On two recent flights, I’ve overheard passengers complaining to flight attendants that someone else took “their” overhead bin space (both were long haul premium cabin flights, for what it’s worth). I find that to be puzzling, so I’d like to discuss that in a bit more detail in this post, and talk about overhead bin etiquette.
In this post:
The proper airplane overhead bin etiquette
Overhead bins are an important space on airplanes, especially for those who swear by only traveling with carry-ons, and who want to avoid gate checking bags. Fortunately overhead bins are getting bigger on many airplanes, but then again, so are peoples’ carry-ons.
So, who has “control” of overhead bins — are the bins associated with the seats underneath them, or is it a free-for-all? Well, the answer is definitely the latter, with a few caveats. Here’s what I consider the correct etiquette to be for using overhead bins:
- You should always store your carry-on bags in the overhead bins in the cabin you’re traveling in, unless a crew member instructs otherwise
- You should place your carry-on bags as close to your seat as possible, and ideally not too far behind your seat, since that can make for a challenging situation during deplaning
- You shouldn’t store more than one thing in the overhead bin, and if you have a personal item, you should place it underneath the seat in front of you, so that those with larger carry-on bags will have space for their bags (assuming you’re in a seat where things can be stored at your seat)
- You absolutely have no special “rights” to the overhead bin space immediately above or near your seat; after all, others may need to store their bags in “your” space, given that crew bags may be in some overhead bins, sometimes there’s emergency equipment in other overhead bins, etc.
So while it’s of course frustrating when you board a plane and can’t find overhead bin space anywhere close to your seat, ultimately that’s not anyone’s fault, and there’s nothing that can be done. Typically no one is being malicious with where they place their belongings… everyone is just trying to get to their destination.
The reason I say all of this is because on a couple of recent long haul business class flights, passengers became visibly angry when the overhead bin space above their seat was occupied, to the point that they asked the crew to intervene, and demanded that the bags of others be moved.
Some may disagree with this, but I think there’s nothing wrong with rearranging bags a bit to make room for your bag, assuming the bin just isn’t being used efficiently. You should of course be careful and respectful with peoples’ belongings, and should ask before moving a bag to a different bin. But if someone has a bag that’s stored very inefficiently, I think you’re fine to flip it around, or whatever.
The aspect of overhead bins that frustrates me
Personally what frustrates me most about the use of overhead bins isn’t the behavior of passengers, but rather how I feel like many airlines create chaos with how they approach the boarding process, and the need to gate check bags.
The issue is, I find that gate agents often fall into one of two extreme camps:
- Some gate agents completely fail to enforce carry-on limits, and will let people on with just about anything; sometimes you’ll see people boarding with significantly more than the allowed carry-on limit, and the gate agent says nothing
- Other gate agents create total panic, warning people that dozens of bags will need to be checked, and this often creates boarding chaos, whereby everyone tries to crowd the gate in hopes of getting on the plane earlier
Then you have what happens once onboard the plane. Sometimes you’ll find that crews start requiring passengers to gate check bags way earlier than necessary, so people are checking bags even when there’s still significant overhead bin space available.
If airlines have large overhead bins and are correctly enforcing their carry-on restrictions, then gate checking bags really shouldn’t be a major thing, in my opinion. It’s just amazing to contrast how much of an issue this is in the United States vs. Japan, for example. Then again, that contrast exists in so many aspects of our society…
Bottom line
Airplane overhead bins are a shared space in every way, and you’re not entitled to the space above your seat. Now, you should store your bag as close to your seat as possible, and in the cabin you’re traveling in, and you should place personal items underneath the seat in front of you. But beyond that, it’s all fair game, and no one should think they’re entitled to any specific area of the overhead bin.
Where do you stand on airplane overhead bin etiquette?
I'd pay extra to fly on an airline that had no overhead storage and no baggage fees. People are ridiculous with what they bring onboard and their stupid carry ons cause boarding and deplaning to be much too long.
Has anyone done a basic volume calculation. The maximum volume of the carry on is known. Presume one per passenger. Is the volume of the overhead greater than this?
The bin above my seat is mine. Most certainly in business/first on a narrow body plane. This should be monitored by the flight attendants. It’s not done by the flight attendants. Even better would be the gate agents not letting multiple huge bags on the plane.
In Europe this is better because the airlines do examine what you’re bringing on the plane.
The best is to fly business class on a wide body....
The bin above my seat is mine. Most certainly in business/first on a narrow body plane. This should be monitored by the flight attendants. It’s not done by the flight attendants. Even better would be the gate agents not letting multiple huge bags on the plane.
In Europe this is better because the airlines do examine what you’re bringing on the plane.
The best is to fly business class on a wide body. You board and turn left into business. No one other than other business class passengers has access to the overhead bins.
We're you a hall monitor in grammar school?
I almost always check a bag and either pay for it or get it for free due to status or fare type What irks me is I am then requested to place my backpack, which is a 1/3 of the size of other passengers carry ons, under my seat. It is as if I am now not "entitled" to any carry on space.
I partially disagree and would add some points:
- at no point you use the space over the emergency exits, unless you sit there by yourself or all seats are already taken.
- Moving other people's stuff slightly is fine. But moving them to another bin is absolutely disrespectful to me. You don't know what's in there. I often travel with professional cameras, it drives me mad.
- Apart from jackets or...
I partially disagree and would add some points:
- at no point you use the space over the emergency exits, unless you sit there by yourself or all seats are already taken.
- Moving other people's stuff slightly is fine. But moving them to another bin is absolutely disrespectful to me. You don't know what's in there. I often travel with professional cameras, it drives me mad.
- Apart from jackets or similar, you don't put your stuff on top of other people's bags. Same reason, you don't know the content.
By the way, when it comes to safety, trolleys and major carry on should be placed under the seat in front of you and light luggage in the bins. Her and there, crews explicitly ask for that. Nowadays, the seat pitch is so cramped and airlines made people bring so much luggage that it is not really practical.
The key rule to me is: stick to the luggage rules (at least in size). If people did that and if more companies would check it, there would be significantly less issues. Very cultural thing. You see that this often leads to issues when people come from North America and transfer in Europe.
This is not a great take. Yes, there are some times where a passenger cannot place their bags in the bin above their seat, either due to it being used for crew bags or equipment, due to it being too small for their bag (e.g. the 2-seat side of a 717 or the 1-seat side of a CRJ,) or their bin already being full. But you absolutely *should* only place your bag in the bin...
This is not a great take. Yes, there are some times where a passenger cannot place their bags in the bin above their seat, either due to it being used for crew bags or equipment, due to it being too small for their bag (e.g. the 2-seat side of a 717 or the 1-seat side of a CRJ,) or their bin already being full. But you absolutely *should* only place your bag in the bin above your seat if there is space available there for it. The idiots who just shove their bag in the first spot they see over the first few rows before walking back to row 47 just make the deplaning process a pain for everyone. Don't be that guy. (With the obvious exception of if you are instructed to do so by a crew member. But only that exception.)
And, honestly, at least in most cases, the bin above your seat in business class should have space for your stuff, even for multiple items. In 1-2-1 arrangements, more often than not, there's an entire bin for every single seat. Even if one row is blocked by crew equipment, there is normally plenty of space in the next bin over for the bags of both the passenger whose bin is blocked and also the one who is seated there. The overhead bins are not supposed to be a free-for-all. Your bags are supposed to go as close to your seat as possible, which is above your seat whenever that space is open. Putting your bags above a row ahead of yours when your own bins are still empty is a jerk move 100% of the time.
“You absolutely have no special “rights” to the overhead bin space immediately above or near your seat”. Yet u contradict yourself by saying keep your bags in in the cabin of your seat. Nope. I put mine first available spot including first class. I never need to get into it.
Then your bag should be deplaned. Not gate checked. Just left behind.
Don't do this. It's really obnoxious. (With the exception being if the crew has instructed you to because there's not much space left.) But, if there's space over your seat and your bag will fit in it, that's the only place it should go. Putting your bag over rows ahead of you means that the people actually seated in those rows won't have...
Then your bag should be deplaned. Not gate checked. Just left behind.
Don't do this. It's really obnoxious. (With the exception being if the crew has instructed you to because there's not much space left.) But, if there's space over your seat and your bag will fit in it, that's the only place it should go. Putting your bag over rows ahead of you means that the people actually seated in those rows won't have space for their own bags and will have to place them behind their row, which creates chaos during deplaning.
I travel with a backpack 99% of the time. My first backpacks were aesthetically pleasing colors (cool greys and blues), but after seeing how other passengers would ram their dirty wheels and anything else possible into the compartments made me reassess things. On more than one occasion I've found it soaked because someone forgot that non-sealed beverages don't travel well horizontally. Another time, some good fellow economy passengers took their shoes *and socks* off and...
I travel with a backpack 99% of the time. My first backpacks were aesthetically pleasing colors (cool greys and blues), but after seeing how other passengers would ram their dirty wheels and anything else possible into the compartments made me reassess things. On more than one occasion I've found it soaked because someone forgot that non-sealed beverages don't travel well horizontally. Another time, some good fellow economy passengers took their shoes *and socks* off and put them all overhead in the bins. Needless to say, I became aware those overhead storage units were filthy, even on a good flight.
So now I travel with a solid black backpack and I assault the thing with Lysol when I get home. Being territorial about what part of that filthy storage container is "mine"... is really not a priority.
There are no overhead bins in the first few seats in the center section of the 787. And in F on the 777-300, there are no overhead bins. (Boeing decided those are for oxygen bottles or there is just no bin).
It is annoying to find out the overhead bin above the seat is totally full with the FAS' bags or other items (props for security demonstration). There is no other choice but to use a bin space elsewhere.
I am sorry, but the problem is entirely self-inflicted and the airlines are to blame. Make the first checked bag free. It's okay if you limit it even to 20kg/44 lb.
What the airlines would...
It is annoying to find out the overhead bin above the seat is totally full with the FAS' bags or other items (props for security demonstration). There is no other choice but to use a bin space elsewhere.
I am sorry, but the problem is entirely self-inflicted and the airlines are to blame. Make the first checked bag free. It's okay if you limit it even to 20kg/44 lb.
What the airlines would perhaps forfeit in ancillary revenue, they should be able to recoup in increased efficiency and faster turnovers.
Japan is an excellent example. Most of their airlines allow free checked bags for up to 20 kg in total
I agree to that. Especially if you sit in front row of a narrow body, where you have to put up everything, I'm very annoyed by that. The airlines don't give their own crew people sufficient space.
In regards if crew,I more and more also see here in Europe that they ask/force people to check in carry ons... And then a (non-flying / passive) cockpit or crew person turns up with three, four pieces of...
I agree to that. Especially if you sit in front row of a narrow body, where you have to put up everything, I'm very annoyed by that. The airlines don't give their own crew people sufficient space.
In regards if crew,I more and more also see here in Europe that they ask/force people to check in carry ons... And then a (non-flying / passive) cockpit or crew person turns up with three, four pieces of luggage. You can't ask for rules and limits if you don't use them by yourself (active staff is something different, obviously...)
This is why being early to board is important. I think there is a difference between reserved and common culture/etiquette/common practice. It is common practice to store your bags above you unless otherwise. Sometimes the bins on one side of the plane are different than others. I think the US is quick to gate check. Interesting like many topics it is much more of a relaxed procedure in many other countries that does not need to be enforced.
And, why can't people figure out what they need from their bag and get it out before boarding? I once had a woman inthe the opposite aisle seat retrieve her bag 6 times. Each time she put the bag on her seat, bent over, shoving her derriere into my space. I'm a straight guy, but this was not a backside that drew compliments.
I always check a bag and as such my carry on and personal item are going in the bin as they are less than the size of a standard carry on bag. Don't even think of touching it. If I'm carrying expensive gear like cameras it will go in the bin across the aisle so I can maintain visual contact with the bag.
If you want to not worry about bag space or gate checking...
I always check a bag and as such my carry on and personal item are going in the bin as they are less than the size of a standard carry on bag. Don't even think of touching it. If I'm carrying expensive gear like cameras it will go in the bin across the aisle so I can maintain visual contact with the bag.
If you want to not worry about bag space or gate checking bags just check them upon arrival at the airport. if you swear by carryon only then there is nothing that says you're entitled to bin space.
FWIW I have checked a bag for over 2.5 MM and only had it sent to the wrong destination or late 3-4 times. The airlines are pretty good with bags unless there is a total system meltdown. If you're worried about waiting 20-30 minutes for a bag you have planned your schedule poorly
I generally never use a bin, as I travel with a backpack and put it under the seat in front of me. I have seen comments from people who recommend putting carryon luggage in the bin opposite your seat…” so you can keep your eye on it.” Does anyone do that?
Yeah, I do that. My backpack goes under the seat and everything I may need during the flight is in that bag. BTW Ben it’s a lot easier to rearrange others bags in uniform than wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. Of course I ask whose bag this is etc. some haven’t gotten the memo about larger bins and bags on their side.
Even first class may not have enough storage space these days and so the rush to board early.
In the old days when first class really was first class. The first class passengers remained in the lounge and like royalty they were escorted onto the flight and were always the LAST to board. Last on , first off. There was never any question that there would not be sufficient overhead space.
I think people need to be more considerate about this in general, but also there are things airlines in flight attendants could do better too
People who board early should not stash their bags towards the front of the cabin, and then go to sit in their seat towards the back. While it is convenient for them to grab the bag on the way out, it is really inconvenient for the people in the front...
I think people need to be more considerate about this in general, but also there are things airlines in flight attendants could do better too
People who board early should not stash their bags towards the front of the cabin, and then go to sit in their seat towards the back. While it is convenient for them to grab the bag on the way out, it is really inconvenient for the people in the front who board later and now don’t have any place to put their bags. Plus the flight attendant taking up space in the front bins. Why can’t they put them in the back? They will be the last ones to get off the plane anyway.
Also, airlines that leave out the bins in the center in business class so that the cabin feels “more airy”. Then the window seat people sometimes spread their bags all over the bin inefficiently. And then look at you like you are an alien when you politely ask them if you can move their bags to one side of the bin so you have some room for your stuff.
People are generally more a-holes about it post-COVID, but gate agents are a big part of the problem as the article states. Heck, at check in if you're not in the first six or so boarding groups you should have to check your bag.
There are a few main concerns:
1. People put 2-3 bags each in the overhead which means there is little to no space for others in the area. I check all my bags and only bring a small backpack. I then have to put it under the seat in front of me (or the flight attendant will tell me to) and have no leg room throughout the flight because the guy in front of...
There are a few main concerns:
1. People put 2-3 bags each in the overhead which means there is little to no space for others in the area. I check all my bags and only bring a small backpack. I then have to put it under the seat in front of me (or the flight attendant will tell me to) and have no leg room throughout the flight because the guy in front of me brought three bags and filled up the bins. There needs to be some equity.
2. Passengers bring luggage which is much too big for the overhead so are required to turn it on its side so it will fit, limited the space for others. Again, force them to check it. No exceptions.
3. I recently had a flight (Business class) where all the space above my seat was full but there was plenty of space above other seats. In other words, people put their luggage above others' space and keep their own empty which is ridiculous.
4. Nowadays everyone tries to get away with as much as they can and the airlines don't address it.
It is amazing how many and what type of carry-ons peeps bring on the plane with them.. It seems GA's do not always pay attention... Every flight in the last 4 weeks that I have been on I have seen peeps with 3-4-5 bags on them and OF course they all have to go into the Overhead bins.... THe worst are th guys in FA and put their coats, carryons X2 and other stuff up...
It is amazing how many and what type of carry-ons peeps bring on the plane with them.. It seems GA's do not always pay attention... Every flight in the last 4 weeks that I have been on I have seen peeps with 3-4-5 bags on them and OF course they all have to go into the Overhead bins.... THe worst are th guys in FA and put their coats, carryons X2 and other stuff up there. Recently FA's have told me that they cannot tell peeps to not put all of their bags in the overhead bim]ns.. NUTS
I often travel with only a backpack, usually on day trips, up and down the west coast. At 6'1, I refuse to sacrafice my limited legroom and always put it in the overhead bin. Sorry, not sorry, especially flying business select on SWA. I have only been asked a couple of times, and I politely declined, and everyone moved on. If I have that coveted emergency row window seat with no seat in front, sure,...
I often travel with only a backpack, usually on day trips, up and down the west coast. At 6'1, I refuse to sacrafice my limited legroom and always put it in the overhead bin. Sorry, not sorry, especially flying business select on SWA. I have only been asked a couple of times, and I politely declined, and everyone moved on. If I have that coveted emergency row window seat with no seat in front, sure, I'll shove my backpack under the seat way up there. Though, they are both dirty spaces, I prefer my only carryon backpack to not be on the floor with everyone's bathroom shoes.
On short-haul flights in the Middle East, it's pretty common for Economy passengers to store their hand luggage in Business bins. It's surprising that the crew let them get away with it, but they do.
I'm surprised to hear you say this and respectfully disagree. Overhead bin space is most definitely reserved for those seats underneath them. Unless the crew is finding space for the remaining bags, there is no reason to place your carryon not near your seat. It's so frustrating when people do that
@charlie, So what happens when there's no place to store bags over a given row - either because of crew storage, equipment taking up the space, or even just other people's bags? If I'm in a row with no overhead storage do I not get to put my bag as close as possible, even if it's over another row? Or do those people get to argue that the space above their row is only for them?
crew storage is a big deal esp if over my head
Completely agree!
Sorry Charlie- I Understand your frustration but that doesn’t change the fact that Ben is objectively correct. Bin space is NOT reserved to the people sitting underneath. We can have a conversation of whether it should or shouldn’t be, but suggesting that it is, just isn’t correct.
I'm surprised no airline has figured out a way to assign certain bin space to each customer (even for a fee). Eliminating this stressor would speed up boarding and potentially become a new revenue source.
Condor has it.
or they can make people pay for carry on versus checked bags, more efficient for the airline in terms of operations
"You should of course be careful and respectful with peoples’ belongings..." is, indeed, a fair expectation. But the way folks treat the belongings of others in the overhead bins nowadays, at least in my experience and observations from the last few years, is wild. Lots of folks really do not treat others' belongings in a way that I am betting they would want theirs treated when making room in the bins. Well, at least on American carriers...
Here is the next topic on the airplane etiquette series: Farting on airplanes - when to do it and where to do it.
Seriously Ben, enough already. The etiquette series has gone its distance, hasn't it? Well, I know, it's you blog and you can write about whatever you want. But still ...
I disagree. Some of us respect etiquette. I always pick something up from these articles.
Agree with you. No one owns the space above their seats. But a small annoyance, the overhead bin is the reason we would seldom choose row 1 or emergency exit seats on European flights.
Although these seats give you more legroom, the space above row 1 is often already full. Without the option to store bags under the seat in front, your hand luggage usually ends up further back. Deplaning then becomes a chore, because...
Agree with you. No one owns the space above their seats. But a small annoyance, the overhead bin is the reason we would seldom choose row 1 or emergency exit seats on European flights.
Although these seats give you more legroom, the space above row 1 is often already full. Without the option to store bags under the seat in front, your hand luggage usually ends up further back. Deplaning then becomes a chore, because we all know the aisle lice block the aisle the moment the seatbelt sign goes off.
The most annoying part is people putting their bags in the first space they find while sitting 25 rows down.
My "favorite" has been when I try to put a bag in the overhead, another passenger has put his/her bags in the bin in a way so he/she can lay a coat flat "so it won't get wrinkled", effectively rendering the remainder of the bin unusable.
It didn't end well for the coat :-)
That’s really thoughtful of them to make a nice soft spot for your bag!
As a short person who cannot see anything in the bottom of the locker, I have wrinkled many a coat. My bad! ;)
To paraphrase George Carlin, think about the people you know and how stupid they are. Then realize that, on average, half the people in the world are more stupid than they are.
“It's called the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it.”
just stop 1990. stop being so negative for the sole purpose of causing division.
Oh and for putting your baggage in a bin in a class you are not flying... do not try this in Asia and Europe, this is again a USA thing.
I only travel with a very small baggage button the USA in first I have to fight for my place as have of the Y people try to put their baggage into the first bins. And small means small, less tan 5 litres. If you have trouble with that in a domestic USA F, you know there is something wrong.
Countries where I have seen fights over bin space:
Turkey, Egypt and the USA.
There is the famous American kitchen sink for a reason
Going home in Asia the pax bring live snakes and bats for the family banquet ; they can have the bin all to themselves .
Sam L Jackson, COVID hunter.
Ben, I agree with everything you said. But you now see the reverse in F on LH and LX with the new cabins. Since there are no bins in F and "small" storage beneath the ottoman... There are situations where F pax have to put their carry-on in the J bins...imagine that.
Can we talk about the chaos crews cause when they take up the overhead bin space above Row 1 bulkhead seats with their own bags?
I find this particularly prevalent on intra-European flights across carriers of all three major alliances, and it just means everyone’s bags end up behind them which is a nightmare when deboarding.
Crews get first dibs .
Crew gets away on a power trip.
Yes, Crews should get first dibs… to the space at the very back of the airplane. there is absolutely no legit reason for their bags to be at the very front. There is literally no one on the plane when they pull them out to walk off.
Yes, first dibs to the space in the very BACK of the plane. there is absolutely no reason why crew need their bags in the front of the plane.
FoulOwl needs to fly up front more.
Crews do put in front, they're smarter and lazier than you think.
Especially when they can cover their a** with a power trip.
Perhaps if a "person" is too large and encroaching on your seat space the "person" can be placed in the overhead bin - with the respect of the cargo!!!
Overhead bin space would never run out if people would actually place their personal item under the seat in front of them instead of putting their carry on, personal item, and jacket in the overhead bins.
Why can't people understand how to find their seat like it's a great mystery to where row 32 is? Why can't be board only when their group is called? Why can't be quickly stow their bags, sit down and STFU? Why do people scream into a cell phone? I could go on.
Because you assume most people are smart enough to count.
People simply don't know. They fly infrequently. It's no different than people rushing the gate when the gate agent announces pre-boarding. Once in a great while, there will be the jerk who does know.
I don't agree Lee. EVERYONE is trying to get their space in the overhead and we all "try something" to make it work for us every time. Road warriors are usually much worse than newbies.
I concur with Lucky about putting your carryon luggage in the correct cabin. I hate it when people put their luggage in the premium overhead bins as they board the planes but they are not in that cabin (so far only seen that done on domestic flights in the U.S.)
The other confounding thing is how people put the luggage in the overhead bins. I have seen people put them with the wheels facing outwards....
I concur with Lucky about putting your carryon luggage in the correct cabin. I hate it when people put their luggage in the premium overhead bins as they board the planes but they are not in that cabin (so far only seen that done on domestic flights in the U.S.)
The other confounding thing is how people put the luggage in the overhead bins. I have seen people put them with the wheels facing outwards. Also, some people put the luggage face down instead of being in the upright position and they do that on the trains as well with the luggage racks. And yeah I have also seen people their coats and other heavy clothes in the bins as well taking up the space meant for carryon luggage.
I say first-come, first served. The same people complaining that I stand around the gate area during boarding, I see boarding as I am already comfortably seated with my baggage stowed away AND THEN THEY start COMPLAINING that there is no where to put your bag. Virtue signaling crap. First-come, first-served.
@Jessica First-come; first-served does not mean you get to throw your luggage in any class bin you want or cram everything and the kitchen sink into the overhead bins. You think being on an airplane is the same as being at a fast food restaurant? Hehe.
The wheels-out may be a learned behavior for some? Some older versions of B737 with the Boeing sky interior have placards telling you to place the bag wheels towards you. The lockers are narrower towards the side of the fuselage and the wheels stick out farther at the edges than the top of the bag. I know this is the case on some of Alaska’s jets, but the newer Sky interior are slightly larger and no longer ask for this.
Thank you Tim. That was something very good to know.
Not all planes have the larger bins to turn bags on side.
I have found on a couple of flights when I’m in the bulkhead in economy, the FA will proactively close the bin above the seats (especially if there is a exit door in the bulkhead row). In these particular cases, I do think the bins should be for those who are required to have all items out of the exit path. The same goes for emergency exit rows where country specific laws require no items under seats. Otherwise, yes, I’d agree it’s a fully shared space.
Some LCCs in Europe (where no items are allowed under seats in emergency exist rows) even close those bins before boarding, and one asks to open if one is sitting there.
“ultimately that’s not anyone’s fault, and there’s nothing that can be done. Typically no one is being malicious with where they place their belongings… everyone is just trying to get to their destination.”
and
“Some gate agents completely fail to enforce carry-on limits, and will let people on with just about anything; sometimes you’ll see people boarding with significantly more than the allowed carry-on limit, and the gate agent says nothing”
Selfish people who...
“ultimately that’s not anyone’s fault, and there’s nothing that can be done. Typically no one is being malicious with where they place their belongings… everyone is just trying to get to their destination.”
and
“Some gate agents completely fail to enforce carry-on limits, and will let people on with just about anything; sometimes you’ll see people boarding with significantly more than the allowed carry-on limit, and the gate agent says nothing”
Selfish people who bring way more than they should are definitely at fault and part of the chaos caused. The fact that the airline isn’t enforcing is an additional layer. But it starts with selfish people!
Amen to that but there are GAs that are over zealous...(Atl) comes to mind,, I had a newspaper in my hand and boarding in FC and was told that is a third item. cannot board with it....
I disagree. Until some measures are taken to enforce carry on limits I will defend my overhead storage space with zeal. People board with multiple large carry on bags per individual. Pre boarding chaos related to concern over finding space for all the bags might not be a concern for business or first but the other 300 passengers pay a toll. Normally polite people turn into aggressive queue jumping Neanderthals like the rush for a drive through coffee line.
I only have a backpack, and I never reserve bulkhead seats, so I know I will have no issue. But, why does it p1$$ me off so much when I see the jerk with two bags at max size and a "personal item" bigger than my backpack?
Entitlement issues.
What annoys me is the kind of traveler storing their carry-on in the first available bin and then walking 20 rows to the back to their seats.
What annoys those kind of traveler is walking 20 rows to their seats and bins are full then get stuck walking forward because the available bin is in the front.
Meanwhile at Condor, you can pay to reserve space in the overhead bin.
What is annoying is when I have a ticket that allows carry-on but I just fly with a small backpack.
I want to place my backpack in the overhead bin to be more comfortable.
I had situations that the cabin crew came asking me to place it under the seat.
Well nooooo. So I bring less stuff on board and I need to sacrifice my comfort when other people over bring luggage on board?
Oh yeah, that’s also something is usually don’t comply with. I’m tall with long legs and really need my foot space.
Of all the airlines I've run into this with was Southwest... while they had 2 checked bags fly free.
You'd think people would check all those rollaboards, but no we ran out of space and were delayed taking off.
I had a small backpack like the OP and checked my other cabin legal rollaboard since it was free. I would like to use my overhead space for my carryon. Maybe I should just...
Of all the airlines I've run into this with was Southwest... while they had 2 checked bags fly free.
You'd think people would check all those rollaboards, but no we ran out of space and were delayed taking off.
I had a small backpack like the OP and checked my other cabin legal rollaboard since it was free. I would like to use my overhead space for my carryon. Maybe I should just bring a bigger backpack that doesn't fit under my seat, least it takes less room than a hard sided case if I fold up the empty space
I too often travel with only a backpack, usually on day trips, up and down the west coast. At 6'1, I refuse to sacrafice my limited legroom and always put it in the overhead bin. Sorry, not sorry, especially flying business select on SWA. I have only been asked a couple of times, and I politely declined, and everyone moved on. If I have that coveted emergency row window seat with no seat in front,...
I too often travel with only a backpack, usually on day trips, up and down the west coast. At 6'1, I refuse to sacrafice my limited legroom and always put it in the overhead bin. Sorry, not sorry, especially flying business select on SWA. I have only been asked a couple of times, and I politely declined, and everyone moved on. If I have that coveted emergency row window seat with no seat in front, sure, I'll shove my backpack under the seat way up there. Though, they are both dirty spaces, I prefer my only carryon backpack to not be on the floor with everyone's bathroom shoes.
I always have a checked bag and a backpack I carry on. If I put the backpack in the overhead bin, I tell the FA to let me know if they need the space and I'll store under the seat in front of me. They never react negatively.
I work for an airline that operates (not only) a fleet of A320 family for flights around Europe. My main problem is not that much the fact that the handluggage gets bigger, if if still fits in the bins (usually dose, but i know that the standard HL is way bigger in the states. Its back packs the passengers carry as a second item, the so called "viral backpacks", the tiktoks and instagrams tell you...
I work for an airline that operates (not only) a fleet of A320 family for flights around Europe. My main problem is not that much the fact that the handluggage gets bigger, if if still fits in the bins (usually dose, but i know that the standard HL is way bigger in the states. Its back packs the passengers carry as a second item, the so called "viral backpacks", the tiktoks and instagrams tell you these fit under the seats but trust me, once full to the brim they dont. So passenger stow 2 pieces in the overhead bins
Plus they tend to have a small purse, a shopping bag or a shoulder bag. And dont want to put anything under the seat. This type of entitlement plus an attitude is the problem nowadays. Some A320s have larger bins that can fit 100-120 HLs but no coat/winter jacket fits on top of the suitcases so you need to leave room (as passengers wont use the hooks on the seats). Plus disembarking and boarding of such plane takes longer because the stowing takes longer, and passengers wont even look at the stickers about how the HLs should be arranged so the FAs waste time rearranging everything so most pieces can fit. Its just another chapter of the "I and my bag come first" attitude that is making travelling annyoing in the last 2-3 years.......
"hooks on the seats".
Not all airlines provide those now.
I'm European and I agree to what you are saying.
But if that occurs, isn't it the fault of your company. I get pissed if I stick to the rules or fly business just to comply with hand luggage and people come with three major bags. The gate staff should stop them. Obviously, the comfort and safety as well as the work of your own people is less important than bringing back the plane into the sky quickly...