Originally Posted by
MKE Sam
Part of the express boarding strategy is to limit the use of overhead bin space for rollaboards by forcing PAX to put smaller items under the seat, thereby reducing last-minute gate checks. When the GAs and FAs manage the process, it works as planned - the last PAX boarding with a rollaboard can find space for it, although the PAX who want to put smaller items in the overhead can get distressed about being told they can't use the bins - and I've seen a few become verbally abusive toward the FAs.
Sadly, most travelers don't realize (or want to realize) that, while their small bags can fit either under the seat
or in the overhead, a standard size roller bag can
only fit in the bins. If the flight is less than full, it's not a problem, but I've gotten some nasty looks from people when I move their bags around to minimize wasted space.
I'm all for letting people with small baggage board before those with bags, as long as it's policed (and violators have their cookie privileges revoked
).