Airplane Pet Peeve!!
 

You wanna know what bugs me when we travel, It's when you board the plane and people hold up the aisle cramming there LARGE suitcases, shopping bags, etc... in the overhead compartments. I don't know what it is (I know this may seem silly) but it bugs me. Especially when I see travelers trying to push there extremely large piece or pieces of luggage in the compartment. Also, I dislike when people use our compartment, so when we finally get to our seat, our compartment is full. This happens so frequently to us. You then have to track up and down the aisle to find an empty compartment or put your bags under the seat in front of you. Maybe the airlines should make the compartments much larger? What do you travelers think?? Personally we do not bring but maybe 1 or 2 at the most carry on bags on the plane. We basically check the majority of our bags in. We notice most travelers try to bring the majority of there bags on the plane? <BR> <BR>

It's frustrating, but you know they're doing it out of fear of lost luggage. By the way, what are the size maximums now for carry on? ...and, not what people get away with, but rather the airline restrictions.

Good Question?? <BR>I'm not sure, but I know I've seen people pushing and squeezing large luggage bags in the small compartments. <BR>

I agree with the poster. A couple things come to mind: It would be a plus to those of us traveling who do not use the overhead bins to be allowed to disembark the plane FIRST! <BR> <BR>Secondly, if the overhead bin is not in your row, get your belongings out! That should be the rule! It's very annoying, as one poster said, to board the plane only to find the overhead stuffed full of someone's belongings, who is seated in row 103! It seems the more they bring on the closer to the front of the plane they dump it! <BR> <BR>

"No Carry On" has the right idea about letting passengers who have nothing in the overhead off first.

Just figure you will get off when you get off. You're going to have to wait for the people in front of you to get their belongings out of the overhead. There ARE limits, and I see people forced to check bags all the time because they are over the size-limit. There is at least one overhead bin that is usually taken up with safety equipment, so someone will be out a bin over their seats.

Generally speaking, the dimensions of your carry-on should be 45" or smaller. Length+Width+Depth. And most airlines try to limit carry-ons to one per person, with the exception of women's purses, brief/computer cases and coats.

Hello Jan <BR>My observation has been that people put their stuff in over head bins in the front of the plane and then proceed to the back to find their seats! <BR>This seems to be so that they can walk up without their stuff and pull it out when they get up front. <BR>Pretty inconsiderate!

YES-Especially when you pay for business class!!!!!!!!!!

-- <BR>I don't know if this is good or bad news, but, I recently read somewhere (can't remember which travel magazine or newsletter) that several airlines are planning to ENLARGE their overhead bins. <BR>

And it's GREAT when you get the seats right at the back & find that 'your' bin has been taken over by the in-flight video player & tapes....

The REAL problem is the aircraft itself. Not enough room to accomodate a few pieces of luggage!

I also like the suggestion that those who do not use the overhead bins should exit first. But I would like to add that the airlines are specific about the number of carry-on items a person is permitted and about the sizes of those items. However, airline personnel are in such a hurry to board everyone and 'push off' on time, that they often don't even notice the guy carrying three bags and a computer or the woman with two pieces of luggage, a purse and three shopping bags. Or if they do notice, they look the other way. I usually have two large suitcases which I check through so I don't carry anything on but my purse and occaisionally a tote bag. The one time I had a small tote bag I placed in the overhead and my purse under the seat in front of me, a flight attendant asked me to put the tote bag under the seat also so a man could get his second bag in the overhead. I politely refused...I thought that was going a little too far. I think the solution to many of these problems is more vigilance on the part of the flight attendants, and gate personnel being more willing to stop those people at the gate and make them check those things through.

I have to disagree a bit with DSarah..the REAL problem is not with the airlines (not enough space) but with the rude passengers who ABUSE the fact that the inside cabin is NOT baggage storage, but merely the upper bins are there for a convenience. That does not include bring a kitchen sink, your favorite guitar, or any large item you didn't want to leave at home! <BR> <BR>Please, folks, there's just so much space. Be considerate. The airlines has "misplaced" my luggage a number of times, but I still respect the fact that overhead bins are a mere convenience. <BR> <BR>

As a frequent flier this is also my pet peeve. The airlines claim to have rules but they never seem to enforced. I would prefer to see all carryons, except for one small bag, like a laptop computer case, a attache case, etc, totally banned from the cabin. It is so stupid for these people to try to carry on their whole supply of luggage and then stick it in the overheads. On my recent return from Paris a woman, with two kids, came strolling on. Each one had a roller suitcase, a purse, and another large tote style bad. She proceeded to try to find space for these bags and ended up having to check all but the totes and purse. So stupid of her and so stupid of the airline to even let her on the plane like that. <BR> <BR>No one, and I repeat, NO ONE, is so important that they can't check their baggage and wait for it at the terminal. The carrying on of all this luggage is total BULL SHIT!!!!!!!!!

This isn't a complaint-- just an observation. Many of the overhead bins are much smaller in shuttle planes. For example, at many of the smller airports, there is no jetway (The covered walkway from the gate to the plane.) We still have to walk up the stairs the old-fashioned way. Many of these smaller stuttle services don't require you to check your carry-on, but when you try to board, the gate person takes your bag. YOu can retrieve it as soon as you get off the plane, right there on the runway. Just remember that if you have to take medication or want to read a book, you better have it in a regualr size purse. Anything larger goes in baggage.

We all need to control what we can and LET GO what we can not control. I work hard at zoning out from the time I arrive at the airport to the time I leave that great invention of travel. It's the only way not to have any Pet Peeves and enjoy the adventure. hummmmmm.

Dear "Herself," <BR> <BR>Me thinketh you've been flying to La-La land too much! Yes, it's nice to control what you can and "let go" when you can't. However, a bit of travel cooperation is controllable! So, if you zone out in the airport, Great! But "check" your baggage before boarding! <BR>

My peeve about carry on baggage is not so much about the size and amount but where it's placed. I can't tell you how many times I see people put small carry on baggage in the overhead bins rather than under the seat. These are items that could easily fit in front of you under the seats along side your feet. But instead, they are crammed into the overhead bins causing problems for people with larger carry bags. I think that carry on bags are important to many people especially those who travel on business and do not have the time to wait for luggage at every airport. However, this doesn't mean that I am tolerant of the abusers and there are many of them out there.

Paul your are full of it. I bet you are one of these so-called self-important businessmen that think they are so damned busy they can't spend 10 minutes waiting for a bag. BS. It is inconsiderate people like you that make flying the pain in the ass it is today. I say ban all carry on baggage - only allow one small piece per person and that no bigger than an attache case type bag. If you are so damned important and busy that the world will end if you have to spend an extra 10 minutes in the airport, then maybe you should buy your own damned airplane. You egotistic snobs make me puke!

Has Bull not gotten his alfafa this morning?

I think there's something else that Bull didn't get today.

You must agree BULL does have a point. Does Paul really think that folks should stuff their small carry-ons under their feet in order that he have room for his garment bag and suitcase? Sorry, but it ain't happenin'. Go find somewhere else to stuff your large bags - like the cargo hold.

Personally, I believe "Herself" offered a wonderful idea for keeping your sanity while flying. So, lets not attack her. Think about what she's recommending. Lets face it, things just are never going to run smoothy on board. Space is a mega mess that no one will solve, and of course, the airline is always working against giving more room. If you do not personally take charge of your emotional wellbeing, you are in for suffering at every opportunity. If you go to the airport keyed up to find problems to get pissed about, you will get pissed. If you cannot zone, then try this: 30 minutes before take-off, try one or two dramanines, and then a 1 mg. Ativan (one-half if it's a short flight). On board, have a drink. And relax and enjoy the flight. Hey, it works every time. Ciao.

I agree with Harvey. I have a good idea where these space hogs can stuff their bags, and it ain't the luggage hold.

Wow, so angry. Stow that in your hold.

TO: Leone...no one was "attacking," but merely staying in the real world. BTW, unless you're a physician (which I doubt from your referencing an "old" drug), please keep advice on self-medicating to yourself! It's unwise for non-medical personnel to "prescribe" drugs! <BR> <BR>What's wrong with having a pet peeve, i.e., cramming large suitcases? I'm not advocating "air rage," but I think we're entitled to our opinion, just as you are...however, please don't go around recommended prescriptions -- leave that to the healthcare profession!

No Overhead - You're correct about your entitlement to a pet peeve .. so long as you leave it on the ground. When people get upset before they fly (do you find air terminals to be stressful? Personally, I find seeing all the people very interesting), they may act out on board, and we are seeing a lot of air rage (the group I'm with researches road rage, and believe me, people don't leave it in their cars). Next time you're sitting at the gate and worrying about the overhead space, perhaps a bit of self-monitoring might be in order. Are you enjoying yourself? Are you emotionally ready to board and be patient, tolerant and courteous? Are you happy? Getting hung up on ativan is hardly the issue. I suggest keeping oneself rational on an airplane IS the issue. You may debate it all you wish, as long as you then go the next step, and deal with your anger. Until you do, I wouldn't wish to sit next to you or anyone like you. Lets perhaps get to the day when having a Pet Peeve is getting pissed at the neighbor's cat.

Dear overhead, <BR>I do live in the real world. I just don't see where getting angry over things you can not control is healthy. I love watching people in airports. They are a cross section of the world. <BR>But I do hate sitting next to someone who is bitching about everything. <BR>Let the s*#t go, life is too short.

I can attest to the fact the rudest people on board are Type A Business Flyers with zero patience and big egos. Paul and his cronies are a heart attack in the making!

I would like to point out that, as a professional violinist, I am carrying an instrument worth some $10K. There is NO WAY I will check my instrument in the baggage hold. My violin is a delicate instrument which is succeptible to temperature changes, and as we all know, luggage compartments are not temperature controlled. And before you start saying "why don't I drive," well, I may be taking an audition which is scheduled on only one day, and have to get in and out of town in 24 hours so I can make my next concert. <BR> <BR>That said -- I do believe in being courteous, and when travelling with violin, I do everything I can to minimize disruptions. No, I do not carry a garment bag as well -- I stow my violin in the overhead compartment (yes, it always fits) and my purse under the seat. I know my fellow musicians feel the same way. Believe me, we're not trying to be space hogs . . . we have extremely valuable instruments that we're trying to protect. <BR> <BR>BTW, musicians with large instruments (cellos, basses, etc.) wind up purchasing another ticket so their instrument has its own seat. <BR> <BR>I simply ask you that if you happeen to be boarding a plane and witnessing someone stowing a violin, or an oboe, or a trumpet, etc. -- please be more understanding. Thank you! <BR>

I do see your point about checking in a <BR>expensive piece of equipment such as your instrument. Lets face it travelers I do know some people do not like to check in there baggage because of the people who handle are luggage are careless. Myself and otheres I know who check in there luggage find lotions or perfume bottles open. I do put my lotions in a plastic bag in case of these accidents but they do happan. Even twice, the bottom part of my luggage was broken due to the baggage handlers. They just TOSS our luggage on the plane like it's a basketball. Maybe that's why people like to bring there luggage on the plane instead of checking it in. Maybe people are afraid of theft, and have valuables they take and prefer to keep there luggage with them. I guess this is where the baggage insurance comes in?? I do agree that travelers should be allowed only 1 carry-on on the plane. It bothers me when people stuff there bags in the compartments. <BR>Just a thought!!

I think I should point out that I am far from a businessman. The only cronies I have are clergyman. I thought this was a forum for opinions about a travel subject and I just wanted to share mine. And I almost always check my bags. But that doesn't mean that other people have to.

I need to travel with a decent sized carry-on bag, since we always travel with a nebulizer for the kids' asthma. I guess I'm alone in that I follow the directions that the airlines give as far as how much is allowed on board. My bag always fits under the seat. Isn't that what the airlines generally allow? One carry-on with set dimentions? If so many people are ignoring the rules it's because they've been allowed to get away with it for so long that they've disregarded them. <BR> <BR>I hate to say this, but I can imagine a site with travel tips where people actually recommend that you stow your gear in the overhead on your way back to your seat and then when it's time to deplane you simply stroll up the aisle and claim your stuff on the way out. Although it sounds downright rude and convenient for everyone else on the plane, for the person who practices that it sounds just peachy. <BR> <BR>Are there any solutions? How about each seat on board having a storage area above the seats that only they can access? Something you can swipe your ticket through to open. If your stuff doesn't fit, you check it. First class would probably have larger storage areas which they'd pay for when they purchase their seat.

Oh I agree. The airlines need to be more aware in checking the carry-on bags allowed on the plane. Maybe if the airlines had some type of code or key issued at the time of boarding for compartment use, this would eliminate other passengers using the incorrect overhead. Each passenger should "only" be using the overhead by there assigned seat. I can't stand it when I arrive to my seat and the overhead is already full and my bags can't fit in there? <BR>How rude! There should be more stricter rules for this requirement. <BR>Lilly <BR>

<BR>Lots of stuff = lots of headaches.<BR><BR>Personally, I no longer check anything. After twice having a suitcase arrive one or two days after I did, checking no longer made sense. That having been said, I also manage to stay within the airline limits for carry-on luggage. I just pare down my kit to what I really need, and it all fits into a small duffle bag for the overhead and a fanny pack for under the seat. I've traveled for two weeks on what I can fit into these bags. Frankly, traveling became easier and even more fun when I started taking less with me from home. <BR><BR>And I agree with Herself. Learning to tune out is key for airtravel. I'm always moere annoyed with the complainers than I am with the big-baggers. OOoooouuummmhhhh.

Fat people and smelly ethnic types. Both should be banned. Screaming kids too!

One good thing i've noticed flying on airlines recently, especially on international flights but also domestic, is that attendants are actually enforcing the baggage size limitations. In my past few trips, i've seen a giant pile of luggage adjacent to the entryway of the plane waiting to be moved to baggage. I can't believe the size and shape of some of the bags that people try to get on the plane.

You know, as a frequent flier (over 100K in airmiles per year)I find it interesting that those that complain the most and get the most upset are those that do not fly often - but rookies who somewhere else in the world have an opnion that means something to someone. There is a very easy solution to your gripes - don't wait to get on the plane - get on asap and you will usually have room for your storage - i see soooo many people who wait to board the plane than start acting ridiculous when "their" overhead compartment is full....people need to relax

My pet peeve- people are getting on a plane, and some dude takes 45 seconds to get his crap in the overhead, blocking the aisle and stopping all the people trying to get by. Step into the fricking aisle, and I gaurantee there will be a break in the line where you can do your business.