Originally Posted by
Zaynab
For all those claiming foreign countries are better: last week my backpack was tagged by BA with a "store under seat" tag; and BA can be pretty aggressive in checking carry on size on LHR (dragons checking size in the line just before the elevators to security).
I actually think that foreign airlines are better because they (1) generally don't charge to check-in bags and (2) enforce more-restrictive carry on-rules.
This results in (1) a safer cabin in case of crash, as there's less heavy missiles being thrown around and (2) a faster boarding/offboarding process.
If you witness the boarding of an AA 738 vs. the boarding of a BA A320 (about the same number of seats) you know exactly what I'm talking about. Bags flying free has enormous operational benefits.