Let the Carry-on Battle Begin

[magiroux]

Although I am sure it happens, I don't think that passengers with over sized, heavy carry-ons is the main problem. The problem is simple, IMO - they charge to check bags so now everyone takes a carry on.

We are a family of three and I used to pack one large case for check in and one carry on for valuables and meds. Now we pack three carry ons. Multiply that by many, many travelers and you have a whole lot more luggage going into the overhead bins then before. Mine are not over sized or overstuffed, in fact there is plenty of room for souvenirs on the return trip. I actually prefer to travel that way now. Makes getting in and out of airports a breeze.

 

[justplaingoofy]

We only do carry on...even though we typically fly on Jetblue which allows 1 free bag. We have not checked a bag in probably 5 years (way before the fee for additional bags started.

I think its the passengers responsibility to find out what the carry on specifications are. I know with JetBlue in their Airbus you can carry on 26" bag, but with their embraer 24" not that its a big deal because my suitcase is 21".

We do it because:
1. I have expensive luggage & know the way alot of luggage is handled.
2. I never have to worry about my bags being lost/misdirected.
3. Its a time saver depending on our destination.

I should also note that our carry ons are never heavy..and we each take 1, put it in the overhead bin with wheels in, and put our backpack at my feet.

I think some passengers that are flying within the U.S. may find it economical to price out sending a package via UPS or Fed ex to their destination to avoid bag fees and ease of use.

 

[safetymom]

It shouldn't be up to the FA's to enforce the carry on rule. You pass many people before you get on the plane.

First passengers should be policing their own carry ons. I would rather a gate agent enforce the carryons.

 

[Tara]

It shouldn't be up to the FA's to enforce the carry on rule. You pass many people before you get on the plane.

First passengers should be policing their own carry ons. I would rather a gate agent enforce the carryons.

I agree completely - someone should be enforcing the rules, but by the time people are on the plane, it's like closing the barn door after the horse has gotten out!

 

[dioxide45]

Although I am sure it happens, I don't think that passengers with over sized, heavy carry-ons is the main problem. The problem is simple, IMO - they charge to check bags so now everyone takes a carry on.

Correct, perhaps a citizens group should be lobbying to force airlines to allow one checked bag free, the problem would then disappear.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The flight attendants were very helpful in all of this and said it was especially bad in cold weather

See, that's wrong. EVERY flight I've taken where there's a chance of outerwear - naturally, especially my December trips - the Flight Attendants make repeated announcements to please hold on to your coats until all applicable luggage is placed overhead. Worst case, coats can be held or used as pillows or blankets - or stuffed into small spaces overhead. I know I use mine as a blanket.

I could see someone getting injured from things falling out of the bins, but I fail to see how the flight attendants get injured unless directly in the line of falling items.

Flight Attendants are more likely to BE in the aisle at any given time - providing beverage or snack service, responding to a passenger call, helping someone get something from the overhead compartment - than a passenger.

I believe the poster said she was travelling with two small children and I would not find it the least bit rude to have been asked for help. Also aren't they called flight "attendants" for a reason to help attend to passengers?

Umm ... what about people - like me (4'10") - who can't actually reach the overhead bin? I guess short people aren't allowed to have carry-ons then?

Well, truly they're on the flight for passenger safety in case of emergency. Frankly, no passenger should bring more, heavier, or larger luggage than they can manage without assistance. I know I don't. I'm just barely five feet tall; for a variety of medical reasons I can't lift a standard, normally (vs. overpacked) rollaboard over my head and place it in the overhead compartment. I don't pack with the expectation that anyone will assist me. I have a wedge-shaped rolling bag that fits under the seat in front of me, holds enough of what I'm bringing that I can get by for a day if my luggage is misdirected, and that I CAN lift overhead if there's room.

 

[vicki_c]

Why does everyone assume that I, the short one, am bringing some giant bag that I can't lift over my head into the overhead compartment? That wasn't what I was even talking about -- I literally meant that often I cannot get my jacket up there or if I do, I can't get it down when the plane lands. I cannot reach more than a few inches into the compartment because I am so short.

I don't at all think it's rude to ask someone taller nearby for help when that happens (and usually someone offers anyway before I even have to ask, but I have asked in the past). I usually only travel with a backpack that fits under the seat, or with my 6'3" husband who helps with bags in the overhead. But I do travel alone, on business and sometimes have to put my raincoat or even my backpack into the overhead bin.

I was strictly commenting on the fact that calling it rude seems to be a little over the top. I didn't know my manners were so poor. I guess I should stop asking nearby shoppers at the grocery store to help get things from the top shelf as well -- I'm a believer in karma, I help others as well.

But if I ask you for help on the plane, feel free to refuse while arching your eyebrow at my poor social skills!

(and why is Randy Newman's "Short People" running through my head now? )

 

[kaytieeldr]

vicki, I'm TRULY not suggesting this - I happen to need a cane for support, and it comes in extremely handy in some of the situations you've described... except the one time a helpful FA took it from me halfway through boarding to put it overhead, and said they'd get it for me when I needed it. Well, when I did need it, and asked - it was buried somewhere in the middle of the overhead compartment and they were reluctant to dig it out. JetBlue got a 'nice' little letter from me. I need support when I walk; fortunately, I was in the bulkhead row and there's enough to hold onto between there and my destination...

But that's not why I'm telling you I hate to ask for help (that's NOT a 'dig' of any sort - please don't take it that way!). I'd use the cane to hook my coat if I couldn't reach it. I use the hand grip to get stuff from upper shelves - mostly groceries, but I was in K-Mart once, when they had the bath tissue brand I use on sale. Another customer in the aisle, looking for the same product, noted it came in three different roll sizes for the same price. Well, of course we both wanted the BEST deal for our money - and of course THAT packaging was on the top shelf. Not five feet high, not six feet high... somewhere between ten and twelve feet! There were no employees around (remember, we're talking discount store) and no ladders... I 'batted', and she caught VERY carefully and precisely, of course!

 

[DecaturDad]

"It's rude to ask for assistance from either a fellow passenger or from a FA. Passengers who can't handle their carryon bags should be paying to check the bag."

What about someone who cannot reach the overhead? My wife is 4' 10". Is it really rude for her to ask for assistance when she cannot reach the overhead? Her bag is not large or heavy. She simply cannot reach that high. (Of course,when we travel together, I put it up for her.)

 

[kaytieeldr]

vicki c and DecaturDad: back in the olden days, when I could? I would take off my shoes and stand on the outside seat in a row, and put my suitcase in the overhead compartment.

It works best if there's not already somebody IN that seat - so I tried to always book an aisle seat.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

It's rude to ask for assistance from either a fellow passenger or from a FA. Passengers who can't handle their carryon bags should be paying to check the bag.

I just flew 3 weeks ago and had a "normal" size carryon bag. Earlier this year I had back surgery and can't lift anything over my head more than 5 pounds. I had no trouble wheeling my bag though the airport and down the center of the plane, but couldn't pick it up higher than my waist. What, just because I can't lift it over my head for 10 seconds I am supposed to check it? Give me a break! The Northeastern University baseball team was on my flight and one of players was very helpful in putting my bag in the overhead bin. He took a entire 10 seconds out of his life to help another person and didn't seem to mind!

My husband flies 2x every week for work and if he sees someone alone trying to bring a car seat and child on the plane, he always offers to carry the car seat. He would never let someone struggle getting on a plane when they clearly need help!

 

[kaytieeldr]

What, just because I can't lift it over my head for 10 seconds I am supposed to check it? Give me a break! The Northeastern University baseball team was on my flight and one of players was very helpful in putting my bag in the overhead bin

Respectfully, again, no passenger should bring luggage onboard an airplane with the expectation that anyone will help them with it. Period. And I really do mean that nicely.

Passengers who can't lift X pounds Y inches over their heads for Z minutes/seconds need to plan/pack accordingly. I have a wheeled back specifically designed to fit under an airplane seat. Yes, I can lift it above my head - it's small enough that it can't be packed heavy enough that I can't lift it. But the bulk of the time, it goes under the seat in front of me. When I don't bring this bag, I bring a non-wheeled tote bag. It's a little more flexible with about the same capacity. It, too, fits completely under the seat in front of me - and is light enough that I could put it overhead myself if necessary.

 

[longneckthree]

You mean they don'y enforce the measements for carry-ons? That means that I could have brought the kitchen sink to Disney,too?
My family of six only uses carry-ons for 8-9 day trips and we have room for extras coming back! Now my mom will never have a carry-on and always checks everything, but she likes to wait and doesn't want to have to carry anything! Different people need/want different things! That's what makes this world work!
Maggie

 

[eliza61]

Southwest airlines has a carryon spec.

Each passenger is allowed to carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse or briefcase. Assistive devices and outer garments do not count as personal items. All carry-on luggage must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you and adhere to the following requirements:


•Maximum Dimensions of Carry-on Luggage: 10in x 16in x 24in (length x width x height)
REMINDER: Bulkhead seats do not have underseat storage during take-off and landing.
Read Bulkheads Explained

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Southwest_Airlines/baggage.php

I assume that most airlines have some thing similar. Airlines need to step up enforcement of these requirements.
Of course the general public is going to try and get around them. No one wants to pay the baggage check fee. We will continue to try and get around them until they are enforce.

I'm flying Icelandair and it's plainly stated on their website the dimensions for carryons.

•One carry-on bag, not weighing more than 6kg (13lbs), total of the 3 dimensions (L+W+H) does not exceed 115cm (45in).
Additional Free Baggage Items
On all International flights the following objects may be taken on board free of charge, as additional cabin baggage:

•1 coat or wrap
•1 handbag
•1 umbrella or cane
•1 small camera
•1 pair of binoculars
•reasonable amount of reading material
•baby food for the flight
•baby's carrying basket
Click here for full UK security regulations. Please read carefully before leaving for the airport.

Baggage taken into the cabin of Icelandair aircraft must be placed under the seats in front of them or in overhead the bin. The passenger is responsible for his or her own cabin baggage.

The cabin crew is not required to accomodate large cabin baggage such as framed pictures, due to lack of space and security reasons in cabin.

 

[maxiesmom]

I just flew 3 weeks ago and had a "normal" size carryon bag. Earlier this year I had back surgery and can't lift anything over my head more than 5 pounds. I had no trouble wheeling my bag though the airport and down the center of the plane, but couldn't pick it up higher than my waist. What, just because I can't lift it over my head for 10 seconds I am supposed to check it? Give me a break!

Umm, yep, that is what you should do. Or hope that someone will be nice to you and help you. However it is not the FAs job to help you lift your carry-on into the overhead compartment. Why is it someone else's responsibility to help you with your luggage anyway? If you know ahead of time that you have a disability of some sort, you can then pack in a way that will accomodate your disability. Instead of depending on others.

 

[Magical_Tink]

I was on a connecting flight when, unexpectedly, a large overstuffed carry on hit me on the back of the head. The owner was a tall broad shouldered man who should have been capable of lifting it. I saw stars and was scared of a possible head injury. The flight attendant gave me ice and informed me if I was hurt I better get off immediately because they had to leave the gate. I was in a connecting city with no friends or family to contact there so I chose to endure a five hour flight with the admonition "don't fall asleep". Perhaps carry on fans will understand my stance that no carry ons be permitted except very light ones. I am now wary that the bins may fly open in rough weather and send suitcases flying. I also wondered what if the suitcase had fallen on the many infants and children on board. Waiting for my luggage rarely takes much time and , if so, it is well worth avoiding injuries to others. It's bad enough getting bruised from people dragging them down the aisle past my end seat. Perhaps convenience is too high a price to pay for injuring other passengers or flight attendants.

 

[safetymom]

I was on a connecting flight when, unexpectedly, a large overstuffed carry on hit me on the back of the head. The owner was a tall broad shouldered man who should have been capable of lifting it. I saw stars and was scared of a possible head injury. The flight attendant gave me ice and informed me if I was hurt I better get off immediately because they had to leave the gate. I was in a connecting city with no friends or family to contact there so I chose to endure a five hour flight with the admonition "don't fall asleep". Perhaps carry on fans will understand my stance that no carry ons be permitted except very light ones. I am now wary that the bins may fly open in rough weather and send suitcases flying. I also wondered what if the suitcase had fallen on the many infants and children on board. Waiting for my luggage rarely takes much time and , if so, it is well worth avoiding injuries to others. It's bad enough getting bruised from people dragging them down the aisle past my end seat. Perhaps convenience is too high a price to pay for injuring other passengers or flight attendants.

I agree with you. I always checked my luggage. It was so much easier than lugging it through the airport, through security, onto the plane. I can't tell you the number of bruises I got on the plane from people that couldn't manage to steer their luggage down the aisle on the plane.

I have helped a few people put their luggage up but that is because I was feeling generous those days. You shouldn't carry on anything that you can't put in the overhead bin yourself. If you can't reach it you are holding up everyone behind you. They might have checked their luggage so it wouldn't cause a problem on the plane. People seem to think their time is more valuable than mine.

In all the hundreds of flights I took my luggage was delayed 3 times. It was never lost so I think that more people should check their luggage and the Gate agents should police those people that have too many carry ons or too large to fit in the overhead bin. I bet they would have more on time departures if people were made to check most of their items.

 

[Sinderelly]

I don't think it is anyone's RESPONSIBILITY to help another. An individual shouldn't have to ask for help if they need it. Someone who is able should offer assistance if they see someone who is having trouble whether it be on an airplane, at a store, gas station etc.

I would NEVER not offer assistance to someone who needs help or asks for assistance. It gives me pleasure to help others, takes very little time and the rewards are great. I hope when I need help someone will offer it to me.

 

[Brian Noble]

Respectfully, again, no passenger should bring luggage onboard an airplane with the expectation that anyone will help them with it.

This is correct. So, Vicki, I'm afraid that unless you also bring on a step stool, you should bring something that will fit under the seat worst case. Naturally, the chances that some other passenger will help you with a properly sized/packed bag are high. But it's definitely not part of an FA's job to do so.

Edited: I have seen passengers of shorter stature stand on the seats to reach. I can live with that, as long as you haven't been stepping in anything untoward recently.

In any event, on most of my recent DL flights, the overhead situation has been pretty reasonable. Usually a DC-10 will see a bunch of bags gate checked, but that's because those bins are super tiny. There are always a handful of pax that bring something that won't fit, but I honestly don't find it to be any worse than it was before the fees---I've done my level best to avoid checking a bag for a decade or more, as have most other business travelers. When I fly with the family, I'd rather take a smaller number of larger bags (and just check them) than try to navigate the airports with several smaller ones.

 

[minniecarousel]

silly me - I thought the TSA enforced the luggage size for carry-ons. Just shows ya how much I fly!

The only problem with having seats in the front of the plane is all those yahoos who place their luggage in the front overhead bins on their way to the back of the plane! (& they board first!)

I was freaking out on my last flight that I'd be forced to check my small carry-on, that was large enough for my Plantar fasciitis splint. I really wasn't keen on letting the baggage handlers throw my expensive splint around.