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Save/ShareIn this story I wrote about flying over the holidays, two pieces of advice ticked some people off. The first was this: "Wait until the group before yours is almost done boarding, then enter the line. By the time you reach the front, your group will probably be called. And if not, what's the worst that can happen? They'll make you wait right near the gate."
And the second was this: "I wish we lived in a world where you were guaranteed overhead space near your seat. Until we do, I refuse to store my bag behind me, because I'll never get off the plane. Look ahead while you board: If the space above your seat is full, put your stuff as close to it as possible, and don't be afraid to take someone else's space. After all, someone took yours."
The text of one reader's letter follows the jump--along with my defense...and a request for your opinion.
Here's the reader's letter (somewhat abridged). It's from Marge Stock of Murphys, Calif.
"Dear Editor,
Granted that airline travel is now an ordeal and seems to get worse, I feel that what all of us need to do is be more considerate of our fellow travelers, not less.
Most U.S. airlines board from the rear. How do you think it feels to get to your seat more to the front and see the overhead bin filled with suitcases that perhaps are from people seated behind you? Why should I have to check my bag because of someone else's inconsiderateness?
Second, the suggestion about standing up by the gate even if it isn't your turn to board--again, so inconsiderate. The airlines ask you to keep your seat until your row is called; it eases congestion at the boarding gate. What's the hurry?
It all boils down to the size of our check-in luggage. The airlines are quite precise about it but don't enforce it. They should and then people will pack more reasonably and not take up so much room in the overhead bins. How many times have we seen people trying in vain to cram an oversized bag in the bin, sometimes having to remove items from it just to get it in?
Once we start that crazy mentality of taking what's mine and then some, not following the guidelines, we start that cycle of animosity that creates a lot of stress in flying. We should be more considerate not less, be helpful with fellow travelers, be considerate of their space when we put our seat back, get our right-sized bag in the overhead bin quickly, have the things we need for the flight in the bag that goes under the seat, take our seats quickly so as to not impede the loading procedure, and then try to have the best flight we can given the confined space we are given. It's a start and a good one."
I wholeheartedly agree with everything Ms. Stock says--to a point. (And to be clear, I only suggest putting your stuff in someone else's space if your space has been taken.) I guess I'm tired of being considerate only so that inconsiderate people can get their way. I wish airports had seating space for everybody. I wish airlines would enforce their carry-on limitations. But they don't, and they don't. The fact that the system is flawed, allowing selfish people to abuse it, justifies a little selfish behavior on other people's part.... When I wrote the story, I felt like it's time the rest of us fought back. But perhaps that's wrong.
Where do you draw the line? If you're boarding a plane and you see up ahead that the overhead space above your seat is full, what do you do?
For me, the choice is clear. (Sorry, but I'm too tall to put anything big under the seat in front of me.) I have a choice to put my bag behind my row or ahead of it--and either way, it's going in somebody else's space. Why not put it in the spot that benefits me?
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I'll split the baby on this one.
I put my carry-on overhead wherever I can find space for it, because everyone ahead of me has already done the same. My way to show consideration for fellow travelers is by not bringing suitcases with me as carry-ons.
But I draw the line at the line-jumping trick. There's no need for it. I have a reserved seat; it's not going anywhere until I'm in it. It's not like a Moscow bread line from the old Soviet days. And the plane isn't going to leave any faster because I move up a few places in the queue.
Posted By Greg Gross on December 8, 2007, 2:36 PM
I guess I'm old fashioned, but I check my suitcase. I follow the guidelines about using a carry-on that will fit under the seat, which I use for things that can't be checked, like my laptop and medication. And I carry a purse, with all the banned liquids taken out and put in a plastic bag which goes into the carry-on. Sure, I have to wait about 15 minutes more to get my bag, and very rarely, my bag is delayed (but I have never lost one), but to me it's worth the no-hassle on the plane. And I never hang around the gate. Why should I if I have a reserved seat? It's incredibly rude. Another thing I hate is the whole domino effect of leaning your seat back as far as it will go, but that's another subject, and no, I don't do that either. Signed,
Miss Manners
Posted By JFM on December 10, 2007, 2:04 AM
First, your statement that "The fact that the system is flawed, allowing selfish people to abuse it, justifies a little selfish behavior on other people's part" is just arrogant beyond belief! "Just because" someone else is doing something he shouldn't do has never been justification for you doing something you shouldn't do. I know your mom taught you that; they all do. ;-)
I agree with Ms. Stock's letter too, but I don't agree so much that it's inconsiderate putting your bag in the first available space when yours is taken. Take it to the logical conclusion -- you're being considerate, so seeing your overhead space is taken, and not wanting to take someone else's space, you ask the flight attendant to check your bag. What's he or she going to do? Place it in the first available space. That's really the only option, unless the only available space is in First Class. The flight attendant has the right to place a bag up there; an economy class passenger does not.
Posted By Bob Mathews on December 10, 2007, 11:03 AM
A lot of the carryon problem would go away if baggage handling were fast and reliable. Why can't checked baggage be as reliably processed and delivered as UPS or FedEx packages?
I bring small, soft-sided carryons that I can squeeze into available space. Since I'm not worried about grabbing volume for my SUV-sized carryon, I can sit and wait comfortably until the queue of passengers waiting to board is nice and short.
Posted By Josh on December 10, 2007, 3:26 PM
I have done just as you recommend by getting in the boarding line as the group ahead of mine is nearly done boarding. I find it's efficient. If everyone did it, perhaps we'd leave the gate on time more often. If by chance a person from the previous group ends up behind me, I willingly let them pass and board ahead of me. I have seen other travelers do this as well. As long as everyone exercises common sense and courtesy, I don't see a problem with it.
Now that airlines are encouraging travelers to carry luggage onboard (requiring fewer baggage handlers), overhead space is truly at a premium. Unfortunately, the seat you have reserved does not come with an exclusively assigned overhead compartment. As long as I am following the rules regarding size and number of bags, I expect my luggage to be accommodated on board if at all possible, preferably not BEHIND me. The infrequent travelers who board with trash bags, shopping bags, and popcorn tins full of who-knows-what are the culprits when it comes to misuse of overhead space. If the airlines would enforce the rules consistently, Grandma would know that she'll have to check that twin size mattress she bought while visiting her niece in Omaha.
Posted By KLS on December 10, 2007, 7:33 PM
I only carry-on items that fit in my airline proscribed carry-on sized bag. Usually these are items that I want during the flight, since I tend to be heading overseas, so I place it under my seat. On a short hop I place it overhead if it fits. In my spot if possible, if not I ask the attendant for help, or put it in the closest spot available - preferably one that has already been filled by its appropriate users.
If you aren't checking a bag, check the size of your carry-on and stick to your limit.
Posted By katy on December 11, 2007, 3:26 PM
I have sleep apnea so I always carry aboard a CPAP machine in a small duffel that also holds a book and an MP3 player. It takes about a 9X9 inch area because the 16 inch length fits nicely into the overhead bin. I would much prefer not to check the bag or even to let somebody else handle it because it is somewhat delicate and difficult to replace. I am above average height and I have bad knees which require occassional bending and stretching of the knees which is difficult with a bag under the seat.
I am not being inconsiderate if I place it somewhere else other than above my seat. It has to go somewhere.
Posted By Duane on December 13, 2007, 12:37 PM
I wish airlines would display boarding info on a screen by the gate and not just announce it. I have a hearing problem and can't understand mumbled announcements--often even wearing hearing aids. It would make boarding a lot easier.
Posted By Roger AC Williams on December 13, 2007, 12:42 PM
Wow. The only thing that makes these trying travel experience bad, let alone at the stressful Holiday time is how we act toward one another and react to the situation. If you do it you own it, whether or not you realize it, we are responsible for the outcome - each & every One of us!
Posted By Robert on December 13, 2007, 12:50 PM
I think what it boils down to is the whole weight requirement thing...living on a small Caribbean island I have extreme first hand knowledge of how this affects carry-ons. You can only check a maximum of 70 lb, but are allowed to take a carry on that can weigh up to 40 lb. Doesn't that seem silly to anyone besides me? 110 lbs is 110 lbs regardless of where it is on the plane. If the airlines would allow 110 lb to be checked, maybe people would not need to carry everything they have packed into the cabin with them. I also agree with KLS about the plastic bags and popcorn tins; come on people, just cough up the money and ship that stuff, will ya?
Posted By Darlene Fletcher on December 13, 2007, 12:55 PM
Travel is part of my business. I think that there is an amazingly small space for every one and therefore the taking on board of all unnecessary bags should not be encouraged. The seats should not recline because the amount of space it gives is minimal and the person in the back of the plane gets no space at all. Each seat should be assigned baggage space and they get first pick whether not to use it.
I always ask the person in front to put back their seat to upright position, and most of the time my request is granted.
Posted By Susan L on December 13, 2007, 12:57 PM
I really dislike this "get it before someone else does" mentality. All it does is make people anxious and edgy. Let's all take a deep breath, realize we're all in the same boat (or plane), and treat our fellow travelers with a bit of respect.
Instead of going the "she did it so I will too" route, and encouraging this behaviour, try changing it and see if anyone follows your lead.
Posted By Laura on December 13, 2007, 12:58 PM
I wish everyone instead of complaining about the stress of air travel would come up with creative solutions or write to the airline or start their own airline and see if they can make it all happen.
Good LUCK!!
Posted By Starla on December 13, 2007, 1:29 PM
I am a baggage handler for a major airline and a frequent traveler. I carry-on not because I don't expect my bags to be there when I reach my destination, but because I never know what flight I will actually get on, since I fly standby. That remaining, I and most of the travelers I see do not exceed carry-on restrictions, the truth is: if every passenger carried on their allottment, there would not be enough room in the overhead bins. Carry-on requirements are set by the FAA, not the airline. Airlines encourage the second smaller bag to be put under the seat. My roller goes in the overhead (if I am lucky, I am usually the last on the plane), and my second bag fits underneath.
I can understand if you have trouble bending, as many do, and many also have trouble lifting their bags into the overhead bins. That's what the flight attendants are for, as well as the many gracious passengers I do travel with. I can't tell you how many men offer to help me lift my roller, then I tell them I do it for a living!
A final note: I have no worries about gate checking my bags. My small tote holds my wallet and magazines and will always find a seat to fit under. My roller has my clothes and larger items I don't need inflight. The bag is dropped below the plane, not further screened and not held up by security.
Yes airline travel is frustrating. When you buy a plane ticket, you are agreeing to share a limited amount of space with about a hundred other people for a limited amount of time. If you choose to be stubborn and inconsiderate, someone else will make your time miserable, I guarantee it.
Posted By Carrie on December 13, 2007, 1:44 PM
Hey, when it comes to carry-on space, first-come, first-served. You want a guaranteed spot for your carry-on bag, don't choose a seat close to the front (those are always the first to go because everyone wants to rush to deplane upon landing!).
It amuses me to no end that people want it both ways. They want a bulkhead aisle seat AND a guaranteed spot for their very, very special carry-on. Oh, and a free gourmet meal, free liquor, a giant seat, and a coast-to-coast fare of $100.
You gotta pay to play, people. Want extra service? Pay for business class. Or, stop complaining. It's a flying bus, treat it that way.
Posted By Amanda on December 13, 2007, 1:55 PM
Responding to Duane - does anyone have any idea why CPAP machines are treated as terrorist explosive devised by the TSA morons? It used to be random, but now it's every single time I go through TSA they make me take the CPAP out of my bag, then they check for explosives, yada, yada. I have no choice but to carry my CPAP on board as it is a delicate and essential piece of medical equipment necessary for my survival.
Posted By Steve on December 13, 2007, 2:03 PM
Or you can do what my uncle does (he travels allt he time for business): if the overhead above your seat is full & it doesn't belong to others in your row, simply remove it & put it in the aisle. He said 9 times out of 10 it belongs to someone in the back of the plane who didn't feel like lugging it down the aisle & plans to make a quick escape when the plane lands.
Posted By Mary on December 13, 2007, 2:11 PM
I have gotten stuck with my bag behind me one too many times. When everyone sprints to stand (I'm a window girl.) I've started turning around in my seat and loudly asking "Excuse me! could you bring that blue bag up with you?" On occasion, nice people have brought me my bag!
A bigger peeve I have is traveling in the winter and people filling the overhead bin with COATS. I mean, full of coats! I pull them out, put my bag in and nicely fold them on top of my bag. I get some very dirty looks. And I don't care.
Posted By Robbin on December 13, 2007, 2:27 PM
I travel almost monthly for business and several times a year for pleasure and have never had trouble getting space for my carryon bag above my seat - and would NEVER consider dropping my bag off in one of the far forward bins just to make my life easier. That's just wrong in my opinion....
But, I dont know why so many people have such an issue with people with carry on bags! Even before 9/11 they were restricting you to 2 bags - and at least in NYC area airports they're pretty strict about adhering to that policy. Between that and the liquid thing that prompts less experienced travelers to check their bags there is less carry on luggage coming on to the plane.
I'm definitely one of the people who gets on the end of the line when they call the group before me. Usually by the time I mosey over, they've called my group anyway.... I dont think there is anything wrong with this.
My peeves are the people who insist on the seat back all the way for the 1 hour flight, the people who are so large they spread into my seat, and the families who always board at the last minute then expect me to move out of my exit row aisle into a middle seat so they can sit together with their teenagers for 2 hour flight!
Posted By Eva Gee on December 13, 2007, 2:42 PM
In the last 8 flights I have taken, even though the airline calls rows from back to front - and I usually sit around row 21 - by the time I board all the seats in the front rows are filled and most of the overhead bins. Is it just that the front rows don't want to wait, don't care to wait and don't follow directions AND the airline LETS them on? I have been run over so many times by folks in the back of the plane in a huge hurry to get out. Sometimes I can't even get my bag out of the overhead bin because people are standing in the aisles and there is NO place to go, no place to put my luggage, so I am stuck in my seat. If you have a connection in 20 minutes, then I will get out of your way, but if you are just in a rush because you are impatient, then wait you turn like the rest of us!
Posted By Romie Bourne on December 13, 2007, 3:19 PM
I see that Southwest Airlines has a number system to board. Maybe seat seats first, middle second and aisle third so two people don't have to stand up to let window seat passenger in. Also, make carry on rules stricter and enforce strictly. It's those trying to stuff it all in that slow down boarding
Posted By Kevin on December 13, 2007, 3:46 PM
I agree with Roger AC Williams. I have a hearing impairment as well, and the muffled announcements are muffled whether they are amplifed by hearing aids or not. Airlines, please do something about your speakers and Public Address systems.
Thanks
Posted By Kate on December 13, 2007, 4:33 PM
Originally the overhead bins were designed for coats, hats and briefcases.They were never intended for all your worldly possessions. Entering and exiting the plane would be a lot smoother and quicker if everyone had a small bag with their "necessities", that they could lift, themselves, so their would be more room and less struggle for everyone. And, as a job related frequent flyer who is often unable to take advantage of the discounted fares, I seldom give up my aisle or exit row seat for anyone, one of the few perks I can get anymore!
Posted By Linda on December 13, 2007, 4:41 PM
I think that the overhead bin is provided for the person or people who have paid for the seats below. If I find someone who is not in my row has stored their bag above me, I simply request that it be removed. It does not belong there, it belongs either above or below the person who brought it on. I paid for my ticket and to me that includes use of the overhead bin. No one is allowed to sit in your seat so why should they be entitled to your overhead or underseat space simply because they borded before you. This practice has to STOP and it will only if everyone demands it by simply removing or requesting that someone remove their bag from your overhead space.
Rude people need to be addressed as they simply continue their rude behavior because considerate people don't speak up. Overhead bins are for the use of the person who paid for the seat below them. If they are not needed by those people, then and only then should items be stored in them.
Posted By Gail on December 13, 2007, 5:58 PM
Carrie--thanks for mentioning gate checking. I admit I've used that for crowded flights before with my small roller bag. If I gate check, the bag stays with me through security and definitely gets on the plane (and when the plane is full, the gate agents are usually downright grateful). I've only tried this with direct flights though-- does it affect how luggage gets handled with connecting flights?
I don't have any problem at all with putting my bag in the next best spot if the bin above my seat is taken. That's just the best I can do, not any effort to be rude to people. I do find it rude that some people are insisting that they should get to put two bags in the overhead bins even when a flight is full because they want their leg space. That doesn't give them the right to take anyone else's space. If you'd rather have more leg space, bring one carryon (or be polite and only put it up if there is space left when everyone is on board).
@EvaGee -- agreed on the 'seat spreading'. I find it rude when someone tries to insist to me that the armrest has to be up so that they can take up some of my seat...luckily it's only happened once and I didn't give in.
Posted By Caren on December 13, 2007, 6:01 PM
I usually have only a small carry-on as I do still check my bag so I don't have the hassle (and I've always been lucky in having my bag arrive when I do). The overhead bin roulette doesn't affect me - except as a source of amusement watching the varius measures and counter-measures people take.
However, I have strong opinions regarding the topic of gathering at the gate to try to be first in the next group called. I have some mobility issues and trying to get through a crowd clustered around the gate waiting their turn to board is a challenge. (I've been tempted to bring a nice long old-fashioned hat pin to clear the way but 2 wrongs do not make a right.)
I also agree that the announcement systems are terrible for people with hearing problems (and not good for those who don't have hearing problems.) I love the airports that have the marquees giving the gate announcements and wish more had them.
Posted By Maggie on December 13, 2007, 8:49 PM
Here's my thought - or rather suggestion - on overhead baggage problems. Why don't the airlines label the baggage compartments with seat numbers. If we find some one else's baggage in our assiged area then we can remove it and the owner of it will have the option to check it through. My husband and I often travel standby and very seldom have had a problem using the area under the seat for our roll-on suitcase. Of course, bulkhead seats are a problem and those people really need their overhead space for luggage.
Posted By Eleanor on December 14, 2007, 5:21 PM
I keep hoping the powers that be will be able to let people, who have connecting flights, get the seats in the front part of the plane. Those on a direct flight should get the back. No more mad dashes to make connections.Deplaning would go more smoothly.
Posted By Patricia on December 14, 2007, 7:59 PM
I travel frequently for business, and occasionally for pleasure. While there are a few rude and inconsiderate passengers - as there are rude people in every facet of life - I have found that most are happy to do what they are asked, if they are asked. I have seen an entire plane of people wait while servicemen and women get to deplane first - and usually to a resounding ovation. I have also seen the passengers wait on a late flight so those with tight connections can deplane first. I agree there are many who abuse the 2-item rule, with both items so large they wouldn't pass the size test if it were enforced. Shame on them - I can do a three-day trip with a small carry-on bag and my laptop briefcase. And I'm female! Learn to travel, learn to pack, and learn to follow the rules. Seems pretty simple to me. And leave some of those ridiculous shoes behind! They take up more room than any other item in your bag.
Posted By Denise on December 27, 2007, 12:11 AM