Originally Posted by
Mark_T
I've had that same conversation twice now with the same positive outcome.
A polite refusal and pointing out that I only have one small bag with me because anything else is already in the hold has done the trick each time so far.
The overhead bins are not only for large carry-ons and under no circumstances am I going to inconvenience myself by using the space at my feet for a bag when I've boarded early with my Elite group specifically to ensure I get the over-head space...
I'd say the standard announcements support this as well. They usually are a variant of "If you've brought two items on board, please place the larger one in the overhead bin and the smaller under the seat in front of you".