficked, how they’re trafficked or even when it’s occurring. But examples from seized cases in Australia suggest traffickers highly prize Aussie reptiles and birds. For example, <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/shingleback-lizard-is-one-of-australias-most-trafficked-animals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shingleback lizards</a>, a type of blue-tongue lizard, are considered one of Australia’s most trafficked species. Apart from being cruel and inhumane, wildlife trafficking can also facilitate the introduction of <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/wr18185" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alien species</a> into new environments. This brings significant biosecurity risks. For example, zoonosis (diseases jumping from a non-human animal to a human) involves people handling <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-live-animals-are-stressed-in-wet-markets-and-stressed-animals-are-more-likely-to-carry-diseases-135479" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stressed, wild animals</a>. Exotic species can also disrupt natural ecosystems, as we’ve famously seen with the damage wrought by cane toads in northern Australia. Unregulated wildlife entering the country may also harbour <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-lock-out-foot-and-mouth-disease-australia-must-help-our-neighbour-countries-bolster-their-biosecurity-188010" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new diseases</a> or destructive <a href="https://theconversation.com/hear-me-out-we-could-use-the-varroa-mite-to-wipe-out-feral-honey-bees-and-help-australias-environment-185959" target="_blank" rel="noopener">parasites</a>. This could damage agricultural industries and potentially raise the prices of our fruit and vegetables. <h2>Creating an trafficking image library</h2> Our new research documents a variety of wildlife species, which have been scanned using state-of-the-art technology to help build computer algorithms using “Real Time Tomography”. Real Time Tomography is an imaging technique that uses a series of x-rays to scan an item (such as a lizard). It then produces a three dimensional image of the animal which, in turn, is used to develop algorithms. For example, mail and luggage can be scanned at the airport and, if wildlife are enclosed, the algorithms will alert operators of their presence. Our study scanned known species of trafficked Australian animals to create an image reference library. A total of 294 scans from 13 species of lizards, birds and fish were used to develop initial wildlife algorithms, with a detection rate of 82%, and a false alarm rate at just 1.6%. This research is the first to document the use of 3D X-ray CT security scan technology for wildlife protection within the peer-reviewed scientific literature. It’s also the first to report results for the detection of reptiles, birds and fish within such scans. The detection tool is designed to complement existing detection measures of Australian Border Force, biosecurity officers and detection dogs, which remain crucial in our fight against wildlife crime. <h2>How else are we stopping wildlife trafficking?</h2> The tools currently helping to detect and restrict wildlife trafficking mainly rely on human detection methods. This includes <a href="https://www.austrac.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-10/AUSTRAC_IWT%20Guide_October%202020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cyber-crime investigations</a> or Australian Border Force and biosecurity officers manually searching bags. <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/australia/detector-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biosecurity detector dogs</a> patrolling airports are also useful, as are smartphone reporting apps such as the <a href="https://taronga.org.au/conservation-and-science/act-for-the-wild/wildlife-witness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife Witness App</a>. Also crucial are efforts to dismantle illegal trade networks at the source. This is by understanding and reducing <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.13578" target="_blank" rel="noopener">consumer demand</a> for wildlife and wildlife products, providing alternate livelihoods for would-be poachers, and enforcing stronger governance and monitoring. Seized animals can be used as evidence to identify traffickers, with previous cases resulting in successful prosecution by environmental investigators. For example, a former rugby league player has been <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/most-serious-offending-ex-nrl-player-jailed-for-animal-smuggling-20191018-p53230.html">jailed for four years</a> after getting caught trying to smuggle a variety of animals in and out of Australia. <h2>Continuing the fight</h2> All these measures help fight wildlife trafficking, but there’s no single solution to predict when and where the events will likely take place. Wildlife traffickers may adapt their behaviours frequently to avoid being detected. As a result, innovative and adaptive solutions, such as our new technology, are vital to support existing detection techniques. Any effort to stamp out this terrible activity is a step in the right direction, and the potential for 3D detection enables us to adapt and evolve with how traffickers may change their behaviours. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/lizard-in-your-luggage-were-using-artificial-intelligence-to-detect-wildlife-trafficking-189779" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Phys Org

Travel Trouble

Flight attendant reveals must-have travel items

A seasoned flight attendant has shared the three things she always packs in her carry-on luggage to make every travelling experience a breeze. Rosalie Shaw, who has been a cabin crew member for nine years, says she has learned plenty of travel hacks throughout her career. She says one of the things she always takes is a clear ziplock bag to carry her passport in, in case of unfortunate accidents. “I know it seems like a lot but a damaged passport will literally ruin your holiday,” she said in a recent TikTok video. “The bag protects it from any spills like a water bottle, the rain or in my case a really bumpy boat ride,” she said. The next thing on Rosalie's list is a “good quality clear bag” for shampoo, conditioner and other liquids you want to take in your carry-on. These sturdy cosmetic bags last much longer than zip lock bags and can contain mess if there is a mid-flight spill. Rosalie puts all of her carry-on luggage in the clear bags because “it's easier to find things” on the go, and also adheres to security requirements of keeping things in a see-through bag. The last thing she recommends is to take two or three changes of clothes in your carry-on, in case anything happens to your checked luggage and you are left with no clothes. When choosing what spare clothes to pack, Rosalie recommends packing your favourite or most expensive items that are harder to replace. She said, “That way if your bag does go missing, you aren't stranded for outfits.” Rosalie always has her favourite linen dress in her handheld luggage, a cardigan, a spare pair of underwear, a bikini and a spare pair of shoes. “One time my bag did go missing but at least I had a bag of backup outfits with me so I wasn't as stressed,” she said. Image credits: TikTok

Travel Tips

Airline havoc and lost luggage become major headache for cruise-goers

With airlines across the globe making headlines for delays, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/qantas-loses-woman-s-luggage-that-contains-her-mother-s-ashes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">losing passengers’ luggage</a>, and a host of other issues, it might seem that going on a cruise would be a safer option. But many cruise-goers have faced even more significant problems as a result of waylaid luggage, with some telling <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lost-luggage-cruise-vacation-travel-transport-europe-trip-airport-airline-2022-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Business Insider</a> that they had to choose whether to stay at the airport to find out what happened to their luggage or make it in time for their cruise boarding time. For Ed Perry and his wife, who flew from North Carolina to Amsterdam for a two-week cruise to Budapest and Hungary, flight delays, route changes and having to check their hand luggage resulted in both their carry-on bags and their hold luggage being lost. “It was a disaster from start to finish,” Mr Perry told Insider. He added that he and his wife couldn’t shop for clothes when their ship docked because they’d paid for excursions, but that other passengers stepped in to lend them clothes. Todd McCloud Jr said losing his luggage after last-minute flight changes “put a dampener on our whole trip”. He said a staff member told him his bags would arrive on another flight and be taken straight to the port where his family’s cruise around the Caribbean would be departing from, but that the bags ultimately never arrived. “I’m lucky that I didn’t put our birth certificates in those bags or else we wouldn’t have been able to go on that cruise at all,” Mr McCloud said. Fortunately, his bags were waiting for him when he returned to the airport, along with a voucher and a cheque from Southwest, the airline he flew with, to cover the cost of the replacement items he purchased during the trip Other passengers shared how their luggage was lost during layovers, with some bags being passed between multiple airports as airlines tried to follow cruise itineraries to match up the luggage with their rightful owners. Thomas Hatch, who was meant to arrive in Rome for a 10-day Celebrity Cruises trip around Europe, said a total of eight bags belonging to him and three other passengers failed to arrive in time. British Airways staff told Mr Hatch that the luggage would be flown to Rome on a later flight, but the flight’s cancellation resulted in six of the bags being sent to Athens the day before Mr Hatch’s ship docked there. Despite matching his itinerary, Mr Hatch said the airport was “overwhelmed” with luggage and wouldn’t let the ship's porter collect the bags. He said two of his bags were sent to Thessaloniki Airport in Greece, despite the ship never stopping there. Another passenger, who wished to remain anonymous so as not to jeopardise her chances of compensation, shared photos of luggage tags from her bag, which showed the airline apparently sent it to four European airlines in failed attempts to match up with her cruise. While passengers said they struggled to get help from the airlines, cruise lines went out of their way to be of assistance. Mr Perry said Viking “bent over backwards for us”, with staff lending him their mobile phones so he could call Air Canada, who he said were difficult to reach during the trip and never offered to send his luggage to other ports. Zoe Greenberg had a similar experience to Mr Perry, sharing that Air Canada was “impossible to reach” despite her calling them daily and her husband spending three-and-a-half hours on hold on one occasion. “They had no idea where our bags were,” she said. On the other hand, both Mr Perry and Ms Greenberg said their cruise lines also waived laundry fees during their trip. When she arrived back at Barcelona airport, Ms Greenberg said her husband found her luggage in a storage room “with thousands of bags” but that he didn’t receive his until 26 days after their trip. Image: Getty Images

Cruising

How to pack your carry-on luggage

Depending on what luggage you travel with, your baggage can determine how easy you find your travels. Savvy travellers, who often pack light, get through security faster and have an easier time on the plane. Carry-ons don’t have to be used as supplementary baggage for your next trip, you can, in fact use it as your primary bag. It will force you to travel light, save you time at baggage collection, any extra luggage fees - plus, your bag cannot be lost by the airline. Here's a guide to not only packing light, but packing right! Choosing a bag: Even for carry-on, size matters. Most airlines now have restrictions on the size and weight of your bag. Check with the airline as to what your allowance is. In any case, opt for a bag that is light and has lots of room inside without being too flimsy. You want something sturdy and durable but that doesn’t weigh you down before you’ve packed it. A bag that has wheels and a handle will allow you to get around with ease and quickly if need be. Getting dressed: Wear your heaviest items on the plane – think denim, heavy shoes and a jacket, if you intend to pack one. Wearable luggage: This sounds strange but if you want to maximise your carry-on packing space – this is especially useful if you are only travelling with carry-on – then you might want to consider buying some wearable luggage like a bum bag or cross-body bag that sits flat against you. You can put items in here like passport, phone, money and cards and a couple of little items which will free up some space in your bag. Every bit counts! What to pack: You’ll want to ensure you pack all of your essential items in your carry-on bag. This is not only important to ensure nothing gets stolen, but if your bag is lost at least when you land you will have enough essential items to comfortably get by until alternative arrangements are made or your bag is returned to you. Essential carry-on bag items include: passport, return flight details, accommodation and transport information, cash and cards, pen, home house key, key electronics such a phone and tablet or laptop along with the chargers, change of clothes, mini bag to house your at-seat essentials so you don’t have to get up and down to the overhead compartment, headphones, medication, glasses and possibly a snack and bottle of water. Perfect packing: Roll your clothes as not only will it allows you to fit them into corners and in between items when packing, but they surprisingly come out almost wrinkle free. Layering is the key technique of master packers. Think of your bag as being divided into three horizontal layers. Place shoes and any other bulky or hard items (like a travel hair dryer) in first as the bottom layer. Fill in the space between these items with smaller things like underwear, T-shirts, toiletries etc. The second layer is for larger clothing items and the third tier is for anything you might to access on your way to your destination. Then the majority of your toiletries (packed in your clear bag) should go in this layer, too. Also anything else that might break or spill – think make-up – should be on top so other items don’t squish them. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

A list of what you can and can’t take in your carry-on luggage

When it comes to travelling, there are a lot of grey areas when it comes to what you can and can’t take in your carry-on luggage. You often run into inconsistencies with travelling internationally and domestically with the do’s and don’ts of packing, making it difficult to know what you should be taking. When it comes to travelling within Australia on a domestic flight, the rules are slightly more relaxed than on international journeys. According to the <a href="https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/bring-on-a-plane">Australian Border Force</a>, there are no restrictions on how much powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry onboard. However, the rules are very different for flights overseas. All liquids, aerosols and gel items must be in containers of 100 millilitres or 100 grams or less. Containers must fit into one transparent and re-sealable plastic bag, like a snap-lock bag, with only one ziplock bag allowed per passenger. However, there is one detail on travelling with liquids that can often catch people off guard at the last minute. Australian Traveller's Quentin Long said, "But the problem that gets us all ... is that it's not based on the actual quantity of liquid, it's based on the container size. So if you have a 120ml size container with liquid in it, that's going to be taken off you." "That has cost me, and a lot of other people, some very expensive fragrances." While you are allowed to take most laptops, tablets and phones in your hand luggage without any worries, you'll need to remove them when going through security. Airport x-ray machine operator Michael Sørensen explained why in a <a href="https://www.quora.com/Why-do-I-need-to-take-my-electronics-out-of-my-bag-at-airport-security/answer/Michael-S%C3%B8rensen">Quora</a> thread, writing, "The main reason that you need to remove laptops especially and tablets sometimes is because the batteries and some electronics are so dense metallic material that they obscure what's beneath.” "So that's why we ask for electronics with large batteries to be next to your bag or in a tray on its own." All batteries must be packed in your carry-on luggage, which includes lithium ion batteries, non-spill batteries like dry cell batteries, and nickel, alkaline, or nickel cadmium batteries. E-cigarettes and personal vaping devices also must be tucked into your carry-on baggage. When it comes to miscellaneous items such as umbrellas, razors and alcohol, Long says, "There's different rules for international and domestic, but the general rule for both is don't take anything sharp." So things like scissors, metal nail files and Swiss army knives are a big no-no. Razor blades are also not allowed, but the <a href="https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/travelsecure-subsite/Pages/Items-you-cannot-take-on-plane.aspx">Department of Home Affairs</a> clarifies that household and personal items such as safety razors are permitted. Umbrellas with metal points are also on the permitted list, along with knitting and crochet needles, perfume, lighter fluid and alcohol. If in doubt about whether an item can be carried onboard, check with your airline prior to arriving at the airport. In some cases, you may be able to pack the item in your checked baggage at the last minute. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

What to do if your luggage goes missing

If there’s one thing every traveller fears is arriving at their holiday destination without their luggage. As international airport chaos continues, many are facing the reality of not having their luggage and having to deal with airport lost and found services before their holiday even begins. Even before the pandemic, lost luggage was already the second most common travel mishap Aussies had to deal with, according to a survey by Finder. "Lost luggage is the last thing you want to happen when you're on holiday," James Martin, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.finder.com.au/travel-insurance__;!!LBk0ZmAmG_H4m2o!p3qtXTKGX6cpzRIS1Wd6r_1aRVhQ0pXAZiVMdczaZRAuQe_AALAw0tK1NEeuan-2-NPNHVDTqO34yLxbSC6GUytct910wIYG$">Finder</a> travel insurance expert, told <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/travel-advice-what-to-do-if-your-luggage-goes-missing-at-airport-expert-tips/d9427010-46cc-453f-b7fe-b15645e5882c">9Honey</a>. Luckily, there are some pre-departure precautions you can take to ensure your luggage arrives safely. According to James Martin, preparing for the worst is a must. He said, "Rest assured, there are things you can do to increase your chances of finding your belongings, or receiving compensation for a complete loss.” "If you can, keep laptops/tablets or other valuables like jewellery in your carry on." Expedia Travel Expert, Lisa Perkovic, also has some packing advice. "The best thing you can do to safeguard your luggage is make sure your bag is labelled with your details in case it goes missing, and for extra peace of mind," Perkovic said. "One savvy tip is to invest in a digital tracking device to help you monitor where your luggage is. If you have room in your carry-on, it's also a smart idea to pack valuable items and a change of clothes, in case your checked baggage is delayed." Sometimes, despite these precautions, luggage can go missing with no rhyme or reason. It’s important to take these next steps to ensure you get your valuables back, or at the very least receive compensation for your lost luggage. File a report As soon as you realise your luggage is not turning up, the first step is to file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) directly with the airline you flew in on, Martin explains. "If you had flights on multiple airlines, you'll need to lodge the PIR with the airline that you last flew on," he says. "Be sure to include as much information about your luggage as possible. Noting the approximate size, brand, colour, and any identifying marks such as baggage tags or ribbons will help to improve your chances of getting it back.” "Your PIR report will have a reference number that you can use to track the status of your luggage once it's been located.” "It is the airline's responsibility to compensate you for buying necessities until you are reunited with your belongings, such as a toothbrush, underwear and socks." Lodging a report before you leave the airport is vital, as it increases the chances of a timely solution. Lost vs delayed Once you’ve left the airport, all you can do is hope your luggage turns up and keep checking in with the airline. Best case scenario, you'll find out your luggage has been held up and your airline should make arrangements to get your belongings back to you as soon as possible. Most airlines will organise a courier to deliver your luggage to your accommodation. "If you're travelling internationally, it's a good idea to leave your accommodation details in case your mobile phone provider does not offer coverage overseas," Perkovic says. Officially, you need to wait three weeks for the status of your baggage from “delayed” to “lost” before you can take further action with your airline. Claim compensation from your airline If your baggage was lost for less than a three week period and is eventually delivered back to you, you can lodge a compensation claim with your airline to reimburse for necessities you had to replace. These forms can be done online through your chosen airline. If your luggage has been lost for good, you may be eligible for a much higher compensation payment to replace your belongings. Lodge a travel insurance claim While you may be eligible for a payout to replace lost items, sometimes these amounts from the airlines can be less than the total of the items lost. If there's a shortfall between what the airline pays you and that value, that's when you can lodge a claim for the difference with your travel insurance. "If you're bringing things of high value, make sure to take out a travel insurance policy that will cover the value of your item. You can usually pay a bit extra to cover those valuables" Martin points out. What happens to lost luggage at airports? Airlines usually give themselves a maximum of 90 days to find the owner of lost luggage before auctioning it off to the highest bidder or donating the contents to charity. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Qantas loses woman's luggage that contains her mother's ashes

A woman has been left "non-functional with distress" after Qantas lost her luggage which contained her mother's ashes. On a flight from London to Sydney, the woman and her partner were confused when they were still waiting for their luggage to turn up at Sydney Airport several hours later. Women’s Community Shelters chief executive and Domestic Violence NSW chair Annabelle Daniel expressed her frustration on Twitter after she and her partner had not heard back from the airline when they reached out to enquire about the lost bag. “Hey @Qantas, my partner‘s bag is four days late from QF2 on Saturday morning,” she posted on Wednesday night in a now-deleted tweet. "It has her mother’s ashes in it. She wasn’t able to see her mum before she died, or attend the funeral in 2020 due to the pandemic." “No responses from your website. Could you help more please?” The tweets attracted the attention of several shocked Twitter users, as Annabelle described how the situation was effecting her distraught partner. “My partner was so close to her mum and just devastated she couldn’t travel to be with her when she died. Watching your mum’s funeral on Zoom is gut wrenching enough, let alone this,” she wrote. “She’s not the kind of person to make a fuss, but this compounds the grief all over again." “She’s quite non-functional with distress. I very much hope this is sorted out." “She’s so anxious and this has just been a horror show.” The Qantas Twitter account responded to Annabelle and asked for further details so they could sort out the issue. In a statement to NCA NewsWire, an airline spokesperson apologised for the “extremely distressing situation” and said the bag was being sent to the woman on Thursday. “We understand that this is an extremely distressing situation for this customer and have apologised for the delay in getting their bags to them,” the Qantas spokesperson said. “The bag is being couriered to the customer today (Thursday)." “Heathrow Airport has had widely publicised baggage issues over recent days which led to tens of thousands of misplaced bags.” Airports all over the world have been making headlines for long queues, baggage losses and dallied flights as eager travellers jet off freely for the first time since the start of the pandemic, putting unprecedented strain on air travel. Image credits: Getty Images <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.3308715820312px; margin-bottom: 32px;"> </div>

Travel Trouble

Flight attendant’s hack to get more carry-on luggage

A flight attendant has shared her own sneaky trick for travellers to get more items through in their carry-on luggage. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag on board the flight that weighs between seven and 10 kilograms, depending on the airline. Flight attendant Miguel Muñoz called it the “duty free hack”, telling the <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1604324/flight-attendant-tips-hacks-how-to-bring-extra-bag-on-board-free-exclusive">Express.co.uk</a> duty free bags don't count as carry-on baggage. "I always do this when I fly as a passenger," Muñoz said, sharing that all you have to do is carry a duty free bag. "Or ask for one at the duty free shop and you place whatever you want in the shopping bag." This also works for when your suitcase might be too heavy at check-in, giving travellers another vessel to put their extra items in at the last minute. "If you ever find yourself in that situation, just put whatever you need in a duty free bag. You are welcome!" Muñoz said. Many people praised the woman’s sneaky trick, while also sharing some of their own unique ways they manage to get more out of their carry-on luggage. One person shared another hack they had seen <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-tips/woman-avoids-baggage-fees-with-genius-neck-pillow-hack?fbclid=IwAR3hpuF0Cyf4_K8UPT9WKa6jaWoeEj4e9a-DGAVdhy5vDUcNvRjUVx6F_HE">online</a>, which involves hollowing out a travel neck pillow and shoving it full of clothes. This way, you can bring more items in your carry-on luggage, and still use your travel pillow functionally. Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

Software engineer EASILY hacks airline website to find lost luggage

A software engineer has shared just how easy it was – scarily so – for him to hack an airline’s system. Nandan Kumar was on a domestic flight on Indian airline IndiGo and revealed that he and a passenger had mistakenly taken each other’s bags. He tried calling IndiGo multiple times and was unsuccessful, so decided to put his skills to use and find whoever took his bag. Nandan shared the entire ordeal on Twitter, showing how easy it was to hack IndiGo’s website and find other passengers’ details. “I reached home when my wife pointed out that the bag seems to be different from ours as we don’t use key based locks in our bags,” he wrote. “So right after reaching home I called your customer care. After multiple calls and navigating through @IndiGo6Eand of course a lot of waiting I was able to connect to one of your customer care agents and they tried to connect me with the co-passenger. But all in vain. “Long story short, I couldn't get any resolution on the issue. And neither your customer care team was not ready to provide me with the contact details of the person citing privacy and data protection.” Nandan said customer service assured him they would call back in the morning but when they didn’t he knew it was time to “take the matter in my own hands”. “After all the failed attempts, my dev instinct kicked in and I pressed the F12 button on my computer keyboard and opened the developer console on the @IndiGo6E website and started the whole checkin flow with network log record on. “And there in one of the network responses was the phone number and email of my co-passenger. “I made note of the details and decided to call the person and try to get the bags swapped.” Luckily the pair were not far from each other and agreed to meet at a central place to exchange the bags. Nandan, however, went one step further and urged IndiGo to update their website – as it was way too easy to hack! Image: Twitter

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"No empathy": Grandmother kicked off flight over unpaid fee