Originally Posted by
fezzington
I've never seen mainline FAs put their personal bags over row 1. I have seen pilots do it, though. There are some united equipment bags (blankets, inflight kit) that usually get put in those bins by the cleaners (occasionally right before/during the boarding process).
I see this all the time, especially with flights to Canada on mainline. I agree with others that FAs should put stuff further back in the cabin if there is not a closet -- they are the last to deplane after all.
I've seen other carriers put placards in place as an attempt to reserve space. Some FAs will also proactively close the first two bins if they notice the bulkhead pax are not boarded and there is still space; this often helps save the space.
I'm both empathic to OP and understand what others are saying ... the space fills up and sometimes sitting bulkhead in F means you either swim upstream or check your luggage. Sometimes I don't have the patience to swim upstream and, if I know I have time to hit the baggage claim, I will just gate check if I'm running late to board.
The WORST are the DYKWIA moments or those who board late and throw a hissy fit and blame the FA ... it's not the FA's fault.