Originally Posted by
Mr H
... never had a problem with boarding last, but my carry on is small and flexible... I simply don't recognize the horror stories from our transatlantic friends about overhead bins, seat stealers and the like.
Americans carry on as much as possible because (A) checked baggage handling is so erratic and prone to loss / theft / delay, and (B) airline employees rarely enforce the posted limits. When airlines board by zones or elite status, the last 50+ pax on a full flight are liable to find no bin space remaining. An aisle-seat, no-status passenger in a rear row on United Airlines, for example, is practically guaranteed to find no bin space and be forced to check his/her bag. Not good if you are traveling with computers or valuables.