Originally Posted by
eoinnz
Exactly - $$$$$
The money it costs the airlines to pay for injuries to passengers and crew. Injuries from passenger bags is one of the most common forms of injury to passengers (where I work anyway). I can't remember where it placed last year but it was in the top 3.
Where I work assisting with hand luggage is at the discretion of the crew member, and if they do help there are certain techniques that should be followed, like using a 2nd person. My rule, if you can't lift it - neither can I (Of course with a few exceptions - I'd never expect my grandma to reach a locker but if her bag is too heavy I'd still gate check it!)
As a general rule this is fine.
I doubt my wife could lift an empty rollaboard above her head, though, and the bins are out of her reach anyway. She's good with people, though, she's never had any trouble getting a seat-mate to lift her bag.