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The same people who believe that it is not reasonable for us to decline putting people's hand baggage in overhead lockers would be the first to complain if a crew member hurt themselves and the occasioned a delay whilst we replace the crew member or even a cancellation if we could not find one. I would also - with great respect - say that anyone who belittles back pain had never suffered the same. I would not wish that on my worst enemy.

I'm afraid that the rule of being able to lift it yourself is there for a reason. If it is too heavy for you to lift, if you cannot reach the overhead bins (and I do sympathise really I do), and it cannot fit under the seat in front of you then if we have no locker space - it will have to be checked into the hold.

I say this as one of the few women on the planet who seems to be capable of travelling hand luggage only when I am travelling for my own benefit as opposed to work. It does present a bit of a challenge sometimes but I learned that accessories change everything. I say this so that you know that I take my allowance on board with everyone else. Of course there will always be people who need medication or other things cannot be put into the hold as the person is reliant upon them. Do VS really only allow 6kg - even FR allow 10!

Bahrain Lad - I recall that when the total ban on carry on came into effect a few years ago, that boarding was a dream. I say this now - and I repeat myself - baggage handling and the swift delivery of baggage is the last major peak that airlines have to scale. If your bags were waiting for you on arrival then the need for a lot of hand luggage would be alleviated.