Do you agree with "If you have a small bag, please put it under your seat"
On a couple of my WN flights they have asked those with smaller bags to please put them under the seat to make room in the bins. I hate this. I either made an effort to travel light or decided to deal with checking in bags for a reason.
I don't want to deal with big bags and I don't want my backpack using my footspace. Not my fault if you can't pack light. Don't see why those of us who are bringing less on board should be the ones with our footspace taken. I normally just ignore it and have never been asked to take my bag out of the bin.
There are many instances where we, as employees responsible for getting the plane out on time, will make this particular request. Most often it's because it's a full flight and not that many people have checked their luggage. After all, you can only fit so many rollers and duffels in those overhead bins. If we encourage passengers to keep their smaller items with them at their feet, then we don't need to take the time to gate-check bags after everyone's onboard because bin space has run out. Each bin is supposed to fit carryons for 6 passengers, however there are plenty of people that will sling everything they have up there, big bulky coats too. Anytime we have to check bags after boarding a full flight, it could cause a delay on the flight. FAs will encourage passengers to bring their bags to the back to check them, when of course they then have to bring them all the way to the front to actually tag them and send them down.
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No
Why should you be penalised if you do the right thing and travel light and the person who brings the kitchen sink gets preferential space...I travel light to have my leg room!! Surely every passenger has the right to a little space at least in the bin. If you have 2 bags then the FA's should say one of them is put under the seat in front.
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Yes
I always put my laptop backpack under the seat in front. Once in flight and I want to stretch out I move it back under my legs and stretch out over it.
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I kind of agree. I don't think you should be penalized for having a small bag. But on the other hand I don't think the crew are thinking of it like a "penalty". Technically that space IS THERE for bag storage, and it's probably not clear to them that you view it that way. But if you disagree, simply disregard the suggestion and put your bag in the overhead anyways. Ultimately it's your call, because it's just a suggestion, and if a FA insists feel free to explain to them what you just said in this thread.
I personally PREFER to have my backpack under the seat in front of me because I always have things I bring with me for the flight. I find that there's plenty of space for both the bag and my legs. It especially works out of there's not many people on the flight, I will put the bag under the seat of the empty middle (I know that's a minor rule violation, but I've yet to be called on it).
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I really prefer putting my bag under the seat as well. I take a window seat whenver I can, and it's nice to be able to get my things without having to disturb my seatmates.
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People who don't know how to pack light shouldn't be rewarded for their abuse of the rules by flying in more comfort (e.g. more legroom) than those who pack light and observe the rules.
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The way I have heard many gate agents phrase their explanation is that if you have two bags, the smaller one should go under the seat in front of you, which I would definitely agree with.
If someone only has one bag, I don't really see a problem putting in the overhead. However, on the rare occasions I travel with only my laptop bag as a carry-on (day trip or if I've actually checked bags), I still put it under the seat in front of me when I get on, then once everyone is boarded and all bags are stowed I might look to see if there's room in the overhead. What one should recognize is that if carry-ons have to be checked, that's probably going to mean a delay for everyone on the flight, including yourself.
On a related note, the folks who can't follow the simple instruction to hold on to your coats and jackets until boarding is completed and all carry-ons are stowed irk me.
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No! Because I'm usually in 1C or 1D
But when I'm not, then yes, I agree. I don't feel penalized by having doing so (as it is convenient to have my laptop, iPod, etc right at my feet) and I add it to my random-act-of-kindeness tally.
What I find really annoying are the people who try re-arrange my roll-a-board without asking. No, it won't go wheels in or out in the forward bins of a -300. Fortunately, they're rare compared to the lazy dorks who use the bins over the forward rows and then sit towards the back.
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I think that as long as there is room, put your small bag wherever you want, but if it is a fully flight, use common courtesy to put anything that can fit under the seat in front of you.
As for the bashing the "people who do not know how to pack light", listen there are many of us that will take multiple flights a day and as many as 10 in a week. There is no room for error and a lost piece of luggage at the beginning of the week, means it probably won't catch up with you for the rest of the trip. Also, as long as all passengers stay within the 2 carry on rule with the size of the roller bag being correct, there should be no problems.
I say if the suggestion to put the small bags under the seat in front of you really bothers you, you are not made for traveling. Know that traveling is so much more enjoyable when you just relax and make the best of every situation.
I travel with a roller and a laptop bag. I put both in the overhead. If space is short and a pax needs overhead storage, I will always bring the laptop bag down and give up the leg room I covet.
If someone is tall, I think it is their option to put both bags overhead.
I do find some of the PA's super offensive - ordering the Customers what to do, and when the flight is late again ordering everyone to sit down, etc. These kind of announcements would never take place if Herb was on the airplane.
But they are probably the kind that VdV supports, along with the current efforts to close the door and push early even if it means leaving Customers, commuters, and non-revs behind.
This airline is changing, and the stock price reflects it.
Current buzz is that CRP, LBB and MAF will be cut, and some thought that ATL would be announced at the Dallas message to the field last week. Stay tuned for more changes.
I do find some of the PA's super offensive - ordering the Customers what to do, and when the flight is late again ordering everyone to sit down, etc. These kind of announcements would never take place if Herb was on the airplane.
I agree, some FA's don't use enough (or any) tact when delivering PA's and they don't come across the right way. That being said: there are MANY times that if we didn't make DIRECT PA's indicating our imminent departure and the need for everyone to be seated etc, we wouldn't leave for another 15 minutes. People leisurely tra-la-la onto the plane, spend 5 mins getting settled (in and out.. and IN the aisle again holding up boarding), then they make a trip to the restroom (as our ground-staff is trying to give it the rare cleaning).. then they it down, then get invested in some heavy text-messaging (which we have to ask 3 times AFTER the 3 PA's asking to turn-off devices (which should be done after push-back)... etc.. you see what I mean : ) If I'm not IN the cabin, helping with bags, getting people settled etc and making some of those PA's then we'd always be late.
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It never ceases to amaze me how many people are completely selfish when traveling, especially noted above. I'll make an announcement along the lines of, "The bags are on, the fuel is on, all we're missing is the people" and let them know that as soon as the last person onboard is in a seat, the flight will leave. That's when you have the people who take ages to pick their favorite middle seat, sit down, then get back up again to take off their jacket and fold it up all nice, open the overhead bin to try to cram it in there, rearrange someone's stuff, and finally get the hint when they hear, "ONCE AGAIN, as soon as everyone's seated....." No sense of urgency at all, and if it's on a delayed turn, it could make the difference of other passengers making a connection or not. Since our ground time is so short, and shorter on a delay, we do everything possible to get it out ASAP. If it takes a few firm announcements, so be it.
