Originally Posted by
sdsearch
On regional jets (RJs), like the CRJs you flew, yes, it's not just common, it's basically universal. Most RJs (except maybe the biggest ones?) don't have room for normal-sized roll-aboards in their overheads. (The overheads on CRJs are significantly smaller than the overheads on mainline planes.) So of course they have to gate check them on CRJs.
But it's not common at all on mainline planes (737s, A319s, and above). There it may happen to late boarders sometimes if the overhead bins are getting full, or sometimes on lightly loaded planes for balance, but not normally for most people.
The CRJ 700/900 bins fit all legal carry on bags that fit in the sizer. I have a travelpro international spinner (20 x 14 x 8.5) that I carry on Delta CRJ 700/900 aircraft 30 to 40 times a year.
I specifically bought a bag that fits in the bins in two class regional jets, and I get pissed when American Eagle won't let me bring it on board because of an arbitrary policy.
Right after they tell you that you can't bring a bag that you know will fit on, you get on and see a bunch of Strong Bags crew bags in the overhead that are bigger than my bag.