As I'm boarding a US flight today, in group 2 (because of status), FA observes that I have briefcase and small rollaboard. He tells me to put one piece under seat in front of me. I ask why, and of course he tells me it's a full flight and they will probably run out of overhead space. I protest that I'm 6' 3" and need all the footroom I paid for. I put my two pieces in the overhead, but as it turns out the bins didn't fill up. I was prepared to make a stand on the premise I purchased that foot area, and what's the point of early boarding to preferred customers if you can't store carryons that are well within airline specifications!

So my friends, can the airlines force us to do this?