flight attendant creates a homemade sign, blocks overhead bins
May 4, 2016, 9:51 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: DEN
Posts: 260
Some answers to your questions:
- No, this is not a "home made" sign. Most AC have these and they are used when necessary. The reverse says "DO NOT OCCUPY" and can be used for instances such as when a seat is inop but not visibly so to prevent customers from using them.
- No, we do not have closets. We have to use the bin space just like you. (Exception: The -800 has limited bag stowage in the forward entry area. The MAX8 will not have this space.)
- Yes, sometimes we have a lot of bags. Living out of a suitcase for many days (sometimes 6 or more) in a row -- including a different hotel room each night -- lends itself to carrying a lot of belongings. Also, we have a very bulky, FAA required manual that takes up a lot more space than you would think.
- If FAs are standing in to board a flight for a late inbound crew, we may close off bins for that crew's luggage. Since we don't know what they have we may overestimate the space usage. That said, the current crew is boarding your flight to get you out on time so pardon the overhead space inconvenience.
- Our handbook tells us where our bags go based on position - some in the front, some in the back. Some, including me, place our bags over row 3 or 4. However I know FAs who have had their personal belongings with visible crew tags taken off the plane by passengers. I would bet if that happened to me, I'd be more likely to put my bags in the very first bin so I could watch them.
I don't know what happened in your case of course, but I can promise you that we honestly are not trying to make your experience worse. There are legitimate reasons why bins may be blocked off.
(As always: I am employed by Southwest. However, these are my own thoughts and opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Southwest Airlines.)
- No, this is not a "home made" sign. Most AC have these and they are used when necessary. The reverse says "DO NOT OCCUPY" and can be used for instances such as when a seat is inop but not visibly so to prevent customers from using them.
- No, we do not have closets. We have to use the bin space just like you. (Exception: The -800 has limited bag stowage in the forward entry area. The MAX8 will not have this space.)
- Yes, sometimes we have a lot of bags. Living out of a suitcase for many days (sometimes 6 or more) in a row -- including a different hotel room each night -- lends itself to carrying a lot of belongings. Also, we have a very bulky, FAA required manual that takes up a lot more space than you would think.
- If FAs are standing in to board a flight for a late inbound crew, we may close off bins for that crew's luggage. Since we don't know what they have we may overestimate the space usage. That said, the current crew is boarding your flight to get you out on time so pardon the overhead space inconvenience.
- Our handbook tells us where our bags go based on position - some in the front, some in the back. Some, including me, place our bags over row 3 or 4. However I know FAs who have had their personal belongings with visible crew tags taken off the plane by passengers. I would bet if that happened to me, I'd be more likely to put my bags in the very first bin so I could watch them.
I don't know what happened in your case of course, but I can promise you that we honestly are not trying to make your experience worse. There are legitimate reasons why bins may be blocked off.
(As always: I am employed by Southwest. However, these are my own thoughts and opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Southwest Airlines.)
Last edited by fiuchris; May 4, 2016 at 9:56 pm Reason: update -800 bag storage
May 4, 2016, 10:53 pm
#18
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Posts: 5,510
May 5, 2016, 10:03 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 35
Our handbook tells us where our bags go based on position - some in the front, some in the back. Some, including me, place our bags over row 3 or 4. However I know FAs who have had their personal belongings with visible crew tags taken off the plane by passengers. I would bet if that happened to me, I'd be more likely to put my bags in the very first bin so I could watch them.
Southwest is famous for sensible policies. I can't imagine they haven't thought of this exact situation. I would think that the handbook explicitly outlines that the crew should use row 3/4. Either way, it’s reasonable and considerate crew members like you make a big difference in this world. You save a lot of stress for your bulkhead customers - especially those who paid a lot more for Business Select and didn't know/forgot/could not stow a valuable personal item nearby immediately upon boarding!
May 5, 2016, 10:16 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 35
Lavatory for flight attendant use only
Federal law requires all passengers to comply with posted placards. I love flight attendants - but like any profession, there will be a few bad apples. I would hope that all placards are airline or FAA approved to prevent abuse. Just imagine - "Lavatory for flight attendant use only" - and using the lavatory becomes a federal offense?
May 5, 2016, 11:42 am
#23
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 921
Appreciate your perspective as a crew member - but I disagree. The flight attendant has every right to be in close proximity to their belongings. However, bulkhead passengers need to part ways with their personal item which often contains a purse or wallet. In my case, the FA made a bulkhead passenger stow her purse in the rear of the aircraft. The bulkhead passenger is at a serious disadvantage and increase risk of theft when compared to a flight attendant's luggage a few rows away.
Southwest is famous for sensible policies. I can't imagine they haven't thought of this exact situation. I would think that the handbook explicitly outlines that the crew should use row 3/4. Either way, it’s reasonable and considerate crew members like you make a big difference in this world. You save a lot of stress for your bulkhead customers - especially those who paid a lot more for Business Select and didn't know/forgot/could not stow a valuable personal item nearby immediately upon boarding!
Southwest is famous for sensible policies. I can't imagine they haven't thought of this exact situation. I would think that the handbook explicitly outlines that the crew should use row 3/4. Either way, it’s reasonable and considerate crew members like you make a big difference in this world. You save a lot of stress for your bulkhead customers - especially those who paid a lot more for Business Select and didn't know/forgot/could not stow a valuable personal item nearby immediately upon boarding!
Matt - you seem like you're not going to accept any reasoning, so I'm not sure why you posted a question here in the first place. Why would you think the handbook 'explicitly outlines that the crew should use row 3/4'? This this fact, or just your opinion?
As for your reasoning for purchasing Business Select, that in no way implies that the passenger will use rows 1 or 2. What if they wanted rows 3 or 4? And in no way guarantees the bin will be available above whatever seat they wanted.
As for the woman who had to go all the way to the back of the plane to stow her purse, I imagine we're not talking about a small purse. When she first boarded the plane, those bins would've clearly been marked with the sign. She could've put her purse in the overhead bin across the aisle, back a few rows, or under the seat. If she chose Row 1, she wouldn't have had had the under the seat option available to her. And when we're talking a purse so large that there wasn't any overhead space except for the rear of the plane after the plane will full, we're talking a fairly large bag that she seems to be claiming is a personal item. Most normal-sized purses would've had no problem squeezing in a small space in most 'filled' bins.
And finally, there's no guarantee any passenger has any access to any cabin bin. The flight crew could require that all belongings be checked.
Since we don't know the true reason why those bins were closed, no reason to speculate. Heck, they could've been broken for all we know, rather than some sinister flight-crew-wants-their-bags-up-front reason.
May 5, 2016, 12:09 pm
#24
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Programs: AS MVPG; WN CP; Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 38
Except in the case of a tight connection, I've never quite understood the appeal of the bulkhead seats. Yes there is greater legroom, but there is also no under seat storage, the armrests are bulkier due to the integrated tray tables, and you'll almost certainly have a completely full row
May 5, 2016, 12:48 pm
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 35
May 5, 2016, 12:53 pm
#26
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1
Using Bins Forward-Most
I love flight attendants and I think they deserve as many bins as they need. I just don't think they should use the forward-most bins. A passenger achieves the benefit of deplaning quickly when using those bins (including making a tight connection); there is no benefit to a flight attendant because they deplane last. Also, it takes space away from the bulkhead passengers who have the exclusive need to stow everything--even their personal item.
That alone is plenty reason why I'd want my luggage as close to my seat, or where I'll be most of the flight. If there isn't room for the luggage, I'm sure the flight attendants would be more than happy to gate check your bags!
The main problem I see is when passengers place their bags in the row one bins, and walk to the back of the plane. I've also seen some place their small bags under their seats taking up the leg room of the person behind them!
May 5, 2016, 1:41 pm
#27
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 64
Carrying all that luggage on a plane is a pain so I always travel light and check in my one piece of luggage at the check in counter then again my flights are usually from Denver to Baltimore when I am visiting family so I don't need that much stuff.
May 6, 2016, 10:15 am
#28
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1
I love flight attendants and I think they deserve as many bins as they need. I just don't think they should use the forward-most bins. A passenger achieves the benefit of deplaning quickly when using those bins (including making a tight connection); there is no benefit to a flight attendant because they deplane last. Also, it takes space away from the bulkhead passengers who have the exclusive need to stow everything--even their personal item.
Also, if it's a full flight we are asked to save bin space for people who are connecting from another delayed flight.
Also, when the bins are broken due to passngers putting large items in and forcing them closed, we have to cl I se the bins off.
May 6, 2016, 3:43 pm
#29
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 2
FAA required cabin crew items and federal aviation audits
Just as pilots have required items that must be easily accessible to them durring a flight, flight attendants also are required to keep required items such as FAR manuals, passports, FAA air Certificate, and electronic manuals within close proximity. Failing to do so can subject the individual flight attendant to fines up 15000 dollars. Although rare I know at least one F/A who was fined.
I generally place my bag one bin back when working in front. Keep in mind if our bag walks off the airplane even if it's just by accident (all bags look alike) we are illegal to fly and that can cause delays and cancellations. If we are flying international and our passport goes missing this creates significant problems both for the flight attendant and a plane full of passengers who are stranded until a flight attendant with a passport can be flown in.
Finally if we are audited by the FAA (happens more and more frequently) we have to have our required items close and easy to get to. The FAA cabin inspectors are not known for their leniency (or sense of humor).
I do however agree that the front row of seats are very poorly designed and need some kind of floor storage.
The signs in the photo are SWA official signs. We sometimes use them on bins when the bin is inoperable due to a mechanical issue like a broken hinge. I've also used them when we've had organ transplant couriers on the plane who had not yet boarded do to a tight connection. You can't check a human heart or a pair of kidneys. I have no idea what the situation was in this instance but putting the signs up is more effort than most F/As would go through just to save space for their own bags.
On a personal note my least favorite position to fly is in the front because in a ten hour day I have to explain to the front row why their bags have to go over head 3 to 4 times a flight on 5 to 6 flights a day.
I apologize for any inconvenience this causes. I sympathize with those in the front row. On the other hand you do get more leg room.
Just as passengers have to follow FAA regulations so do flight attendants and many of them are just as tedious to us as they are to you.
SWA flight attendant 21 years flying on the love jet.
I generally place my bag one bin back when working in front. Keep in mind if our bag walks off the airplane even if it's just by accident (all bags look alike) we are illegal to fly and that can cause delays and cancellations. If we are flying international and our passport goes missing this creates significant problems both for the flight attendant and a plane full of passengers who are stranded until a flight attendant with a passport can be flown in.
Finally if we are audited by the FAA (happens more and more frequently) we have to have our required items close and easy to get to. The FAA cabin inspectors are not known for their leniency (or sense of humor).
I do however agree that the front row of seats are very poorly designed and need some kind of floor storage.
The signs in the photo are SWA official signs. We sometimes use them on bins when the bin is inoperable due to a mechanical issue like a broken hinge. I've also used them when we've had organ transplant couriers on the plane who had not yet boarded do to a tight connection. You can't check a human heart or a pair of kidneys. I have no idea what the situation was in this instance but putting the signs up is more effort than most F/As would go through just to save space for their own bags.
On a personal note my least favorite position to fly is in the front because in a ten hour day I have to explain to the front row why their bags have to go over head 3 to 4 times a flight on 5 to 6 flights a day.
I apologize for any inconvenience this causes. I sympathize with those in the front row. On the other hand you do get more leg room.
Just as passengers have to follow FAA regulations so do flight attendants and many of them are just as tedious to us as they are to you.
SWA flight attendant 21 years flying on the love jet.