Except in the bulkhead seats -- they require them to be stored in the overheads during take off -- that's the main reason I avoid them. :(

Yes, that's true annw. But it was said above like every lady is sticking her purse in the overhead automatically... and that's just something I've never observed. Women typically keep their personal item at their feet.

I agree! I hate being separated from handbag (wallet/passport/Rx etc.)

It just doesn't seem very safe to me, especially at the beginning to a big trip when you've got a lot of currency, trip plans, etc. No way would I put my pocketbook in the overhead where just anyone might reach it.

I know i'm repeating myself but I'm just really surprised by this being even a suggestion of what's appropriate. My purse is always on my body or within easy reach.

As I've gotten older, I've become increasingly vocal in asserting what I consider to be right. I was boarding a flight, window seat of a 3-side. Aisle and middle couple were already seated. The bin above didn't have enough space for my smallish carryon because the "gentleman" had put his bag crossways. He got up to try to squish my bag in. I said, nope, you need to turn yours the way it's supposed to be, thank you very much. He quite ungraciously turned his bag, and then mine fit perfectly. Twenty years ago, I probably wouldn't have said anything. :)