Overhead bin pigs

[Liberal_in_LA]

Would fees end 'out of control' carry-ons?
By A. Pawlowski, CNN
--------------------

"I have watched the growing abuse by passengers who are taking ever-larger items into the cabin; turning to seated passengers to ask for help in lifting their leaden bags; blocking the aisles while they turn, twist, shove, and bang their oversize carry-ons into crowded bins," wrote one poster.

"I completely support these fees. In fact, they should be doubled! I am sick of all you people dragging half your house on board flights and delaying everyone that's boarding just so you can fit your refrigerator in the overhead bin. If you don't like it...DRIVE!" vented another.

------------------

Beyond inconvenience, the growing number of heavy bags showing up on board is also a serious job safety issue for flight attendants.

More than 80 percent reported being hurt over the past year while dealing with items in overhead bins, according to a survey released last month by the Association of Flight Attendants. The most common injuries were strained and pulled muscles in the neck, arms and upper back.

Spirit's new fee could be effective in reducing the number of carry-ons and the industry will be watching closely to see what impact it has, said Rene Foss, a flight attendant for more than 25 years and the spokeswoman for the union.

"At this point, it seems like anything is worth a try, I guess, because it is out of control on board the aircraft," Foss said.

"Nobody wants to pay for checked luggage, so they bring it all on board the airplane and they're bringing bags that are bigger and heavier. Often times, the passenger is unable to actually lift their own bag over their head ... they want the flight attendants to lift it."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/04/12/carryon.problems/index.html?hpt=C2

[virgogal]

1. If you're among the last to board there is often no overhead space left.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

5. That should not be a problem.

If your carry-on is regulation size (fits in the box) it should stow beneath your seat, no?

I've always just stored my carry on (laptop bag) under the seat and (if I have nice garments) checked in my garment bag.
If it's a casual short trip, I'll store an (oversize) carry on overhead containing few days cloths and just carry a laptop bag.

[Gormy Cuss]

13. The box is sized for maximum carry-on size, not under the seat sizing.

Most rollaboards fit in the sizer.

[FarCenter]

86. Enforce the carry-on maximum dimensions

Just because it has wheels, it is not a carryon.

[Blue_Tires]

67. very true

I still remember as a kid, well into my teen years, how seldom people used them...you might see a briefcase or a hiker's backpack, and that was about it...

[sharp_stick]

2. This would be a non-issue

if airlines would enforce current carry on limits. I once saw a woman bring a damned chandelier into the cabin.

[Gormy Cuss]

6. It would be a non-issue if first checked bags were free or charged only a nominal fee, say $5.00

The airlines created this monster by instituting ridiculously high baggage fees and by reconfiguring overhead bins to accommodate rollaboards head-on.

[sharp_stick]

35. Absolutely they did

and they knew this was going to happen. Start by charging idiotic check bag fees so casual travelers decide to go carry-on only. Then act all surprised when everybody in the cabin tries to carry half their house with them.

The only solution according to the airlines of course has to be to now charge idiotic fees for the carry-on's so people will decide to pay the idiotic fees for checked bags.

People wonder why I hate flying now. I used to love it, traveled a ton for business and pleasure, now it's a damned chore and I do it as little as possible.

[Gormy Cuss]

83. My sentiments exactly. I used to love flying, now it's a chore. n/t

[Scout]

53. nope, there have been overhead bin and carry on hogs, selfish self-important

people flying for as long as i have been.

even without fees, many people would not check their luggage, and carried everything on.

has it gotten worse with the fees? probably. but it did not start with the introduction of fees for checked bags.

[Gormy Cuss]

82. Yes, but they were in the minority. It's very different now. EVERYONE comes on with a rollaboard

at least it seems that way, plus an under-the-seat size bag that most try to stuff in the overhead too. It's markedly worse than it was a few years ago and it is coincidental with the first checked bag fees.

[tomm2thumbs]

85. nice

[meegbear]

3. Maybe they could, oh I dunno ...

DROP THE FUCKING OUTRAGEOUS BAGGAGE FEES????

[LynneSin]

8. I would rather they charge for carry-on and drop the baggage fee

Because it's so annoying to stand there and wait while some dimwit tries to shove his/her oversized luggage in a space not fit to handle it. Especially when I'm on the flight home - I'm tired and I just want to sit but no, I have to deal with selfish idiots.

And seriously, why is the airline not enforcing carry-on sizes. This is just a joke!

Me - my carry-on consists of my laptop bag and my purse. Both which can fit underneath the seat in front of me.

[meegbear]

29. I just flew to LA/ Las Vegas and back ...

the overheads sucked. I had a two hour stopover flying from Vegas to Baltimore and my flight was delayed 2 hours. Trying to get off was a nightmare because everyone going for the overhead, but I made my flight and my luggage as well.

A good portion of those bags were luggage that if they didn't have the fees, they wouldn't have carried them onboard.

[LynneSin]

34. Probably why I haven't taken a flight in over 4-5 years

And I really should go visit Ramsey down in Florida. But it's just such a hassle to fly anymore.

I mean a flight may be only 2 hours but I'll have 2 hours at the airport ahead of time and then another hour at least getting out of there. And I know I'm someone that annoys quickly.

Perhaps an incentive they could give is those with little carry on be given seats in the front. That way we can get off the plane right away and let those struggling with overheads suffer.

[Liberal_in_LA]

48. People who drive me nuts... slowly taking off their jackets, slowly folding them, while the rest of

stand in the aisle waiting.

[Taverner]

31. yup!!!!

[LisaM]

4. Maybe it should all be done by weight - checked and not

I, too, get tired of people who bring so much stuff. Even before you had to pay to check bags, people were hauling tons of crap on board. What does anyone really need, beyond a book, a wallet, a few sundry personal items (glasses, tampons, etc.), and a pen for the crossword? I see people coming loaded up with computers, video games, movies, tons of pre-packaged food, water, you name it. You don't need all that crap. Take a minute, relax, stop working, read a book, get to know your fellow passengers. Enjoy the time. It's like people who can't bring their kids to church without a backpack full of entertainment. We have created generations of people who need constant entertainment, and who are afraid to travel anywhere without it.

[Llewlladdwr]

7. Thank YOU for deciding what I need to take on board. NT

[LisaM]

11. I'm just talking about something that's a problem

People travel with too much stuff. I didn't actually start this thread, but I also find it VERY annoying to be next to people who are constantly plugged into some electronic device. The other day I was at the gym and the person next to me was listening to an iPod that was turned up so loudly it was drowning out the music at the gym. So what do I do? Ask him to turn it down and look like a jerk? Or just put up with it, like I always end up doing?

[madinmaryland]

20. Actually, I would prefer the person next to me be plugged into his game, rather

than annoying me with his/her incessant commentary about how good the Lions will be this year or what a horrible person Michael Jordon is.

:popcorn:

[LisaM]

24. Ha ha ha

There's a sucker waiting on every flight who needs to be schooled about MJ.

[madinmaryland]

28. LaLaLaLaLaLa! I don't hear anything!!

[bird2]

12. i'm not telling you what size carry-on to bring, it's the airline that makes the carry-on rules.

if your bag is bigger than the approved carry-on, you're breaking the rule. don't blame us for pointing that out.

[LanternWaste]

30. The market will decide...

The market will decide... we merely offer our opinions.

[bird2]

9. it's because the airlines allow them to ignore the airline's own rules

This only happens because airlines are so desperate for profits they refuse to enforce their own carry-on rules. The minute they started enforcing them this would stop. And I agree. What people bring on for carry-ons these days is outrageous. I regularly see people hauling large suitcases on as carry-ons. That's not a carry-on, it should be a checked bag. It's the airline's fault for not enforcing their own rules and people will take advantage of it until the airline tells them to stop.

[LynneSin]

10. But honestly the stuff you listed isn't the issue

I usually travel with my laptop and I'm not about to have some bag handler toss the bag around. I mean it's a good laptop bag that I own but I'd rather not risk it getting dropped by the handlers.

The problem is that people don't want to check luggage and they end up brining suitcases that exceed what the carry-on size is and the airlines aren't enforcing it.


And as for video games - I usually don't bring them with me but if it can keep a young child amused for the duration of the flight - then by all means bring it. As long as the child has headsets on, I'd rather the parents have the games than to have a child bored out of their minds annoying the other passengers.

[LisaM]

14. Some of it is, some of it isn't. I flew with a laptop a couple of times and it was such a hassle

I never did it again. I'm just saying, no matter what the stuff is, people travel a lot heavier than they used to. Geesh, I ride the bus in the morning with people who haul a backpack of stuff with them every day. I remember when I used to go to the mall with just my wallet in my pocket! I didn't need two liters of water, a phone, etc.

[LynneSin]

21. That in general - yes.

I can agree with that!

[Liberal_in_LA]

39. Funny you mention that. Today I saw a bus rider with about 4 bags of crap on his rolling carrier.

Ridiculous

[uppityperson]

44. Really! People should drive cars if they need to transport anything!

Next thing you know there will be people with bags of groceries, not to mention stuff for work!

I mean, Really!


:sarcasm:

[yodoobo]

52. most of us bring them along out of necessity

Its an essential part of my work and I generally only fly for work.

The last time I flew without a laptop was several years ago.

I felt naked.

But naked in the free and liberating sense..:)

[tammywammy]

19. I always feel sorry for my boss when he travels

He has two laptops for work. He said it's a PITA to travel and I can imagine. BTW, he does check his regular bags, but not laptops.

[yodoobo]

56. I've done that a few times out of necessity.

It truly is a PITA

[tammywammy]

70. It seems that most employees here check their luggage

Well, the ones that I'm nice enough that I either do or help with their expense reports. But then, the fees aren't actually coming out of "their" pockets. :)

It makes me glad I don't travel, though I do remind them when they head to Munich or Rome that I *do* have a current passport in case they feel they need my assistance while over there. ;)

[LisaM]

38. I sat next to a little girl - about 8 - travelling alone once

she was supposed to go with her brother, but he'd had an asthma attack, so she had to go by herself. The plane had one of those things that tracked the flight, so we watched that together. She had a couple of books with her, and she asked me to read to her. We talked about her family, and she drew some pictures with me. We had a good time, and at the end, the flight attendant gave me a bottle of wine as a thank you. It was very rewarding to me and I'm glad I was the passenger that got to sit next to her. Much better than a kid watching a movie the whole time.

[Liberal_in_LA]

41. Good for you.. and you scored a bottle of wine. I wonder what her parents

imagine is happening when their 8 year old is traveling alone.

[LisaM]

43. I don't know, thought the flight attendants are just great

they take really good care of them.

[tammywammy]

59. I traveled quite a few times along as a kid to my grandparents.

I don't remember sitting next to anyone, but I have to say the flight attendants were great. I'd always have paper and crayons with me to keep me occupied or a book as I got older. It was a short flight only about 45 min in the air.

[PDJane]

22. I need my chatelaine and my needlework..........

my e-book, sunglasses, pills, cane, (pen and pencil are on my chatelaine), whatever jewellry I want to wear (I am NOT checking that), makeup, wallet, watch, toothbrush and paste, glucometer, whatever I need to keep glucose in check, and a change of underwear in case they misplace my luggage. Pretty much fits in a tote. Chatelaine clips to my waist. I sometimes bring a magazine or two, and I'm good at packing things.

I rarely take my laptop anymore, especially travelling stateside. I don't want folks rambling through it, thanks. I don't bring the other toys.

Travelling light is easier, and most places have washing machines and soap, shampoo and body wash, etc......why bring them if you don't have to? And yes, I generally wash my clothes before I pack from holiday or whatever, too: I don't like to carry dirty clothes around if I don't have to.

I have to admit I'm generally a bit compulsive about this stuff.

[Missy Vixen]

36. I have a medical device

I bring a CPAP machine when I travel. It is about the size of a large handbag, and weighs less than five pounds. I do not check it. First of all, it's $3,000 to replace, and airlines are not gentle with checked baggage. Secondly, sleep apnea is a condition that can kill. I need that machine every time I sleep.

Frankly, it's none of your business what anyone needs to bring on a flight. When the airlines lose (or "lose") expensive items like computers in checked baggage, they've created their own problem.

[HillWilliam]

79. I'm not going without my CPAP, either. I don't blame you!!

I make sure I have the doctor's letter on their letterhead right on top. You never know what sort of an idiot you'll run into at security. Most of them have seen a CPAP machine and as long as you have it out of the bag and in a tray in a timely manner, they're cool. I've got way too many air-miles under my rear-end not to be efficient by now.

It's the rookies who pack the entire household to go away for a weekend that boil my blood. Take meds and necessities, yes, by all means, and a decent and reasonable amount of clothing.

I never check laptops, either. Those tend to "wander" like you said. I've arrived at too many destinations with nothing to wear and no laptop for presentation thanks to lost or misplaced checked baggage. No names mentioned *cough* *cough* (American, reliably). Delta has been notorious for getting my checked bags to my destination reliably, but getting me routed to some other city nowhere near my itinerary. How in bloody hell does that happen?

I used to travel nearly weekly for business and enjoyed it. Now I won't go anywhere if I can avoid it. The airline system is screwed up beyond all human comprehension.

[tango-tee]

51. The only flights I take any more are Frankfurt-Houston-Frankfurt.

I don't bring a carry-on going into Houston, and only check one fairly small suitcase with the necessities - a few changes of clothes, my toiletries, gifts for the grandbaby, etc. That leaves room for stuff I want to buy stateside and bring back to Europe.

It's so nice and relaxing to board the plane with nothing but a handbag which I can shove underneath the seat in front of me. Getting off the plane is a breeze... once the folks with half their household in carry-ons get the hell out of the way.

[nadinbrzezinski]

103. Actually as a Diabetic WITH a case of at least gluten intolerance

I NEED to bring food that is chiefly safe for me, on board.

I also carry a small personal pharmacy that CANNOT and SHOULD NOT be checked in. Trust me I wish I could, alas I can't

Yes my back pack is a little full, but I have no choice but to carry food and carry my meds.

Did I mention a glucometer? Oh and yes all them sundries too.

So there, byte me on that one.

You really do not know why people carry what they carry.

Oh and that includes my netbook.

Oh and in case you wonder my bag FITS under the seat. That is my preferred place anyway.

[mainer]

15. So elderly people who ask for help are bad people?

Healthy young men can easily heft their heavy bags into overheads. But disabled or elderly people who can't heft even a reasonable carry-on over their heads are to be penalized for asking for help?

Some years ago, I had spinal surgery and a very weak left arm, and I could barely lift it over my head. I had to travel on business, and even though I'm otherwise healthy, I needed help getting my roll-aboard into the overhead bin. I was very grateful to the young man who helped me. Some people really can't get their bags into the bins -- even light bags.

[trumad]

16. Umm...I travel for a living...

and it would be a disaster for me to check my luggage...

Why---they because they fucking lose it quite often.

I pack within specifications and have never had a problem.

It's up to the gate agents to make sure people comply---if they don't...take their bag and check it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. I completely agree with these fees for this very reason

We flew in December and there was a family of 4 on our flight that took up an entire overhead bin as well as half of another! The dad said they refused to pay to check their bags.

I have also never once seen any airline employee ask a passenger to fit their overhead item in that frame they have next to the gate. Yet every time I fly I see at least one idiot with a huge bag that is way bigger than the limit.

[PDJane]

That's odd.........most flights I've been on,

everyone whose bag looks as though it might be too big has to fit their luggage in that box. I've had to do it. All the time. I think it's only been twice that I haven't, and that was because it was the same people coming and going and I'd had a conversation with them....about the chatelaine on my belt!

I've been charged once, too, because I didn't put my handbag in the tote I usually have....odd.

[Liberal_in_LA]

45. what the heck is a chatelain?!

[PDJane]

50. A really old-fashioned thing...........

it's a waist clip or broach that has chains. One hangs tools on the chains; women didn't used to have pockets, so chatelaines doubled as pockets. Things that one used all the time, like spectacle cases, needle holders, pin cushions, keys, a watch (remember that wrist watches are a recent invention) a mesh, sterling silver, gold, pinchbeck or leather purse for coins, pens/pencils, thimbles, magnifying lenses, lockets, medalions, perfume bottles, vinaigrettes, snuff bottles, opium bottles, nanny whistles, button hooks, scissors, thread cutters, combs, rouge pots, patch pots, dance and biking purses, thermometers, medicine dose spoons, aides de memoires (silver covered things with several ivory pages, usually, that one erased).......everything from the mundane to opium tools!

Type sterling silver chatelaine into google or ebay for examples. They're fascinating things, in my opinion, and yes, I do have a couple.

[Liberal_in_LA]

54. I can imagine you getting extra scrutiny at security.

[Liberal_in_LA]

55. cute... here is a pic

[PDJane]

63. That one is a glorious indulgence..........

They're lovely things, made of everything from ribbons through cut steel to gold; fascinating items! A glimpse of a different life when things were made to last.

[JNelson6563]

80. Do want!

:toast:

[PDJane]

23. dupe.

[mainer]

18. I wish they would force people to use only THEIR bins

I've seen bin hogs put their bags in the first bin they come to, and then continue down the aisle to their seat rows later.

[yodoobo]

58. Which bin can be a risky question

I've done exactly what you describe only because it looks like the bins near where I'm sitting are full.

SO.

DO you pass an empty bin and hope yours is empty? Remember, once you pass a bin, you can't go back.

Forcing folks to only use their own bin would be very effective use of space, as most folks don't use the bins. Since they are being packed full and every square inch of space is being used, it is certain that bags will not be exactly in "your bin"

[mainer]

69. so you automatically take the bins of passengers in the front rows?

I think it's rather rude when you hog someone else's bin just because you think yours MAY be full further back in the plane.

[yodoobo]

89. maybe you should re-read the post

[mainer]

96. I have often been first to arrive in my row -- and found the bins full

I don't care if YOUR bin is full way back in the plane. I'm pissed at YOU for taking up space in MY bin. And retaliation is often not far from my mind.

(i.e. "Flight Attendant, this bag (YOURS) doesn't fit. Could you check it in baggage?") You show up at the front of the plane, your bag is GONE. Too bad.)

[yodoobo]

98. well if you don't care about me

why should I care about you?

Heck your a person that I know nothing about, yet you are pissed at me. Threatening retaliation no less. Air rage anyone? I just wanna get to where I'm going and get my stuff there to. The bins don't belong to me or you. If someone is using the bin near me, it is perfectly acceptable to use another one and you are of course entitled to do the same.

Now that I've thought about it more, you've convinced me, next time I have to use a bin that is not near my seat...I won't even feel guilty like I did before.

Grats!

btw, I highly encourage handling other people bags. Many folks keep an eye on them. Tampering with someone else's luggage is enough to get you taken off the flight and earn a cup of tea and an enthusiastic chat with the local TSA folks.

I've seen folks taken off a plane for far less.

[mainer]

100. Check all the message boards about bin wars

your behavior (filling bins at the front of the plane and then heading on back to your seat) is usually tops on the list of things that passengers get enraged about. So I'm not alone in feeling it's as inappropriate to stuff bags in bins on the way to your seat. You leave people in front forced to check THEIR bags or cram everything at their feet.

And honestly, if you stuff all your stuff over the heads of three passengers who are left without any place to leave their stuff, it's not too surprising that they'd ask the flight attendant to find someplace else for that luggage that no one nearby is claiming.

This website lays it out all clearly as scumbag behavior:


"Five ways to beat the competition to the overhead bin
by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) on Oct 28th 2009 at 2:00PM

There's nothing so gauche as to stick your carry-on into an overhead bin far ahead of your seat, grab a book or magazine from it and walk 17 rows back to your seat. Because, whether you know it (or give a damn), one of the passengers sitting under your bag may not have a place to put his. Then, when the plane settles in at the gate, he'll try to shove his way to the back of the plane (where he was forced to stow his stuff) while everyone else is moving the other way. It's a recipe for disaster.


1. Board early
Chance favors the prepared. Get onto the plane as soon as you can. If you have elite status, use it. Linger by the gate to wait for your zone to be called. Then, strike when the announcement is made.

2. Be honest
You could become a scumbag and toss your carry-ons into the first overhead bins you see ... or you could play it straight and put your bags in the appropriate bin. Become a part of the solution, not the problem..."


http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/five-ways-to-beat-the-competition-to-the-overhead-bin/

---------------

And flight attendants are now starting to get into enforcement:

"Once you're aboard the airplane with your bag, you're still not home free. If you're seated in the front of the plane, you'll sometimes find your bin space already filled with the bags of passengers who are sitting in the back. McKeen says that on one recent flight from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Hartford, a flight attendant put a halt to that practice.

"She stopped, made them take their bag out and said, 'The bin space up here is for the passengers seated up here. Take your bag to where you are seated.' " He said one passenger challenged her, but the flight attendant threatened to kick him off the plane, and the man backed down."



http://www.statesman.com/life/battle-of-the-bin-strategy-for-winning-the-57742.html

[yodoobo]

101. While I appreciate all the links and time you put to write the post

I'm honestly not that interested - and I'm certainly not interesting in raging air-war.

Fwiw. I'm not advocating using "first available" bin. But unless you want major hassles, you definitely need to grab the "last available" bin before your row. if that last available bin is 4 or 5 rows before your seat. Then so be it.

Once again, re-read the first post at the beginning.

[lame54]

25. not charging for checked luggage would solve that too

[Warpy]

26. The only time I've used the overhead is when I've had something

fragile that I didn't want to trust the baggage handlers with. Then I had to make sure I boarded toward last so some clod wouldn't toss his refrigerator on top of it.

I'd love to see the fees doubled and baggage check fees abolished. Yes, I'd pay that fee if I had something fragile. No, I wouldn't pay it to save the ten minutes waiting for my bag to hit the pickup area.

[MineralMan]

27. How 'bout they strap their bags in the seat and put their

screaming brats in the overhead bin? How 'bout that?

[Blue_Tires]

64. from your keyboard to god's ears...

[LisaM]

32. So maybe everyone should get one free bag, regardless of where you put it

and pay for everything else. That seems totally fair (bag plus a purse, I should say).

[crazylikafox]

37. Bingo. Correct answer.

I don't like paying for bags, but could stomach it if they gave you the option of where you put it. Sometimes you have to have a carry on, if you have valuables, electronics (stuff gets stolen out of checked bags, you know), if you have a connecting flight (they loose your luggage on these), if you have medications, etc. But if charging a SMALL fee keeps folks from bringing all their worldly goods aboard, I can live with it & pack accordingly. But then let me check my one suitcase for free!

[DiverDave]

33. Geez, who knew that

being too poor to fly would be a GOOD thing snort.

[hedgehog]

40. Umm, could I ask for a nice word for us short people who can't reach the bins?

I promise I'm only carrying one small shoulder bag....

[Liberal_in_LA]

46. kind word.

[NeedleCast]

42. The airlines have only themselves to blame for this

THeyr'e just looking for new "fees" to apply so they can keep ticket prices low and the actual cost of flying sky high. The airline industry, with a few exceptions, is such a huge scam.

[Scout]

47. airlines have been too lazy to enforce the carry on limits

for YEARS ... it's gotten worse now that they charge for checked bags, yes, but there have always been idiots on the flights i've been on who have in some way violated the carry on rules: too big, too many, they won't put anything under the seat in front of them but only in the overhead bin. gate staff lets everyone just walk on past that sizing box that carry ons are supposed to fit totally inside of.

selfish space hogs on airline flights are nothing new. it would be nice if the airlines would bother to actually enforce the policies OTHER than the ones charging you money.

[Abq_Sarah]

61. Last time I flew

Was in December. There was a woman at the gate who had made a sort of vest that ended just above her knees. She had placed large pockets all over it, front and back and had shoved clothing in every pocket. Jeans, sweaters, shoes... She also had one oversize rolling bag and 3 soft side bags. When the poor gate agent had to pull her aside, she had a massive hissy fit. She insisted that she could cram all the soft side bags under her seat so they should only count as one bag and the airline should make an exception for her oversize rolling bag because she was unfamiliar with her destination airport and might get lost going to baggage claim.

The gate agent made her check the rolling bag and one of the duffels. I had visions of her sewing together a half a dozen duffel bags and claiming it was a coat on her return trip...

[proud2BlibKansan]

87. LOL

You see all kinds of crazy people at an airport.

[yodoobo]

49. It wasn't an issue till airlines decided to gouge on checking luggage

There is an easy fix for this.

FWIW. I carry a small bag but I always put it in the overhead. My seat is cramped enough, no sense cramping my legs as well. sue me.

[SoCalDem]

57. Once upon a time, the overhead compartments contained pillows & blankets

which were given to passengers to use on the flight. People stowed stuff like :

a folded coat
a diaper bag
a small backpack
a small cosmetics case
a briefcase

they were not there for LUGGAGE

[LuckyLib]

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. My SO, very familiar with airliner

design and construction is amazed that a hard landing has not produced a detachment of the overhead bins, with potentially lethal weight falling on folks' heads. It's only a matter of time. They were NOT designed to carry the weight we see now.

Charge for any overhead baggage, free if you check your bags through. End of problem. I for one, want to deplane without waiting 20 minutes for folks to gather their overhead luggage.

[Blue_In_AK]

60. The only thing I carry onboard is my camera case,

which is about 15x20x5 or so, and won't fit under the seat, but I'll be damned if I'll EVER check it as long as they won't let me lock it up and as long as they toss baggage around like they do. I don't trust those baggage checkers not to have sticky fingers, so the expensive camera gear stays with me at all times. No negotiation.

[flvegan]

62. Why not just enforce the rules in place?

I haven't flown in years, thank the travel gods. I've been free from feeling like steerage for some time. However, this abuse has been going on as long as I can remember. Used to be that folks didn't want to check bags, because airlines would lose your shit, or they didn't want to try to find the baggage claim to only stand like some lost zombie for a half hour waiting for your bags. Now, it's fees. Face it, people will abuse any rule that's not enforced to a standard.

I can understand making allowance for some folks. A stroller if you have a very young child. Medical equipment, etc. But seriously, it is out of hand at this point.

"...just so you can fit your refrigerator in the overhead bin." Comedy gold right there!

[tammywammy]

66. You know what we used to do

Is gate check our bags. You'd leave them right there by the door and when the plane landed, they'd be right there by the door again. So simple and our bags were never lost. But then most of the time I was flying standby so you can't really check your bags since you don't really know if you're going to get on the flight or not.

[proud2BlibKansan]

88. Can you still do that?

I had a bag that was too big on a flight about a year ago. It was a smaller plane and there wasn't enough room in the bin for my carryon so they took it from me at the gate as I boarded and I got it right back as I got off the plane. Piece of cake.

[tammywammy]

90. I don't know if you can.

I haven't traveled by air in a long time.

[NeedleCast]

74. Airlines are simply trying to up their fees

You used to be able to check two bags for free. Now most airlines charge you to check one bag, and more to check a second bag. I think depending on which of the main airlines you fly, it can cost 50 to 75 dollars to check two bags...and that's one way, so double it for a round trip flight.

So of course fewer people are checking luggage. Airlines decided to step up enforcement as a way to stop people from getting around the fees they started in (for the most part) 2008, because of the sharp rise in jet fuel price. Even though jet fuel prices are lower now, the airlines kept the baggage check fees in place.

[TexasObserver]

65. I favor requiring everyone to check everything, except one small carry on.

You know, it has to fit in THAT space to carry it on.

Of course, there's always some guy who wants to put his overcoat, his jacket, his brief case and a carry on up there.

Check it all. Get on the plane. Sit down. Let's go.

[Liberal_in_LA]

68. And on long flight, some take off their shoes.

[Javaman]

71. My own personal story regarding overhead bin and shame...

:blush:

This was back in the early 90's. I worked out in L.A. in the film industry. As a result, I had a number of friends who were also misplaces northeasters such as myself.

We all loved bagels, but no good ones were to be had in L.A.

So off I go to visit my parents in July. While there, per my friends requests, I get 6 dozen onion bagels.

I had a book and the bagels as my carry on.

I just about hermetically sealed the bagels. I wrapped them in 5 plastic bags plus in two paper bags. Wrapped that in a towel and put the whole mess in a duffel bag. No smell what so ever.

Well, this being the hot summer and storm season, we were on the tarmac ready to take off when a massive thunder and lightening storm rolls in.

This is in the days before they were ordered back to the gate after a certain amount of time.

so we sit...and sit...and sit. It starts getting a bit warm. The pilots wanted to conserve power so they turned off or down the A/C.

Now it begins to get interesting.

The duffel bag with the towel wrapped paper bags hold multiple layers of plastic bags around 6 dozen bagels begins to...smell.

Not a bad smell per say, but a strong onion smell. It pervades the entire air craft.

People are getting hungry and they are all starting to salivate to the smell of the bagels. I'm torn.

Do I give them up and feed the people on the plane? Or do I keep my mouth shut.

Selfishly, I kept my mouth shut. I didn't want to disappoint my friends in L.A.

So the plane finally takes off. With the A/C back on, the smell "sort of" dissipated.

Upon landing in L.A. I wait till everyone is off before I open my overhead bin.

Whooooooosh!!! Out pours the aroma of 6 dozen bagels.

I quickly grab them and slink off to the glares of the flight crew.

[Liberal_in_LA]

73. Interesting that that much plastic didn't hold back the smell.

I brought back some fancy bread once... put in the overhead. Some guy (not even from my row) opens the bin and begins shoving and shoving and shoving at my package...squishing it down. I get up and take it from him. He acts like I have a problem. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[Javaman]

77. It's is really amazing watching people throw and shove their

carry ons into those bins.

They could be carrying priceless crystal stemware in them, yet they fling them into those bins like the gorilla used to fling around the Samsonite luggage in the old commercials.

And you are right, there is a whole subsection of people who think nothing of smashing and mashing down other peoples items in a quest to shoe horn their own grossly over sized carry on in.

[Warren Stupidity]

72. You've been gamed.

First the airlines start to charge for checking bags, then they complain that carry-on bags are too big and that they have to charge for carry-on too.

Everyone is avoiding the ridiculous checking fees, so they are carrying on everything they possibly can.

Get it?

[Mz Pip]

75. Enforce the size limits

for carry-ons. If the bag doesn't meet the size limitations then the bag should go in the baggage compartment. Period. I've seen far too many "carry-ons" that were just enormous and no one says anything.

[harun]

84. All they need to do for this is make a hole that is the correct

dimensions and make everyone put their carry-ons through it.

That would make sense though, and this isn't about making sense. It is about making money.

[Phentex]

92. How about a standard size carry on?

A flight bag designed to fit in the overhead bin of an airplane. Each passenger would be allowed to carry on ONE. The airlines could slap a sticker with your seat number on it when you check in. Then there'd be no fighting over the compartments.

[yodoobo]

95. well they don't have standard sized overheads.

some are very very rooms and others are absolutely tiny (i.e. the CRJ's)

[Ms. Toad]

99. You would actually be surprised at what looks too large

but is actually within the size limits. The carry-on limits are actually far more generous than the overhead bins can accommodate if everyone decides to use their allotted quota. Even experienced flight attendants often believe bags that fit within the permitted limits are oversized.

There have been periods when I have traveled very frequently, and I know which bags I have are within carry-on limits, and which ones aren't - and which planes can accommodate bags up to the carry-on limit, and which ones can't. The briefcase I carry was purchased deliberately because it within the size limits and because it fits under under virtually every airplane seat (the only the exception being the "A" seats on the Embraer jets with three seats across). (Incidentally, on those same jets it also doesn't fit in the overhead bins - despite being well within the size limits.)

I pack that briefcase with things I need during the trip (or immediately after) and with valuables I do not trust to be checked, with the expectation that I will have that briefcase with me. Whenever I am traveling on a small Embraer jet I make sure I am in seats "B" or "C" because there is no place it will fit on-board if I am seated in an "A" seat. I board as early as I am permitted, duck into the row immediately so I don't block the aisle while I am wrestling with my briefcase, and can slide my briefcase under the seat in front of me in about 10 seconds.

Despite knowing what I carry and where it fits in the planes I travel on, I get dirty looks all the time - and I've been required to gate check my rolling briefcase as oversize by flight attendants who eyeball it, and decides it is too large. Insisting that I gate check my briefcase - which is both within the limits and fits under the seat in front of me - may in fact delay boarding/the flight because I will be forced to unpack the things I packed in my permitted carry-on bag which I would never have packed in a bag I intended to check.

The problem is not that airlines don't enforce the carry-on limits, as much as it is that the limits are not appropriate for some of the jets at all, and on most jets the the overhead bins won't accommodate all of the carry on luggage if the flight is full and everyone carries on as much luggage as they are permitted to.

[lapislzi]

76. OK, I'm weird, I know.

I had no problem paying $25 to check a bag on a recent trip. I carried a small (and I do mean "small") carry-on with my book, iPod, etc. It was a relief not to be straining and hauling a load of crap, especially in the terminal. Because so few people checked their luggage, my bag was one of the first on the carousel both coming and going.

I consider $25 a fee for my comfort and convenience. Do I wish checked luggage was still free? Sure I do. But I'll be damned if I'm going to wrestle all my worldly goods into a carry on and drag it all over the airport, not to mention inconveniencing and irritating my fellow passengers, just to save a few bucks.

Just my $0.02 (or my $25...)

[ShortnFiery]

78. Here! Here! It's hard to de-plane and catch your connection when these folks are

unloading seemingly TONS of stuff from overhead bins. Yes, I concur.

[Liberal_in_LA]

81. True recent story - Plane was behind schedule, as we neared landing they began announcing

that some people on the plane needed to catch a connecting flight... could everyone PLEASE remain seated and let these people off. They announced it several times. Plane lands. EVERYONE gets up, fills the aisle, just like nothing had been said. Deplaning takes regular time for those needing the connecting flight.

There is little cooperation on planes...law of the jungle.

[librechik]

91. I've been stopped multiple times when my carryon was too big and forced to check it

there are airline crew members to make these decisions--charging but allowing oversize carryons will not solve the problem.

[Orsino]

93. Airline execs, if they bothered to read this, would laugh and laugh...

...as we turn on each other. Again.

[yodoobo]

94. an evil laugh with dollar signs in their eyes

The airlines must have one hell of a marketing department.

Because they have a substantial portion of people here thinking its a good idea to pay airlines more.

[JackRiddler]

97. What are the odds that this originated as a PR piece by an airline?

[BreweryYardRat]

102. You check anything valuable, it's likely to get stolen.

Anything fragile may or may not arrive at its destination intact if you check it -- it's a crapshoot.

And then there's the possibility of your checked bags getting lost.

So, if you need to bring anything expensive or fragile, you take it on board with you. Basic common sense. Some of that's bulky? Big fucking deal. We don't all have time to blow on driving to our destinations. Checked bags should be for sturdy clothing, books, et cetera. Anything likely to stand up to being slung around, and unlikely to be stolen by TSA bag-checkers or the airlines' baggage attendants.

If you MUST bring unloaded firearms (which should generally be shipped on ahead) they get checked, because not only is it the law, I think you get a receipt for them. If they go poof, you've got a good chance of getting them back, or at least getting compensation.

However, don't bring unnecessary shit into the passenger cabin with you. Take your expensive/fragile stuff, a bag of toiletries, and a change of clothes in case your checked bags disappear. With a little effort, I can fit all that in my laptop/messenger bag.