Phil - I agree with you about the frustration of other passengers with too much carryon luggage - it should fit in the space beneath their feet/in a proportional space in the overhead locker.

When I can I like to take my luggage as carry-on only, as that saves a fair bit of time (and the possibility of theft in third world countries) However: that does not mean taking more than the fair amount of space! If you have too much luggage it's almost always possible to take something out (do you really need 5 changes of clothing for a 3 day trip?)

That said, some aeroplanes don't even have enough storage space for the standard amount of handluggage - there is nothing more frustrating than taking an 'airline approved' roller aboard and being unable to fit it in anywhere... some airlines will allow you to check these items just before you board, so that in effect they are checked handluggage.

Incidentally, I don't think that woman's handbags/purses are generally considered to coiunt towards the handluggage limit, though, once they reach a certain size, perhaps they should!

It's usually infrequent travellers who are the worst culprits.

You are lucky never to have lost your luggage. I once spent ten days in Bophuthatswana with nothing to wear...