What were they thinking?

[jodifla]

If you have children/child 5 or under, why hassle with carryon luggage. Just check it. Just take what is necessary. It is costing Southwest a medium sized fortune in workmen's comp for all the FA's with back problems from stowing carryon luggage in the overhead bins. IF YOU CAN'T STOW YOUR OWN LUGGAGE, DON'T EXPECT ANYONE ELSE TO...CHECK IT. This is not a question of being courteous or not, but of responsibility and common sense. If I help the little old lady stow her carryon, and throw out my back on the way to WDW, what recouse do I have, other than have a miserable time. Why all of a sudden does everyone feel entitled to carry full sized suitcases as carry on. It's not that much of a wait for luggage.

As far as a child being seated away from the parent, it is probably so rare, that statisically i doubt it would show on the graph. It is amazing to hear DISboard members talk about all the planning, ADR's, every moment of a 10 day vacation orchestrated, and not be able to get to the gate in time to board early enough to sit with their kids. Again common sense.

Southwest seating works, especially if you don't care about sitting in front. We always head back, and usually get the exit rows that have a little more leg room, and if they are not available keep on going back.

I don't think anyone can fly as cheap as SW. I've rebooked our San Antonio trip twice now and saved big bucks. Our next WDW trip is in January, and a Rapid Rewards freebee at that.

Just my $.02.

I was only taking stuff that needed to be on the plane with me...car seat, coats, diapers, toys, purse. It was still a lot to juggle by myself. I always help people with kids whenever I can.

My father is in a wheelchair and is too frail to lift anything over his head. Does this mean he should not be able to take a carryon with him, by your logic?

 

[Pinnie]

The problem from Michigan is that SW doesn't fly direct anyplace I want to go. All the fares we've gotten from there have been sky-high, too. We fly Spirit or NW out of DTW.

I got a DING from SWA on June 18 for $49 each way from DTW to MCO in August. You better believe I jumped on it. Both flights have a stop at BNA but we do NOT get off the plane. Turnaround time is usually 20 minutes on the ground.

pinnie

 

[kaytieeldr]

Oh I left out the mother also had a diaper bag the size of my LARGE computer case. (It is so large that on DL jets it won't fit under about half the seats LOL!) So if ALL of that was valuables and drugs she needs to get real with what she travels with. (She looked like a pack horse, baby, rollerboard, HUGE diaper bag and purse. She really should have been told SOMETHING was getting checked and the baby wasn't an option!)

Okay, I'm in one of "those" moods. Maybe she should have been told the baby WAS an option! Reading your description makes me think the airlines need to be more explicit regarding carry-ons: Maybe they should start letting passengers know that the individual passenger needs to be able to maneuver any and all carry on luggage. BTW, that mother was overloaded - if the baby was in a sling, aka flying as a lap child, she/he was not entitled to any carry-on allowance. Now, that said, on my last several flights I've needed a wheelchair to get to and from the plane; I've found both (the now defunct) Song's and JetBlue's Flight Attendants to be EXTREMELY helpful. This is 180º from my one America West experience, where the flight attendant claimed not to be able to help anyone lift carry-ons into the overhead compartment because he might get injured. Understandable EXCEPT I was close enough to First Class to see him practically jumping over people to help those passengers store their stuff

Having flown SW and other airlines, I'm convinced SW's boarding works significantly better.

The one report I've read so far of SW's experiment with assigned seating was, um, 'less than wonderful'. Apparently, they assigned the passengers' seats with no input from said passengers and NO changing allowed. Go figure....

So everything that an infant might need in one day should be able to fit in a small bag to go under a seat On most flights you are permitted to take on 2 carryon bags per passenger.

Actually, one bag that fits in the overhead compartment and one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. If the child in this example was flying in the mother's lap, he or she did not have a separate seat in front of him/her.

Many things are gate checked because too many people insist on bringing oversized items on board instead of checking them! There really is plenty of room for an approved size bag for each passenger in a row if they stuck to the guidelines.

Not necessarily. On my last flight on Song, I was in the smaller front section of the plane (what Delta's turning into First Class now). There were 45 seats in that section but only six or eight full-size overhead compartments. That's only 24 regulation-size bags for 45 passengers.

Now, let's see, needed the car seat...although in retrospect, I would have been better off gate checking it and letting DS just sit in the seat....(although that gets cries of "Don't you care about your precious child?!!")

I think really there's ome confusion or misunderstanding over the car seat issue. As long as a child is able to sit safely belted in the airplane seat, as opposed to flying the entire trip in a parent's lap, you really don't NEED a car seat. The big issue is lap children (who fly free, but at rare but existing risk) versus in-their-own-seat children. Some parents do find that their child who might tend to try to unbelt and run around the plane but who is aware that once you're in the car seat, you stay there until mom or dad unbuckles you, fare better if they lug the car seat along.

Edited to add...coats! it was wintertime, so I also had coats!

Ah, but if you fly much at all, you know you're not supposed to put your coats in the overhead compartment until the all the luggage is up there

My father is in a wheelchair and is too frail to lift anything over his head. Does this mean he should not be able to take a carryon with him, by your logic?

Of course not - on the other hand, it's been a couple of years at least since I've taken anything on the plane that won't fit under the seat in front of me. Aside from medications and a camera, my carry-on contains clothing, so it's flexible enough to fit under almost any seat, and my purse fits in the seat pocket (not the purse or bag I'm going to use at my destination, that's packed in my checked luggage, just one that holds what I need for the flight). Note that I'm NOT suggesting this works for anyone else, but in case I can't lift the bag and can't get help - which I don't expect to get anyway - I don't hold things up.

 

[safetymom]

I am sorry to say this but if you can't lift the luggage over your head you shouldn't be bringing it onboard.

Why not check it? It's nice to help someone but you shouldn't depend on someone putting your luggage up and taking it down for you. That holds up the process for everyone.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I agree, safetymom. I can pack enough in that 12 x 18 tote bag without stuffing it to get me through the first day and night of any trip (besides, if I forget toiletries I've never visited anywhere that doesn't have stores ). When I said the Flight Attendants I've encountered have been extremely helpful, they don't HAVE to be, since I don't need to manuever anything overhead, they offer (preboarding helps - and just as with the Disney buses, I may have gotten on the plane first, but I generally get off last, or close to last). But if I can't carry my carry-on, it's too heavy or too bulky and it gets checked.

 

[ducklite]

I am sorry to say this but if you can't lift the luggage over your head you shouldn't be bringing it onboard.

Why not check it? It's nice to help someone but you shouldn't depend on someone putting your luggage up and taking it down for you. That holds up the process for everyone.

AMEN SISTA!

I won't help anyone with their overhead for any reason. Too many people pack rocks in their carryon's, and I'm not going to offer to help only to find out that the bag weighs 50 pounds. IN tha case I'd be running the risk of injuring myself and others. No way.

If you can't manage it on your own, then check it. My mom checks her little bag because she's too short to reach the overhead, and doesn't expect anyone to help with it.

Anne

 

[jodifla]

I am sorry to say this but if you can't lift the luggage over your head you shouldn't be bringing it onboard.

Why not check it? It's nice to help someone but you shouldn't depend on someone putting your luggage up and taking it down for you. That holds up the process for everyone.

Because I needed it ON THE PLANE for the child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jodifla]

AMEN SISTA!

I won't help anyone with their overhead for any reason. Too many people pack rocks in their carryon's, and I'm not going to offer to help only to find out that the bag weighs 50 pounds. IN tha case I'd be running the risk of injuring myself and others. No way.

If you can't manage it on your own, then check it. My mom checks her little bag because she's too short to reach the overhead, and doesn't expect anyone to help with it.

Anne

So wheelchair passengers should be allowed no carryons. Heck, why even allow them on the plane, since they can't do everything by themselves and have the audacity to need help!

 

[safetymom]

jodifla, wheelchair passengers are different but that doesn't mean they need to bring all their worldy goods on the plane either. BTW, in all my flights I haven't seen a handicapped person trying to bring on lots of stuff.

I think many people bring too much stuff on the plane for their family. It's not like you are going to be on the plane for days. We also left our coats in the car if we were flying to a warm location. When we returned home then I got the coats out of the car and give them to my family. There is a large baggage compartment underneath the plane to hold most of your luggage.

 

[jodifla]

jodifla, wheelchair passengers are different but that doesn't mean they need to bring all their worldy goods on the plane either. BTW, in all my flights I haven't seen a handicapped person trying to bring on lots of stuff.

I think many people bring too much stuff on the plane for their family. It's not like you are going to be on the plane for days. We also left our coats in the car if we were flying to a warm location. When we returned home then I got the coats out of the car and give them to my family. There is a large baggage compartment underneath the plane to hold most of your luggage.

For us, the family carryon luggage issue was largely when DS was in diapers. Now that he's 4, it's simple to pack just a backpack for him and me with snacks and juice, toys, a backup outfit and the like.

Still, when you look at the LONG LIST of things you're NOT SUPPOSED to check, it increases your carryon luggage by quite a bit. That's always the dilemma for me...check everything, or bring a bag on the plane in case your luggage gets lost, which so many people here recommend.

 

[safetymom]

I don't find it hard to pack a bag for on the plane. Most people bring too many valuables also when traveling. It is amazing sometimes to read what most people feel they need for that first day. You could leave half that stuff home and still be ok.

Most times luggage does not get lost. I also feel if more people checked their luggage the airlines would need to do a better job of communicating if there is a problem.

I have never in all my years flying had a bag lost. Knock on wood. But I have had a bag delayed by hours. I was fine because I had enough things with me for that first day.

 

[HayGan]

So wheelchair passengers should be allowed no carryons.

Apparently they shouldn't even be allowed on since they can't do it themselves

The arrogance and intolerance around here anymore is sickening!

 

[casey49781]

The problem from Michigan is that SW doesn't fly direct anyplace I want to go. All the fares we've gotten from there have been sky-high, too. We fly Spirit or NW out of DTW.


we live 6 hrs from dtw, so a short plane ride on spirit is a great thing ,,booked other day for 4 less than 700.00 for dec 2 returning the 11th,, shame on all you people who do not help the elders, remember one day you will be there,,,,maybe some could use a little manners even if you are on vacation. and one time we did get seperated as a family of 4 , 2 kids 2 adults big deal it was a short ride,,,as long as my kids sat with us, adult it was ok,,,

 

[safetymom]

I don't think anyone here said a handicapped person should not be on the plane. They truly are the ones that should be preboarded to make it easy for them to get settled in.

 

[Lewisc]

Go back and re-read the first post. The carryon bag was so heavy it took two passengers to lift and stow it in the overhead storage bin. Sounds like it might have been a passenger that didn't want to check luggage. The essential stuff;diapers,medicine, cameras and even a change of clothes can fit in a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Other passengers are generally willing to help out but it's just plan rude to expect others to help lift a heavy bag.

edited to say I agree with Safetymoom--handicpaed passenger get to pre-board. The FA attendant will help them BUT THAT'S NOT AN EXCUSE TO EXPECT SOMEONE TO LIFT A HEAYY BAG that should be checked.

Apparently they shouldn't even be allowed on since they can't do it themselves

The arrogance and intolerance around here anymore is sickening!

 

[HayGan]

Go back and re-read the first post. The carryon bag was so heavy it took two passengers to lift and stow it in the overhead storage bin. Sounds like it might have been a passenger that didn't want to check luggage. The essential stuff;diapers,medicine, cameras and even a change of clothes can fit in a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Other passengers are generally willing to help out but it's just plan rude to expect others to help lift a heavy bag.

edited to say I agree with Safetymoom--handicpaed passenger get to pre-board. The FA attendant will help them BUT THAT'S NOT AN EXCUSE TO EXPECT SOMEONE TO LIFT A HEAYY BAG that should be checked.

Well, if all my posts would have been read, I clearly stated that I disagree with people bringing on too many items or over-weight items. There is a difference between that and helping someone lift an acceptable bag that they themselves are having difficulty with. That is the issue that I have with the attitude that some have posted here that if you can't handle it then don't bring it on board.

I too often have been the victim having a bag dropped on my head that was too big and or heavy and trying to be shoved in to a compartment. That I have no patience for. I do, however, have compassion and thankfully the ability to help someone carrying an infant or an elderly person who is trying to stowe an acceptable bag. I just don't understand why others don't

 

[wendy46001]

sorry double post

 

[wendy46001]

My father is in a wheelchair and is too frail to lift anything over his head. Does this mean he should not be able to take a carryon with him, by your logic?

Just to a ...as someone who has traveled with a severely handicap person...and i have to admit I travel a lot... alone and with others.....I just have to ask...If you cant put it up and you know you can't..then obviously you cant take it down (am i wrong??) so in my mind it means you dont need it for the flight?? ...Not like we are all flying 18hrs

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you can't manage it on your own, then check it. My mom checks her little bag because she's too short to reach the overhead, and doesn't expect anyone to help with it.

So wheelchair passengers should be allowed no carryons. Heck, why even allow them on the plane, since they can't do everything by themselves and have the audacity to need help!

I don't think that's what Ann was saying at all. As I've stated above, I have a tote bag that right now has enough in it for three days in the hospital (long story, just in case, just haven't unpacked it yet) that's a little heavy but could still be squooshed under the seat in front of me. Packed for a vacation, it holds: camera/film, two pairs glasses, one complete change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, conditioner, nightshirt; depending what I'm planning to do, sometimes a second outfit goes in. Everything else - swimsuit, rest of clothing, shampoo, suntan lotion, whatever - goes into one checked bag. Purse has pills, travel documents, ID, money, credit card. Oh, oops. My cane/crutch/crutches don't count toward my carry-on allowance - item/s placed in overhead compartment, storage closet or (if my seat backs up to a wall) behind the seats laying down on the floor.

edited to say I agree with Safetymoom--handicpaed passenger get to pre-board. The FA attendant will help them BUT THAT'S NOT AN EXCUSE TO EXPECT SOMEONE TO LIFT A HEAYY BAG that should be checked.

I agree completely. When a Flight Attendant has taken my bag, it's just been so I can get to my seat easier. They leave it on the seat, they don't put it overhead. And I hold on to my 'mobility assistance device/s' until the compartment above my seat has been loaded, then put it/them right in front (I can stand, I just need help walking - and if I need to hold the seat in front of me to get up, I talk to the person in that seat first and tell them what I'm about to do and that it'll just be for a couple of seconds )

 

[HayGan]

Just to a ...as someone who has traveled with a severely handicap person...and i have to admit I travel a lot... alone and with others.....I just have to ask...If you cant put it up and you know you can't..then obviously you cant take it down (am i wrong??) so in my mind it means you dont need it for the flight?? ...Not like we are all flying 18hrs

As mentioned before, every passenger should take a carry on bag that contains essential items as well as a change of clothes in case checked baggage is lost or delayed.