I wonder if this should fall back on the airlines to decide and assign a certain amount of space per flyer to be used at his/her descetion. i.e. a space above one's seat with actual dividers.

This would not only keep traffic moving, but clarify how much room each flyer has ahead.

This would also give the folks whom feel the responsibility of deciding whom should carry what a chance to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

If, for any reason, you can't get your "carry-on" in the overhead space, CHECK IT or put it under your seat.

Why don't people check bags, steviegene? Because they're rude and selfish -- they're just too important to wait for checked luggage and they don't care about inconveniencing their fellow passengers.

And stop with the "lost luggage lament." Only a very, very small percentage of luggage is mishandled -- 1% of the 3 billion bags checked in 2005.

You are not too important or too busy to wait for your checked luggage.

I dont have a problem with bringing a SMALL bag on the plane to fit things which you will NEED (ie camera, laptop, or change of undies). But I think the majority of people stuff their entire stash of personal belongings into their "carry-on"..which is just unneccesary.
Also what does an 11 year old need a big carry-on for?

Moose didn't say the 11 year old's carry-on was big, he just pointed out that she was too short to reach the bin. I can relate

She can't reach the overhead bins- it's not that she needs a BIG carryon.

And your majority- I think it's actually a small (but annoying) minority...

And people's needs are different. You don't know, and you have no right to ask.

PLEASE let the poor kid have her big ole carry-on if it keeps her entertained on the long plane ride!

Um, and I'm a she. 5'9, and no weakling

ah ha - but she won't be entertained if it's in the overhead bin and she can't reach it or take it down!

I'm finding that it is hard to believe this is an issue.

People can be rude.


The entire flying experience sucks and makes people cranky.


People will have carryons until the airlines forbid it.


Let's all agree to try and make our fellow travelers experience a little easier if possible.

Let me get this straight: passengers with carry-ons that take more than a few seconds to stow them are inconsiderate and selfish, right? And if they're physically unable to lift them into the overhead bin, they're holding everyone up and are therefore inconsiderate and selfish too, right? They should just check those bags and not make everyone wait behind them to board or de-board, right?

How many flights have you been on where the plane was actually delayed because of slow boarding? It's not that the flight is delayed, it's just that some of you don't want to stand there waiting. So why not quit whining about it and just board as they're making the last call for passengers? By then all the slow people are done wasting your time and you can just waltz on and sit down. You don't need to worry about not having enough room for your carry-on, because you've checked everything. And when the plane lands, you don't need to be in a hurry to get off, because you're going to have to sit in baggage claim waiting anyway. Problem solved.

Be a grown-up and have a little more patience instead of acting like you are the only one that matters and no one should dare to get in your way and make you stand in the aisle.

Weasel =D>

Amen, Weasel. It seems it's perfectly OK for someone who gets held up for a few seconds of their valuable time to whine about those interferring with him (as if his time is THAT valuable), but then he gets upset about others whining because they have to wait as much as 45 minutes to get their luggage. Talk about a selfish double standard!

Geez, Gekko, didn't your mother ever teach you that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile? And that you waste more energy and time fuming and huffing and puffing and ranting than you would lending a helping hand to those who need it?
Weasel, amen!

I think Anabel says that a roller, shoulder bag AND her purse or laptop is allowed, but in my experience lately it is ONLY two carry-ons, not the three this adds up to.

I do wish people would stow those wheels back, and not pack the blasted things so full that they are too fat to go into the overhead that way!

I still can't believe that cmeyer, who started this whole thread, wouldn't just re-arrange the bag with the t-shirts to accomodate his bag!

have not been able to read ALL the posts.. but was wondering if EVERYONE on plane brought a 22in. bag to put in overhead.. would they all fit?

Never be surprised about how stupid & selfish people can be ... the center-of-the-universe mentality is pervasive.

If your time is sooo valuable that you can't check the "carry-on" that you're incapable of lifting, then you should be flying in a private plane.

Otherwise, check the bag & enjoy your flight!

I carry on for short trips, check for extended. Wouldn't mind much if they said "underseat stowage only" from here on, IF they could be more efficient about delivering luggage in a timely manner to the announced carousels.
Just wondering: why do kids get to preboard (esp. Southwest!)? Why not let the figity little things get seated AFTER everyone else is seated and out of the way? Then if they need assistance, the FAs are able to offer it. (For Southwest, reserve the last few rows for the number of adults w/kids "requiring" preboarding--bet they wouldn't bother anymore!)

I am one of those who reads each row number. Why, do you think everybody would feel better if I give those slow people flaring glances, or tap them on shoulders, or ask loudly if I can pass them?

It's not that I do it if I can just walk along, only when somebody's blocking my way, and I don't want to spoil my mood by trying to make my way in.

Because of its inability to assign seats like a normal airline, I have never & will never fly Southworst.

I realize that many people don't have a choice, and I feel sorry for them.